Middle East
Abu Dhabi's Investments In Cultural Development
This article form City Journal looks at the rapidly rising city of Abu Dhabi and its focus on human development.
Israel's Wall of Control in Palestine
This article from Progressive Planning discusses the walls that run more than 700 kilometers in Palestine. But as author Gary Fields writes, this barrier is not about security, it's about control.
Green Building Requirements Proposed in Israel
Israel has announced plans to require green building standards on new constructions, but some say the requirements don't go far enough.
O, Embattled Town of Bethlehem
Competing ancient claims to land, religious fervor and the construction of a massive "security" wall make Bethlehem the most contested city on Earth.
Abu Dhabi's Green Future
Despite its plentiful oil reserves, the Arabian emirate of Abu Dhabi is planning and developing some green cities that will be able to operate without the power of oil.
Are Jerusalem's Ghost Towns A Problem To Solve?
Jerusalem has an increasing number of "ghost town" neighborhoods, where tourist housing has left areas empty for much of the year. This article looks at the proposed solution to this problem, and wonders whether there is even a problem at all.
Walls Create Safety, Segregation In Baghdad
More and more walls are rising in Baghdad neighborhoods, giving areas a calmer, safer feel. But the walls also create a prison-like atmosphere and many residents are conflicted about the tradeoff.
Planners Object, But Courts Approve Housing Development
When developers made plans for a housing development on land an Israeli kibbutz had to sell off, planners said the required rezoning was out of the question. But five years later and still without planners' approval, the courts have allowed project.
Dubai's Development Is More Than Novelty
More than just a spectacle, Dubai is positioning itself to become one of the world's preeminent cultural and economic capitals.
Baghdad's Babysteps Back To Normality
City life edges back towards normalisty in Baghdad where residents are noticing improvements in security and lower rates of violence. More people are traveling across the city and staying out at night, and even the liquor stores are opening back up.
Carbon-Coughing Dubai Leans Toward Green
Development is booming in Dubai -- so much so that its pace is causing concerns about carbon emissions. In response, numerous green efforts have been launched to bring sustainability into the planning and design process.
Oil Makes City Go Boom
The rising price of oil is fueling an economic development boom in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Environmental Damage from Israeli Bombings 'Devastating'
Fifteen months after Israeli bombers destroyed Lebanon's coastal oil tanks, the damage to ecosystems, economies and human health remain "devastating."
Are Embassies Obsolete?
The American embassy under construction in Baghdad will be the largest, most heavily fortified and most expensive such facility in the world. And probably the most unnecessary, writes William Langewiesche.
Iraq's Biggest Dam Threatens Mosul, Baghdad
An enormous Iraqi dam that was "fundamentally flawed" when constructed is on the verge of failure, according to a recently released audit.
Dump Recycled And Reused
A former dump in Israel will be converted into a theme park focusing on recycling -- the centerpiece to what will be a 2,000 acre public park.
Israel's Polluted Coastal Waters 'Appalling'
Zalul, an Israeli environmental organization dedicated to preserving the country's marine environments, has released a report harshly critical of municipal sewerage and industrial wastewater practices.
The Middle East's 'Biggest Civil Engineering Project'
Developers have announced plans for a 75-kilometer canal to run through Dubai, with waterfront cities and developments all along its banks.
Israeli Highway Plans Draw Criticism
Israel is planning to construct a so-called "Palestinian Highway", which critics believe will be used to fragment Palestinian territory.
Forget Dubai, Abu Dhabi's Got The Plan
With an environmentally-conscious plan and ambitions to lure some of the world's most well-respected institutions, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is on a forward-thinking path and should be watched more closely than its extravagant counterpart, Dubai.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
