Integrating Socio-Cultural Dimensions into Sustainable Urban Planning: Insights from Traditional Urban Forms in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

This paper examines the interplay between social and cultural sustainability in shaping the spatial organization of communities, with a specific focus on traditional urban forms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It explores whether these communities integrate socio-cultural aspects architecturally and spatially, and how such integration can inform contemporary of sustainable development strategies. The paper commences with a review of the spatial morphology of traditional UAE urban forms, highlighting the influence of socio-cultural interactions on the arrangement of social spaces and daily practices. By focusing on the UAE’s traditional communities, the paper underscores the importance of integrating social and cultural dimensions into sustainable urban planning. In the second part of the paper socio-cultural entity is illustrated through different models indicating the main pillars and components of sustainability. The third part of the paper includes conclusion and recommendations for the importance of integrating social and cultural dimensions into the UAE sustainable Urban Planning. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable development by offering insights into how socio-cultural sustainability can influence urban open space design, thereby advancing the pursuit of balanced, inclusive, and enduring built environments.  The paper closes with a discussion of the insights that were provided and recommendations for future research areas.