Press Release

Press Release 

Ras Al Khaimah Becomes the First Frontrunner City on Urban SDGs in the United Arab Emirates
 11 November 2025 | Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

 
 
In a landmark ceremony at the Palace of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate was officially designated as the First Frontrunner City on Urban Transformation in the United Arab Emirates.
 
The agreement was signed between:
• Urban Economy Forum (UEF) represented by its Chair, Reza Pourvaziry, and
• Ras Al Khaimah Municipality,
in the presence and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.
 
 
His Highness Declares Full Support
 
His Highness Sheikh Saud  expressed clear and decisive support for the global initiative, reaffirming the Emirate’s commitment to advancing urban development aligned with global sustainability goals.
 
His Highness stated:
 
“Ras Al Khaimah is committed to becoming a leading example of sustainable, people-centered urban development. Our vision is to build a future-oriented urban model that enhances quality of life, strengthens community wellbeing, and contributes meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals. We fully support this collaboration and the global mission it represents.”
 
 
A Major Milestone in a Global Transformation Movement 
 
The Frontrunner Cities Initiative –developed and led by the Urban Economy Forum (UEF) and advanced globally through the World Urban Pavilion –is a flagship program promoting evidence-based, people-centred, and climate aligned urban transformation.
 

With today’s designation, Ras Al Khaimah becomes the first Emirate and the first city in the UAE to join this influential global network.
 
This designation is the result of a comprehensive evaluation and selection process based on criteria co-developed with academic partners including Harvard University, assessing:
• Leadership and institutional capacity
• Alignment with sustainable development and SDGs
• Economic and spatial transformation potential
• People-centered governance
• Readiness for next-generation urban projects
 
 
**Why Ras Al Khaimah?
 
A Strategic Choice with Global Significance**
 
Ras Al Khaimah was selected for its exceptional mix of assets, momentum, and leadership vision:
 
• Strategic geo-economic location
 
A gateway to regional and global corridors, positioned to become a hub for sustainable and innovation-driven growth.
 
• Strong developmental momentum
 
An Emirate at a pivotal moment of diversification, and transformation—ready to test and scale next-generation development projects.

• Exceptional land and planning potential
 
Availability of land and attractive developable areas, combined with robust governance and long-term strategic vision, ideal for piloting innovative, world-class urban projects.
 
• Capacity to become a global model
 
The Emirate possesses the rare blend of cultural depth, natural assets, leadership commitment, and institutional readiness required to become a unique global benchmark in sustainable and inclusive urban transformation.
 
 
UEF: A Significant Breakthrough for the UAE and the Region
 
Speaking at the ceremony, Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the Urban Economy Forum, stated:

“This is a milestone not only for Ras Al Khaimah, but for theentire region. The criteria for selecting a Frontrunner City were developed with scientific rigor and international standards, including contributions from Harvard University. RAK is uniquely positioned to introduce a new model of urban transformation that can inspire cities worldwide.”
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“We welcome global organizations, innovators, investors, and development partners
to join us in bringing world-class solutions for your cities, and now, for our city: Ras Al Khaimah.
Together, we will design practical models, scale innovation, and create shared prosperity.
When cities lead, nations prosper. When cities build capacity and share knowledge, the world advances.
Ras Al Khaimah now stands among the world’s lighthouse cities —a symbol of ambition, partnership, and global future-shaping leadership”.
 

He emphasized that the partnership will accelerate knowledge exchange, innovative urban planning, sustainable development practices, and capacity-building within the Emirate.
 
 
A New Chapter for Urban Transformation in the UAE
 
With this designation, Ras Al Khaimah begins its journey to develop a world-class, future-ready urban development model, contributing to national and global commitments to sustainable development, climate action, innovation, and quality of life enhancement.
 
The Urban Economy Forum, World Urban Pavilion, and Ras Al Khaimah Municipality will collaborate closely to implement the Frontrunner framework and deliver transformational outcomes for the Emirate.
 
 
Media Contact:
 
Urban Economy Forum (UEF)
Email: info@urbaneconomyforum.org
Website: www.urbaneconomyforum.org