A new comprehensive report titled “A New Vision for Urbanization and Mobility in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries” has been released by Al-Futtaim Group. This document advocates moving from fragmented development models to a unified, systems-based approach that seamlessly integrates transportation, energy, housing, land use, and digital infrastructure. The report was developed in partnership with UN-Habitat, Arup, and contributions from Systemiq, the Arab Institute for Cities Development, and the UAE Mobility Research Center at the United Arab Emirates University. It outlines a ten-year roadmap aimed at aiding GCC cities in managing rapid growth while ensuring resilience, sustainability, and a high quality of life for residents over the long term.
As GCC cities experience unprecedented population growth, compounded by climate change pressures and rising mobility demands, the report highlights that traditional planning methods are no longer sufficient. It calls for governments, developers, and private sector partners to embed mobility within urban design, utilize data-driven planning, coordinate infrastructure strategies, and align land use and investment from the outset.
The proposed systems-based planning model, which views the city as an interconnected whole rather than isolated sectors, is a central theme of the study. This approach emphasizes aligning infrastructure upgrades with mobility needs, synchronizing development timelines across government agencies, and ensuring that housing, public transport, and services evolve in a more integrated manner, rather than independently.
Elora-Joly Barik, Chief Executive for Sustainability at Al-Futtaim, remarked, “GCC cities are at a pivotal moment, witnessing unprecedented population growth driven by rapid economic expansion. This necessitates adopting a completely new approach to urban development that connects systems more efficiently to enable a cohesive future urban planning strategy. This whitepaper presents a shared vision for how governments, businesses, and communities can collectively accelerate progress and shift from ambition to coordinated, comprehensive action at a system-wide level.”
Additionally, the study features findings from the “Blue Turns Green – Mobility” survey conducted by Al-Futtaim, which gathered insights from 1,828 UAE residents. The results revealed a strong desire for more interconnected and time-efficient cities with mobility ease identified as a top priority for quality of life, while traffic congestion and living costs were recognized as the most pressing urban challenges. These insights underscore the need for long-term structural reforms over gradual adjustments.
Throughout the study’s development, partner organizations emphasized the importance of collaboration and integrated planning.
Dr. Ayman Hafnawi, the GCC representative at the UN-Habitat regional office for Arab States, stated, “UN-Habitat promotes sustainable urban development principles globally. This study provides a detailed context for the GCC, potentially enriching global best practices and contributing to more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally safe city growth.”
Gaith Taybi, Head of Sustainability and Climate in the Middle East at Arup, remarked, “Urban transformation necessitates collaboration and coordinated efforts across various disciplines. This partnership demonstrates how design, engineering, and policy can synergize to create adaptable cities that prioritize human experiences and meet future demands.”
Julia Ocktz, a leader at Systemiq, added, “The GCC possesses robust investment capabilities and visionary leadership, placing it in a unique position to transcend traditional development models. By aligning climate action aspirations with systems-level design, the region can define the contours of sustainable growth for the coming decades.”
Dr. Anas Al-Mughairi, General Director of the Arab Institute for Cities Development (AUDI), noted, “Arab cities are currently at a crucial turning point, striving to balance rapid development with climate resilience requirements. The only viable path forward is to adopt an integrated planning approach that coordinates mobility, housing, and energy to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.”
Dr. Hamad Al-Jasmi, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and Director of the UAE Mobility Research Center at UAE University (EMRE), emphasized, “Building sustainable cities begins with evidence-based data. Our collaboration ensures that academic research enriches real-world planning and policymaking, linking data with innovation to create urban systems that genuinely benefit residents.”
The report proposes a phased roadmap to translate high aspirations into actionable steps
Quick Wins (1-2 years): Provide visible improvements for urban life such as shaded pedestrian paths, enhanced walkable areas, improved connectivity, upgrades to existing public transport services, and incorporation of sustainability requirements in new development projects.
Mid-term (3-5 years): Expand public transport networks, introduce comprehensive frameworks for electric and hybrid mobility, establish city-wide data systems, and pilot integrated transportation and urban development models in smaller cities or economic zones.
Long-term (10 years): Position mobility as a core governance principle, adopt integrated sector planning systems, operate advanced decision-support centers, and align development incentives with environmental, social outcomes and livability.
These recommendations aim to ensure GCC cities can adapt to rapidly changing needs while enhancing affordability, accessibility, and resilience for their residents.
The study advocates for strengthened collaboration between the public and private sectors, flexible regulatory frameworks, and interconnected data systems to accelerate progress. It emphasizes that through unified planning and coordinated investment, GCC cities can set global benchmarks for sustainable urban development and meet future demands.
Moreover, the report calls for a systemic response linking policy, innovation, and behavioral change, advocating for heightened collaboration between public and private sectors, flexible regulatory frameworks, and data-driven governance.
In conclusion, the study “A New Vision for Urbanization and Mobility in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries” envisions a decade ahead for cities that are not only technologically advanced but also inclusive, interconnected, and built in harmony with the pace of human life.