Cairo: The activities of the "Sustainable Cities with an Arab Identity" forum commenced, organized by the Federation of Arab Engineers (FAE).
According to Kuwait News Agency, the forum is held in cooperation with the Arab Committee of Consulting Engineering Offices and Institutions and the Arab Architects Committee, under the patronage of the Arab League. Secretary-General of the FAE, Dr. Adel Al-Hadithi, emphasized in his opening speech the challenge of building modern cities that address today's requirements such as energy efficiency, smart resource management, sustainable transport, and quality of life, while maintaining the spirit and identity of Arab culture. He underlined that sustainability in the Arab world extends beyond just green buildings and renewable energy, stressing the importance of sharing successful urban models from the region.
The conference showcases engineering solutions, including smart construction, modern waste-management systems, electric and shared mobility, AI applications in city management, and sustainable materials. Dr. Al-Hadithi urged for strategic collaborations among engineers, architects, researchers, policymakers, the private sector, and civil society. He emphasized that sustainable development requires coordinated efforts, supportive policies, proper financing, and strong technical capacity.
He called for the creation of a shared Arab framework for future cities, adaptable to individual countries yet aligned with a common vision. He also suggested updating educational programs to prepare the next generation of engineers and planners. Dr. Adel Al-Mishri, Chairman of the Arab Consulting Engineering Offices and institutions, acknowledged the long-standing view of Arab civilization towards cities as systems of values and balanced development. He discussed the need to rethink sustainable city models to balance heritage and modernity in response to 21st-century challenges like climate change, resource pressure, and population growth.
Waleed Al-Arabi, Head of Housing and Urban Development at the Arab League, stated that Arab cities require new visions and innovative tools to support growth while preserving authenticity. He highlighted the Arab League's focus on sustainable development through joint strategies in housing, urban development, environment, and energy, along with capacity-building and knowledge-exchange initiatives. He confirmed the League's commitment to translating the forum's recommendations into actionable programs.
The forum brings together experts, researchers, ministries, municipalities, universities, engineering offices, and environmental bodies from across the Arab world, providing a regional platform for exchanging expertise and shaping future urban visions with a sustainable Arab identity.
A Kuwaiti delegation is participating in the forum, consisting of specialized researchers such as Eng. Aqeel Murad, a waste-management, recycling, and sustainability specialist at Kuwait Municipality; Eng. Nasser Al-Mutairi, head of the technical committee at the Union of Kuwaiti Engineering Offices and Consulting Firms; Eng. Hanan Al-Mohammad from the Kuwait Society of Engineers; Eng. Fatima Ashkanani, head of the "Enviro" team; and team member Abdullah Abdulwahad.