Dubai:The 'Future Cities Leadership' Majlis, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, focused on balancing rapid urban growth with city adaptability while ensuring quality of life and efficient services. The forum reviewed Dubai’s success in building a resilient and integrated city, capable of accommodating population and economic growth while maintaining its appeal as a place to live, work, and visit.
According to Emirates News Agency, the discussions at the Majlis emphasized developing modern urban models based on foresight, readiness, and resilience. These models aim to enable cities to keep pace with future transformations and economic growth, enhancing infrastructure efficiency and services while maintaining quality of life and sustainability. The event was attended by Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, along with leaders, decision-makers, and global experts.
The discussions highlighted a shift from traditional planning to an integrated framework that anticipates emerging needs, strengthens resilience, and invests in smart infrastructure. Bin Ghalita emphasized Dubai’s proactive approach, guided by a long-term vision to create a model city that foresees and prepares for future challenges.
In a session titled 'A dialogue on future cities leadership How do leaders deliver impossible projects?', João Albuquerque, a partner at architecture and design firm BIG, discussed the role of leadership in translating bold ideas into viable projects. He highlighted the importance of defining clear project mandates, forging effective alliances, and managing challenges to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.
Albuquerque also discussed the necessity of practical assessments of each project's public value, ensuring they meet community needs and deliver lasting benefits. He emphasized the importance of simple daily life elements that shape the quality of the urban experience and urged aligning urban development with people's needs for comfort and mobility.
The 'Future Cities Leadership' Majlis is part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, which also includes the 'Future Economy' and 'New Global Narrative' Majlis. These strategic meetings gather leaders and experts to discuss key issues shaping Dubai's future, aiming to strengthen partnerships and explore pathways to enhance the emirate's global competitiveness.