UAE leads region in sustainable development

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

The UAE is marching ahead and leading the region in making sustainable cities a reality. The Arab League Partners Alliance hosted an event that included the signing of cooperation protocols with the heads of its various committees.

Ahmad Sabra, who had previously been appointed as Chairman of the Sustainable Cities Committee, played a prominent role in this event. Eng. Sabra participated in group discussions on sustainability and sustainable cities, presenting his vision for sustainable urban planning strategies aimed at developing smart cities and green spaces that conserve resources and enhance financial risk management.

Eng. Sabra emphasized how sustainable cities leverage natural resources to improve the quality of life through sustainable transportation planning and effective waste management. He discussed the importance of smart transportation solutions, such as electric vehicles and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, he highlighted the integration of sustainability principles into architectural and industrial design processes, stressing the significance of incorporating these principles from the project’s inception through to its completion.

Making cities safe and sustainable means ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, and upgrading slum settlements. It also involves investment in public transport, creating green public spaces, and improving urban planning and management in a way that is both participatory and inclusive.

The key characteristics of a sustainable city include: the implementation of green infrastructure,use of urban farming, efficient public transportation, operations on renewable energy sources, waste management, and water conservation.