New delhi: The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), participated in the 13th BRICS Urban Forum, hosted in New Delhi, India, under the theme 'Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures.'
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE highlighted its pioneering experience in developing sustainable, resilient, and people-centered cities that leverage advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to support urban planning and decision-making. The UAE delegation was headed by Sheikh Nasser bin Majed Al Qassimi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Regulation at MoEI, and included Dr. Eng. Saif Al Qaidi and Eng Mohammed Fikri, notable figures in the urban planning and transport sectors.
During the forum, Sheikh Al Qassimi delivered the UAE's national statement, emphasizing the country's success in establishing an integrated urban development model balancing economic growth, sustainability, and quality of life. He noted that this achievement is supported by proactive planning, digital transformation, and innovation, which enhance the readiness of cities to adapt to future challenges and align with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.
The UAE's efforts to advance a sophisticated urban planning ecosystem driven by data and emerging technologies were highlighted. This includes national urban frameworks, the National Urban Observatory, and digital planning platforms, alongside geospatial technologies and artificial intelligence to support decision-making and anticipate future community needs. The National Urban Observatory was showcased as an advanced platform supporting urban decision-making through spatial data analysis, monitoring urban growth trends, and optimizing infrastructure and service investments.
Dr. Eng. Saif Al Qaidi participated in a panel discussion titled 'Building Inclusive Pathways for Resilient and Equitable Cities,' where he presented the UAE's experience in promoting inclusive urban growth. He highlighted the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and urban indicators to assess service distribution and enhance equitable access to infrastructure and services. The contribution of the National Urban Observatory and digital planning platforms in evidence-based planning and urban resilience was also emphasized.
On the forum's sidelines, the UAE delegation met with the Russian delegation to explore cooperation opportunities in urban planning and sustainable development, focusing on smart city development and digital technologies. The forum concluded with a declaration reaffirming the importance of cooperation among BRICS countries in sustainable urban development and the launch of the BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network, facilitating knowledge exchange among member states.