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Advancing Urban Leadership Across the Arab Region.

A dedicated KNOWLEDGE HUB, empowering the city’s professionals through accredited learning, practical tools and Professional Certificates to drive sustainable and innovative city development.

The Academy In Numbers:

650 +

Cities Impacted

32

Specialised Programs

200 +

Technical Experts

+ 20

Strategic Partners

89 %

Satisfaction Rate

ABOUT arab cities academy

Founded in 1980 by the Arab Towns Organization (ATO).

It is the premier regional platform for urban governance and capacity building. Rooted in the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), we bridge the gap between high-level policy and local technical execution. By blending international urban standards with our region's unique cultural and legal context, we prepare the next generation of city pioneers to lead, innovate, and transform the Arab urban landscape.
American Certificates

American Certificates

Move Beyond Courses. Become a Certified Professional in Cities.

Access the international Gold Standard in city management, co-developed with the ICMA.

American Certificate

Access the international Gold Standard in city management, co-developed with the ICMA.

The demands on Arab cities are shifting at an unprecedented pace. This globally aligned certification strengthens your executive capabilities across city leadership, governance, and long-term urban performance, and enters your name into the Global Registry of Certified City Managers.
Professional Certificates

Professional Certificates

Choose Your Specialization. Become a Certified Professional in Cities.

Each professional certificate is a focused, practice-oriented track through a critical domain of city leadership. Complete a track's course bundle to earn your designation and join the Regional Registry of Certified Urban Leaders & Professionals.
01.

Leadership in Cities

Master the art of urban leadership and strategic direction.

02.

Investments & Partnerships in Cities

Funding urban growth and asset value.

03.

City Humanization

Building cities for people, identity, and quality of life.

04.

Community Engagement

Orchestrating local voices and trust.

05.

Urban Project Management

From concept to reality, with structure and control.

06.

Digital Transformation & Smart Solutions

Advancing smart governance and digital city transformation.

07.

Roads Management

Reshaping mobility and sustainable urban connectivity.

08.

Financial Management in Cities

Fiscal accountability and urban performance excellence.

One Leader. One City. Million Lives.

City Leaders Initiative · Coming Soon

One Leader. One City. Million Lives.

A premier executive platform for Arab mayors and senior city officials, transforming executive vision into city-wide impact through globally informed leadership, governance, and innovation. Be first in line when applications open.
International Programs

International Programs

Connecting Arab Cities to Global Innovation.

From the streets of Stockholm to the smart ecosystems of Guangzhou, our international programs bridge the gap between global standards and Arab urban realities. Experience immersive study visits and collaborative exchanges with the world's leading municipal authorities.
Executive Program on Urban Innovations for Sustainable Cities
Featured Program
Executive Study Visit
Includes Certificate

Executive Program on Urban Innovations for Sustainable Cities — Stockholm, SE

Mastering the Sustainable City Model. An immersive executive study visit designed for leaders to master the "Stockholm Model" of urban transformation.
Dates: 19 – 23 October 2026
Duration: 5 Working Days
Partner: SALAR International
Location: Stockholm, SE
Focus: Decentralized Governance · Climate-Positive Development · Urban Quality of Life
Tailored Programs

Tailored Programs

Tailored training, international programs, and executive coaching for City leaders.

Tailored International Programs

Tailored International Programs

Immersive executive experiences in global innovation hubs — exclusive study visits and specialized programs for your team.

Executive Leadership Coaching

Executive Leadership Coaching

High-level mentorship for municipal leaders. A focused 5-session roadmap with "Champion Mayors" from our global network.

Customised Courses & Training

Customised Courses & Training

Scalable, technical capacity building across 8 core training domains, delivered class-based or online.

Success Stories

Success Stories

Our Impact Across The Arab Region

Discover how Arab Cities Academy programs translate learning into action.

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FAQs

What are the mostly asked questions from trainers and students.

Q. What is the mission of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) and its Academy?

A leading knowledge hub empowering urban leaders and professionals: delivering diverse, practice-oriented programs that respond to the evolving needs of Arab cities while building capabilities in urban management, governance, and city leadership.

Q. What are the main focus areas of the Academy's 2026 training offering?

A leading knowledge hub empowering urban leaders and professionals: delivering diverse, practice-oriented programs that respond to the evolving needs of Arab cities while building capabilities in urban management, governance, and city leadership.

Q. What types of training programs are offered in 2026?

A leading knowledge hub empowering urban leaders and professionals: delivering diverse, practice-oriented programs that respond to the evolving needs of Arab cities while building capabilities in urban management, governance, and city leadership.

Q. What are the main focus areas of the Academy's 2026 training offering?

A leading knowledge hub empowering urban leaders and professionals: delivering diverse, practice-oriented programs that respond to the evolving needs of Arab cities while building capabilities in urban management, governance, and city leadership.

Explore Arab Cities Academy’s 2026 International Programs. Explore Arab Cities Academy’s 2026 International Programs.

Start Today

Explore Arab Cities Academy’s 2026 International Programs.

Discover AUDI Academy’s international training programs—immersive, experience-based learning opportunities that connect Arab city leaders with global best practices, innovative institutions, and peer networks worldwide.