Urban Innovation in Action

Engineer Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayat, CEO of the Urban Planning and Development Authority of Bahrain, participated in the Cityscape Global 2025 exhibition held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event brought together leading government agencies, private sector entities, and global companies specializing in urban and real estate development.

During a panel discussion titled “Strategic Frameworks for Enabling Real Estate Investment and Urban Development,” Al Khayat, alongside His Excellency Engineer Fahd bin Mohammed Al Jubair, Secretary of the Eastern Province, discussed the implementation of urban design principles aimed at creating resilient, livable cities. The session also addressed strategies for ensuring spatial equity, linking villages and urban areas to equal access to services and opportunities.

The discussion further explored mechanisms for balancing different land uses, particularly in unplanned areas, and prioritizing urban growth in ways that harmonize human needs with the built environment. The goal, Al Khayat emphasized, is to enhance quality of life while fostering sustainable, competitive cities that reflect Bahrain’s national identity.

Al Khayat also highlighted Bahrain’s achievements in urban planning and modern national initiatives, including the “Aqari Platform,” which improves the reliability of planning data and accelerates transactions for investors, thereby supporting a more efficient and attractive urban environment. Additionally, he introduced “Bion Digital City” as a model for smart cities and discussed the role of advanced technologies, such as the “Advanced Research Vessel – Al Masaq 2050,” in boosting planning efficiency.