Dubai Municipality has launched a new urban development report titled Cities’ Livability in the Age of Global Citizenship, setting innovative benchmarks for creating sustainable, future-ready cities. The report was officially unveiled during a session at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, which focused on the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’. This session brought together global urban experts, decision-makers, and leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing city livability in the context of global citizenship.
The report draws from Dubai’s urban development experience and aligns with the C3P3 framework. This model integrates smart urban planning and innovation to improve the livability and overall quality of life. It offers a forward-thinking perspective on urban living, incorporating economic, environmental, and social sustainability into a comprehensive framework for future cities. As urban populations grow and diversify, the report highlights the importance of enhancing the quality of life for all city residents.
The C3P3 framework, which stands for Connected, Collaborative, Circular, Protected, Proactive, and Present, offers city leaders a strategic roadmap to improve urban living, promote sustainable development, and foster resilient, inclusive urban environments.
The report also highlights Dubai’s Urban Plan 2040 as a global benchmark for strategic urban planning and sustainable growth. This visionary plan aims for 80% of the population to be within 20 minutes of essential services, enhancing accessibility and urban efficiency. One of the key goals is to reduce reliance on landfills by managing waste through sustainable methods. The plan also protects 60% of the emirate’s land for nature conservation and promotes green spaces, ensuring 11 square metres of public green space per capita, which contributes to the sustainability of the city’s infrastructure and the health and well-being of residents.
The report emphasizes urban resilience and sustainability, advocating for proactive disaster preparedness, food security strategies, and climate adaptation to ensure sustainable urban growth. Marwan Bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to becoming one of the world’s most liveable cities. He stressed the Municipality’s dedication to balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being through innovative urban planning.
Bin Ghalita remarked that the C3P3 framework offers city leaders valuable insights to rethink urban livability in an ever-evolving world filled with challenges that impact the development of smart cities. Dubai Municipality, as the Smart City Partner of the World Governments Summit, continues to focus on the management, planning, and governance of Dubai’s infrastructure, aiming to position the city as a global leader in sustainability and quality of life.
Sanaa Al Alili, Director of the Urban Planning Department at Dubai Municipality, emphasized that resilience and sustainability are central to shaping the cities of the future. The report highlights the importance of integrated and proactive strategies for disaster readiness, food security, and climate adaptation, essential to ensuring sustainable urban expansion. These efforts are critical for creating robust urban planning systems and fostering integrated communities that are liveable, safe, accessible, inclusive, and committed to the highest standards of well-being and quality of life.
