GCC Secretary-General: Next Phase Targets Leveraging Modern Technologies to Build Sustainable Gulf Cities

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat, Jassem Al-Budawi, emphasized that the upcoming phase will focus on developing joint municipal work by translating it into concrete practices to enhance service efficiency and leverage modern technologies to build sustainable and resilient cities capable of meeting future needs.

This statement was made during the 29th meeting of the GCC Ministers Committee for Municipal Affairs, hosted in Manama and chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Eng. Wael Al-Mubarak, with the attendance of the ministers responsible for municipal affairs in GCC member states.

At the outset of his address, the Secretary-General conveyed his highest expressions of gratitude, appreciation, and thanks to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for hosting the meeting in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and for the facilitations and support provided and continued to ensure the success of the GCC’s work, as well as for the backing and attention shown by the Bahraini King and the leaders of the GCC member states to joint Gulf efforts across all fields.

Al-Budawi stated that municipal work holds a significant place in the development framework of GCC countries, given its direct impact on the lives of citizens and residents. It encompasses urban planning, the urban environment, construction regulation, city development, and services and infrastructure. He added, “As GCC countries experience rapid urban growth and landmark development projects, the importance of municipal work is growing as a key enabler for improving quality of life, enhancing urban sustainability, and raising city efficiency and their capacity to keep pace with future changes.”

In the same context, Al-Budawi noted that GCC countries have taken important steps in developing joint municipal work through numerous initiatives, programs, and guidelines that have facilitated the exchange of expertise and the utilization of successful experiences within the GCC.

He pointed out that the launch of the “GCC Urban Research Center” represents a significant step toward enhancing the use of scientific research, data, and specialized expertise to support urban planning and municipal decision-making in GCC countries, thereby contributing to the building of a Gulf knowledge base that supports city development and addresses future challenges.

In this regard, he emphasized that modern technologies are gaining increasing prominence within the pathways of joint municipal work, particularly through initiatives related to the use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies in urban planning and the development of smart and sustainable cities.

The Secretary-General further noted that the launch of the seventh edition of the GCC Municipal Award for the years 2027–2028, under the theme “Smart Solutions in Municipal Work,” underscores the importance of encouraging innovation, exchanging pioneering experiences, and expanding the scope of utilizing modern solutions and applications to develop municipal work in GCC countries.