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 – Ajman (MPDA), inaugurated the 10^th Ajman International Urban Planning Conference, organized by the MPDA under the theme ” From Our History, We Plan Our Future: Between Heritage, Art and Creativity, Innovation, and the Future.” On its two-day activities, from 20 to 21 January 2026, the conference witnessed the participation of more than 44 speakers and experts from within the UAE and abroad, along with a select group of academics and decision-makers, to discuss the future of urban planning and exchange experiences in developing smart and sustainable cities.

The conference’s theme was launched to celebrate its tenth edition, which focuses on drawing inspiration from rich heritage, establishing urban identity, and proceeding towards a brighter future by building cities capable of facing challenges and achieving a better life quality, through concerted action to advance towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The conference opening ceremony began with the arrival of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi at the conference venue, where His Excellency toured the accompanying exhibition pavilions, which focuses on three key themes: the evolution of urban planning from traditional urban fabric to future cities; the family and community as the foundation for planning a sustainable urban environment; and the arts and legacy and their role in shaping the modern urban landscape.

The opening ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Sanaa bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family Affairs, along with several heads and directors of departments in Ajman, directors general of municipalities across the UAE, federal and local government officials, and a select group of experts and academics.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi emphasized that urban planning is no longer merely an architectural matter limited to mapping spaces and constructing structures. It has become a comprehensive civilizational responsibility that shapes the features of life and builds the life quality for current and future generations.

He hailed the wise leadership of the UAE and its continuous support for the comprehensive and sustainable development process. He also praised 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 has formed a fundamental pillar for establishing a balanced urban approach that places people at the heart of planning.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi noted that the conference is a significant event that reflects the MPDA’s commitment to supporting innovation in urban planning and linking the outputs of academic research with practical applications. It focuses on envisioning the future of cities by blending architectural heritage, art, creativity and modern technologies, thus providing a realistic opportunity to strengthen partnerships between government, academic and private entities, and to come out with practical recommendations that contribute to supporting urban policies and achieving sustainable development in the Emirate of Ajman.

His Excellency stressed the UAE’s concern with supporting families and placing them at the core of all sustainable development and improvement, noting that urban planning is no longer merely about mapping spaces, but rather about creating life, building life quality, investing in people and places, and affirming the family’s role as a stalwart of creativity in a bridge connecting society from the past to the future, and working to provide all the elements of happiness and well-being for all.

His Excellency 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 that brings together experts, specialists and decision-makers from around the globe 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 eyed by the world.

His Excellency voiced his appreciation for the participation of experts and speakers from within the UAE and abroad, and for their insights and ideas which enriched the conference sessions and enhanced the exchange of knowledge and the integration of expertise, emphasizing that this interaction mirrors the conference’s stand as an effective international intellectual platform.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi asserted that Ajman, supported by its wise leadership, is committed to adopting intellectual and scientific initiatives that play great part in developing strategic planning, strengthening international partnerships, building cities that respect people and the environment, and envisioning a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

In a related context, His Excellency Abdul-Rahman Al Nuaimi, Director General of the MPDA, noted that the world is seeing rapid change in myriad fields, a matter which necessitates collaborative and effective planning that keeps pace with these transformations. The conference aligns with the objectives of Ajman Vision 2030, which aims to build an integrated urban environment that enhances the Emirate’s attractiveness and elevates the life quality within it, His Excellency added.

For his part, Dr. Eng. Mohammed bin Omair Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Infrastructure Development Sector and Chairman of the Conference’s Higher Committee, asserted that the conference brings together various stakeholders to shape the future with our children, families, and communities, in collaboration with experts, specialists, and local, regional, and international departments and institutions, thus contributing to providing a perfect life for residents, visitors, tourists and investors.

Mr. Tim Fu, designer and founder of Studio Tim Fu (STF), shared his vision which addressed the importance of integrating human creativity with artificial intelligence technologies in urban design, and the role of this integration in developing smart cities and meeting future challenges.

The conference honored Her Excellency Sanaa bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family Affairs, along with keynote speakers and a number of prominent national figures, in recognition of their impactful contributions to supporting sustainable development and urban innovation. The conference’s gold sponsors were also honored in appreciation of their ongoing support.

On day one, the conference featured three main panel discussions and nine workshops, addressing the themes of urban planning, family and society, and arts and heritage, with the participation of a select group of experts and specialists, and the workshops provided innovative presentations reflecting the conference’s themes and future directions.

Since its inception in 2007, the Ajman International Urban Planning Conference has been a leading platform, bringing together a select group of experts, specialists and decision-makers in urban planning from around the world, to discuss the best practices in developing smart and sustainable cities, promote the use of modern technologies and innovation in urban planning, thus contributing to supporting future urban development directions, strengthening urban identity, and building cities capable of meeting challenges and achieving a better life quality.