Future Cities Between Proactivity and Sustainability – by H.E Sheikh Dr. Ammar bin Nasser Al Mualla.
In the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him, we have grown accustomed to viewing the future not as something we wait for, but as a reality we actively create with our own hands. From this perspective, our cities are not built merely to meet the demands of the present, but to be proactive in their planning, sustainable in their development, and full of vitality in both their present and future.
I was particularly drawn to the rich article written by His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi, entitled “It’s Time to Build Proactive Cities” What he presented was not just a visionary reflection, but a practical call to advance an urban and human journey that anticipates the future and embraces its challenges. His Excellency captured the very essence of the philosophy for which the UAE is known: true leadership does not wait for consensus—it shapes it; it does not simply adapt—it takes the initiative.
From its earliest days, the UAE’s experience has been built upon this very approach: integrating architecture with the environment, combining economic development with the preservation of resources, and balancing human ambition with the rights of future generations. From its ambitious urban plans, to its sustainable cities and smart projects, the nation has proven that it races against time, builds with foresight, and invests in the future.
The late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, taught us that the land is a trust and that true development is one that safeguards balance between humanity and nature. From this vision emerged the UAE’s pioneering projects we witness today: green cities, modern transportation networks that reduce emissions, large-scale investments in renewable energy, and community programs that enhance environmental awareness, embedding sustainability into daily life.
Proactive cities are measured by their resilience, adaptability, ability to respond to climate change, and readiness for the demands of the new economy. This vision has been embodied in the UAE’s initiatives, from the Sustainable City in Dubai, to “Masdar” in Abu Dhabi, to the solar and wind power complexes that have turned the nation into a living laboratory for the cities of tomorrow.
Community engagement in this journey is fundamental. A city that anticipates the future is one that makes its people partners, not merely beneficiaries—participants in decision-making, not just users of services. This is what His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi emphasized when he stressed that involving citizens in planning strengthens belonging, responsibility and encourages individuals to embrace sustainable lifestyles aligned with national aspirations.
I affirm here that what His Excellency outlined truly reflects our lived reality in the UAE. The major projects would not have succeeded without society becoming part of them, families participating in recycling programs, youth leading green innovation, and institutions investing in technology for a cleaner environment and a more sustainable economy.
In conclusion, the words of His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi come at the right time, reminding us that building proactive cities is not an intellectual luxury but an existential necessity. In the UAE, we are determined to remain at the forefront of nations that anticipate challenges, transform sustainability into a lived reality, turn innovation into daily practice, and place the human being at the heart of every city and its future.
Sheikh Dr. Ammar bin Nasser Al Mualla.
Board of Trustees Member.
Read: HE. Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi: Time to build proactive cities.
