The Academy
Arab Cities Academy: Empowering the Future of Urban Leadership.
The Arab Urban Development Institute’s premier platform dedicated to professional training and the certification of city leaders and urban management specialists.
We develop institutional capabilities and build individual competencies through hands-on training programs precisely aligned with the evolving needs of the city.
Our Story · A Legacy of Excellence
Rooted in AUDI, since 1980.
Since its establishment in 1980, the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) has played a leading role in advancing urban knowledge exchange and municipal capacity development across the Arab region.
As our portfolio expanded, the need emerged for a specialized institutional home dedicated to delivering structured, practice-oriented learning. In response, the Arab Cities Academy was established as AUDI’s specialized vehicle for professional training and executive learning — bringing together decades of expertise, strategic global partnerships, and an unparalleled regional network under one umbrella.
Our Purpose:
We strengthen institutional capacities through carefully designed programs that combine practical learning with international best practices. Through our network of experts, we ensure every participant receives a high-quality experience designed for the future of urban leadership.
Vision:
A leading knowledge hub empowering urban leaders and professionals.
Mission:
To deliver diverse and practice-oriented programs that respond to the evolving needs of Arab cities while building professional capabilities and competencies in urban management, governance, and city leadership.
Key Features
Central Knowledge Hub
Specialized Programs for Leaders & Administrations
Professional Career Pathway
Application of Global Best Practices
Knowledge Exchange
Our Programs
A New Standard for Urban Excellence.
Professional Certificates
Move Beyond Courses. Become a Certified Professional in Cities.
The region’s first competency-based certification system, structured around nine strategic specialization bundles.
City Leaders Initiative
Elevating Urban Leadership Across the Arab Region.
The region’s premier executive platform for municipal transformation, grounded in globally validated leadership pedagogy.
International Programs
Empowering Municipal Leaders Through Global Insight.
Connecting Arab cities to the world’s leading innovation hubs through immersive field visits and peer exchange.
Professional Certificates
Move Beyond Courses. Become a Certified Professional in Cities.
The region’s first competency-based certification system, structured around nine strategic specialization bundles.
City Leaders Initiative
Elevating Urban Leadership Across the Arab Region.
The region’s premier executive platform for municipal transformation, grounded in globally validated leadership pedagogy.
International Programs
Empowering Municipal Leaders Through Global Insight.
Connecting Arab cities to the world’s leading innovation hubs through immersive field visits and peer exchange.
Our Team
The people behind the Academy.
The Leadership
The visionaries steering the future of Arab Urban Development.
AUDI Director General and an expert in urban policy. PhD in Planning and Governance of Major Cities (University of Calgary); led the establishment of the Asir Development Authority and its regional development strategy.
AUDI Director General and an expert in urban policy. PhD in Planning and Governance of Major Cities (University of Calgary); led the establishment of the Asir Development Authority and its regional development strategy.
AUDI Director General and an expert in urban policy. PhD in Planning and Governance of Major Cities (University of Calgary); led the establishment of the Asir Development Authority and its regional development strategy.
AUDI Director General and an expert in urban policy. PhD in Planning and Governance of Major Cities (University of Calgary); led the establishment of the Asir Development Authority and its regional development strategy.
AUDI Director General and an expert in urban policy. PhD in Planning and Governance of Major Cities (University of Calgary); led the establishment of the Asir Development Authority and its regional development strategy.
AUDI Director General and an expert in urban policy. PhD in Planning and Governance of Major Cities (University of Calgary); led the establishment of the Asir Development Authority and its regional development strategy.
AUDI Director General and an expert in urban policy. PhD in Planning and Governance of Major Cities (University of Calgary); led the establishment of the Asir Development Authority and its regional development strategy.
AUDI Director General and an expert in urban policy. PhD in Planning and Governance of Major Cities (University of Calgary); led the establishment of the Asir Development Authority and its regional development strategy.
The Experts
The tactical engines driving our institutional projects.
Urban planner with an MSc in Urban Planning (King Saud University) and a BEng (Prince Sultan University, honors). Expertise in project management and interior design; interests in livable cities and urban environmental affairs.
Urban planner with an MSc in Urban Planning (King Saud University) and a BEng (Prince Sultan University, honors). Expertise in project management and interior design; interests in livable cities and urban environmental affairs.
Urban planner with an MSc in Urban Planning (King Saud University) and a BEng (Prince Sultan University, honors). Expertise in project management and interior design; interests in livable cities and urban environmental affairs.
Urban planner with an MSc in Urban Planning (King Saud University) and a BEng (Prince Sultan University, honors). Expertise in project management and interior design; interests in livable cities and urban environmental affairs.
Urban planner with an MSc in Urban Planning (King Saud University) and a BEng (Prince Sultan University, honors). Expertise in project management and interior design; interests in livable cities and urban environmental affairs.
Urban planner with an MSc in Urban Planning (King Saud University) and a BEng (Prince Sultan University, honors). Expertise in project management and interior design; interests in livable cities and urban environmental affairs.
Urban planner with an MSc in Urban Planning (King Saud University) and a BEng (Prince Sultan University, honors). Expertise in project management and interior design; interests in livable cities and urban environmental affairs.
Urban planner with an MSc in Urban Planning (King Saud University) and a BEng (Prince Sultan University, honors). Expertise in project management and interior design; interests in livable cities and urban environmental affairs.
The Knowledge Team
The senior advisors tailoring knowledge into actionable practices.
Architect with a master's in urban design (King Saud University) and 30+ years at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, including mayoral roles in Wadi Dawasir and Al-Kharj. Currently a senior city planning advisor.
Architect with a master's in urban design (King Saud University) and 30+ years at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, including mayoral roles in Wadi Dawasir and Al-Kharj. Currently a senior city planning advisor.
Architect with a master's in urban design (King Saud University) and 30+ years at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, including mayoral roles in Wadi Dawasir and Al-Kharj. Currently a senior city planning advisor.
Architect with a master's in urban design (King Saud University) and 30+ years at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, including mayoral roles in Wadi Dawasir and Al-Kharj. Currently a senior city planning advisor.
Architect with a master's in urban design (King Saud University) and 30+ years at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, including mayoral roles in Wadi Dawasir and Al-Kharj. Currently a senior city planning advisor.
Architect with a master's in urban design (King Saud University) and 30+ years at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, including mayoral roles in Wadi Dawasir and Al-Kharj. Currently a senior city planning advisor.
Architect with a master's in urban design (King Saud University) and 30+ years at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, including mayoral roles in Wadi Dawasir and Al-Kharj. Currently a senior city planning advisor.
Architect with a master's in urban design (King Saud University) and 30+ years at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, including mayoral roles in Wadi Dawasir and Al-Kharj. Currently a senior city planning advisor.
Partners
Global standards, regional reach.
Knowledge Partners
Knowledge Partners
Success Stories
Our Impact Across The Arab Region
3500
120
20
45
Be part of it
Join the region's knowledge hub for urban leadership.
Explore the programs, or get in touch to bring the Academy to your institution.