GCC chief urges greater impact of municipal work for sustainable cities

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that the next phase will focus on maximizing the impact of municipal work and translating joint Gulf initiatives into practical applications across member states. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of municipal services and accelerate the adoption of modern technologies to achieve more sustainable and resilient cities.

He made these remarks during the 29th meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Municipal Affairs in GCC States, held today in Manama, Bahrain, and chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak.

Albudaiwi noted that GCC countries have made significant progress in developing municipal work through initiatives, programs, and guidelines that have facilitated the exchange of expertise and the sharing of successful experiences among member states.

He pointed out that the launch of the "Urban Research Center in GCC States" is an important step toward leveraging scientific research and specialized data to support urban planning and municipal decision-making, helping to build a Gulf knowledge base that supports city development and addresses future challenges.

Promoting innovation and smart solutions

The Secretary-General added that modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are playing an increasingly important role in joint municipal initiatives, particularly in urban planning and the development of smart, sustainable cities.

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He also stated that the launch of the seventh edition of the GCC Municipal Award for 2027–2028, under the theme "Smart Solutions in Municipal Work," aims to encourage innovation, promote the exchange of pioneering experiences, and expand the use of modern solutions in developing municipal work across the GCC.