Sustainable cities are at the center of discussions as Arab municipalities gather in Salalah for their latest general conference.
The 20th General Conference of the Arab Towns Organization opened Tuesday under the theme “More Innovative and Sustainable Cities”. Delegations representing municipalities and cities from across the Arab world are attending the three-day gathering.
A delegation from Kuwait Municipality, headed by Director General Manal Al-Asfour, is participating in the conference. The event brings municipal officials together to discuss common challenges and opportunities affecting urban development across Arab countries.
Furthermore, the conference examines ways to improve municipal services, strengthen cooperation and encourage the exchange of practical experience. Officials are also considering how cities can use innovation and modern technologies to improve urban management.
Rapid urban expansion has created new pressures for municipalities across the region. Population growth, infrastructure requirements and increasing demand for public services have consequently become important issues for city authorities.
At the same time, digital transformation continues to change how municipalities manage services and interact with residents. Climate change and environmental pressures have also increased the need for cities to adopt more resilient and sustainable approaches.
The conference therefore places strong attention on innovation as a tool for addressing future urban challenges. Participants are expected to explore modern technologies that could improve efficiency, strengthen infrastructure and support better city services.
In addition, delegates will discuss opportunities for greater cooperation among Arab municipalities. These discussions include digital transformation, sustainability, infrastructure development and the use of data in managing urban areas.
The gathering will also examine ways to strengthen partnerships between municipalities and other institutions. Moreover, officials will consider knowledge-sharing initiatives and capacity-building programmes for professionals working in the municipal sector.
Sustainable cities require effective planning, modern infrastructure and management systems that can respond to changing conditions. The conference aims to support approaches that combine technological development with environmental responsibility and improved quality of life.
The event takes place every three years as part of the organization’s continuing programme of regional municipal conferences. Previous meetings have addressed issues connected with the development, management and future direction of Arab cities.
On Monday, officials also held the organization’s 64th Executive Council meeting in Salalah. Dhofar Municipality Director General Dr. Ahmad Al-Ghassani chaired the meeting as president of the current session.
The meeting also included the organization’s Secretary General, Bader Al-Ajeel, who is from Kuwait. Its discussions helped prepare the ground for the broader conference programme beginning Tuesday.
The Arab Towns Organization has its headquarters in Kuwait and dates back to 1967. It operates as an independent, non-governmental and nonprofit regional organization focused on municipal affairs across Arab countries.
The organization includes 22 Arab countries and more than 650 member cities. It also works alongside seven affiliated Arab institutions connected with urban development and municipal affairs.
Its objectives extend beyond infrastructure and city services. The organization also supports heritage preservation, tourism development, investment attraction and sustainable economic growth across Arab municipalities.
Meanwhile, digital governance has become another important part of its work. The organization promotes data-based policymaking and encourages municipalities to use technology when planning services and managing urban development.
The Salalah conference provides an opportunity for municipalities to compare experiences and identify practical approaches to shared challenges. Consequently, participants can examine solutions that may help cities respond more effectively to future pressures.
Sustainable cities will remain an important focus as Arab municipalities face growing environmental, technological and demographic pressures. The conference outcomes are expected to guide cooperation and municipal priorities during the coming period.
Overall, the gathering aims to strengthen coordination between Arab cities while promoting innovation, sustainability and improved public services. Its discussions could help municipalities develop more resilient urban systems and improve living conditions for residents.
