Press Releases
01 Mar 2024
UITP MENA Congress Concludes with Focus on Urban Planning's Role in Transforming Cities
The UITP MENA Congress and Exhibition concluded with a plenary session titled "Shaping Our Cities with Urban Planning." The session focused on the impact of urban planning on improving public transport accessibility and efficiency in cityscapes.
Several strategies were explored during the session to transform urban landscapes into vibrant, sustainable, and well-connected hubs. The speakers focused on the concept of transport-oriented development and the implementation of "20 minutes cities" as methods to achieve this goal. They highlighted the crucial role of public transport in shaping the physical infrastructure of cities and the overall quality of urban life.
Moderated by Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of UITP, the session featured a distinguished line up of experts including Riyad Mohammad Al Kharabsheh, Director, Public Transport and Infrastructure Projects, Amman, Jordan, Adam Giambrone, Project Manager, HDR Inc, King Abdullah Economic City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Muna Al Osaimi, Director, Strategic Planning Department Dubai, RTA and Hanan Sami Alhashmi Head of the Urban Policies and Strategies section, Dubai Municipality.
Muna Al Osaimi, said that Dubai's urban planning approach underscores the importance of transportation integration in enhancing public transport options while addressing the challenges posed by urbanization and population growth. Through strategic initiatives and concerted efforts, the city aims to build a sustainable and inclusive transportation infrastructure that caters to the evolving needs of its residents and visitors.
Hanan Al Hashemi echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how public transport serves as the linchpin in the architectural masterpiece of urban landscapes, not merely shaping physical infrastructure but also defining the very fabric of urban existence and well-being.
Riyad Mohammad Al Kharabsheh accentuates Amman's commitment to transforming into vibrant, connected centers, wherein every individual is seamlessly connected to essential amenities within a '20-minute' radius. Through proactive initiatives and transformative projects, Amman authorities strive to democratize access to the transportation network, ensuring inclusivity for all.
Adam Giambrone underscores the blueprint for future cities, advocating for the seamless fusion of urban planning and public transport. This fusion, he suggests, creates a mosaic of efficiency, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, laying the foundation for resilient urban ecosystems.
In conclusion, the discourse emphasizes the imperative of amalgamating urban planning with public transport to sculpt sustainable, accessible, and efficient cities. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity for proactive measures in retrofitting cities with robust public transport infrastructure to meet the demands of contemporary urban living.