Rashid bin Humaid Inaugurates Activities of the Tenth Edition of Ajman International Urban Planning Conference

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, inaugurated the activities of the tenth edition of the Ajman International Urban Planning Conference, organized by the Department under the theme “From Our History We Plan Our Future: Between Heritage, Art and Creativity, Innovation, and the Future”, at Ajman University over two days from 20 to 21 January 2026, with the participation of more than 44 speakers and experts from within and outside the country, alongside elite academics and decision-makers, to discuss the future of urban planning and exchange expertise in developing smart and sustainable cities.

The conference theme was launched in celebration of its tenth edition, which focuses on drawing inspiration from rich heritage, consolidating urban identity, and moving toward a bright present to build cities capable of facing challenges and achieving better quality of life, through joint work to advance toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The conference opening activities began with the arrival of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi at the conference venue, where he conducted an inspection tour of the sections of the accompanying exhibition, which focuses on three main themes including the evolution of urban planning from traditional fabric to future cities, the family and community theme as a foundation for planning a sustainable urban environment, in addition to the arts and heritage theme and their role in shaping the modern urban landscape.

The conference opening ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Sanaa bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family; a number of heads and directors of departments in Ajman; directors general of municipalities in the country; officials from federal and local entities; and elite experts and academics.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi affirmed that urban planning is no longer merely an engineering matter limited to drawing spaces and constructing structures, but has become a comprehensive civilizational responsibility through which the features of life are shaped and quality of living is built for current and future generations.

He praised the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates and its continuous support for the comprehensive and sustainable development journey, appreciating the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, for urban development projects in the emirate, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, which have formed a fundamental pillar for consolidating a balanced urban approach that places people at the heart of planning.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi stated that the conference is an important qualitative event reflecting the Municipality and Planning Department’s commitment to supporting innovation in urban planning and linking academic research outputs with practical applications, as it focuses on envisioning the future of cities through blending urban heritage, art, creativity, and modern technologies, thus forming a realistic opportunity to enhance partnerships between government, academic, and private entities, and producing practical recommendations that contribute to supporting urban policies and achieving sustainable development in the Emirate of Ajman.

He emphasized the country’s interest in supporting the family and placing it at the heart of every sustainable development and improvement, explaining that urban planning is no longer merely drawing spaces, but manufacturing life, building quality of living, investing in people and place, and affirming the role of the family as a pillar of creativity in a bridge that takes society from the past to the future, and working to provide all elements of happiness and well-being for all.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi noted that Ajman’s hosting of this international event in its tenth edition reinforces its position as an intellectual platform bringing together experts, specialists, and decision-makers from various countries around the world to exchange knowledge, review best practices, and build shared visions that contribute to developing more balanced and sustainable cities capable of keeping pace with the rapid transformations witnessed by the world.

He expressed his appreciation for the participation of experts and speakers from within and outside the country, and the visions and ideas they present that have contributed to enriching the conference sessions and enhancing knowledge exchange and integration of expertise, affirming that this interaction reflects the conference’s position as an effective international intellectual platform.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi emphasized that Ajman is proceeding, with the support of its wise leadership, in adopting intellectual and scientific initiatives that contribute to developing planning thought, enhancing international partnerships, and building cities that respect people and the environment, and envision a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

In a related context, His Excellency Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, explained that the world is witnessing rapid change in various fields, which requires joint and effective planning to keep pace with these transformations, noting that the conference aligns with the directions of Ajman Vision 2030 aimed at building an integrated urban environment that enhances the emirate’s attractiveness and elevates quality of life.

For his part, Dr. Engineer Mohammed bin Omair Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Infrastructure Development Sector and Chairman of the Conference Higher Committee, affirmed that the conference brings together various parties to draw the features of the future with our children, families, and community, and in cooperation with experts, specialists, departments, and local, regional, and international institutions, thereby contributing to providing an integrated life enjoyed by residents, visitors, tourists, and investors.

Mr. Tim Fu, designer and founder of Tim Fu Design Studio, shared a vision addressing the importance of integrating human creativity with artificial intelligence technologies in urban design, and the role of this integration in developing smart cities and facing future challenges.

The conference honored Her Excellency Sanaa bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, alongside keynote speakers and a number of national figures, in appreciation of their influential contributions to supporting the sustainable development journey and urban creativity. Gold sponsors of the conference were also honored in recognition of their continuous support.

The conference included on its first day 3 main dialogue sessions and 9 workshops, addressing themes of urban planning, family and community, and arts and heritage, with the participation of elite experts and specialists. The workshops witnessed innovative presentations reflecting the conference’s themes and future directions.

The Ajman International Urban Planning Conference has been a pioneering platform since its launch in 2007, bringing together elite experts, specialists, and decision-makers in the field of urban planning from various countries around the world to discuss best practices in developing smart and sustainable cities, and promoting the use of modern technologies and innovation in urban planning, thereby contributing to supporting future directions for urban development, consolidating urban identity, and building cities capable of facing challenges and achieving better quality of life.