Middle East
Dubai Creates A "Supreme Urban Planning Council" To Enact New Master Plan
The Dubai Executive Council has approved the Dubai Urban Development Master Plan 2020, and will establish a 'Supreme Urban Planning Council,' to streamline the process.
Israel Criticized for "Counterproductive" Housing Development
Israel has announced the approval of 1,100 housing units to be constructed in occupied East Jerusalem, which is claimed by the Palestinians as their future capital.
Benjamin Netanyahu's Land Reform Provokes Student Protest
Amid the backdrop of Mahmoud Abbas' application for Palestinian statehood, Jesse Fox critiques the Israeli premier for his antiquated plan to fast track sprawling suburban developments into Israel's rapidly diminishing open spaces.
Melbourne Ranked as Most Livable City
With high scores in five broad categories, Melbourne, Australia received the highest spot in livability rankings from The Economist's research unit.
Defying U.S., Israel Approves Controversial Housing Development
The Israeli announcement that 1,600 more housing units would be built in occupied East Jerusalem is causing a diplomatic crisis.
Connecting Residents With Services in Abu Dhabi Master Plan
The revitalization master plan for two older neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi includes creating "new roads, clinics, schools, police stations and neighborhood centers" and making them easily accessible to residents.
Bridge Planned Between Egypt and Saudi Arabia
A proposed 20-mile bridge would span the Red Sea to connect Egypt and Saudi Arabia -- connecting Arab states and reducing reliance on land passage through Israel.
Tent City of Protest
The center of protest in Yemen's capital city of Sana'a has turned into a massive tent city, with more than 4,000 tents and a variety of services, public spaces and pop-up industries.
Abu Dhabi Looks Ahead to 2030
Abu Dhabi has released a new 20-year plan. It planners argue that it will be flexible enough to withstand changes in the global economy, should they come.
Basra to Baghdad in 2 Hours
A preliminary deal has been signed to construct a high-speed rail linking Baghdad to a southeastern city Basra.
The Kibbutz Goes Suburban
The Israeli kibbutz, long a bastion of modest communal living, is being co-opted by suburban-style development that wants the benefits of socialist coexistence and single-family homes, writes reporter Shanee Shiloh in Ha'aretz.
Kotkin Compares California to Iran
Calling California's attempts at environmental responsibility a "green jihad," Joel Kotkin argues that the state's "ideological extremism" has led to illogical economic and political decisions - similar to those made in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Qatar Plans to Avoid White Elephants from 2022 World Cup
With plans to greatly reduce seating capacities and export an entire stadium, Qatar is hoping to reduce the negative long-term impact of its hosting of the 2022 World Cup.
Lots Of Oil Remaining, But It's Heavy & Expensive
Half the oil in the Persian Gulf has been pumped out of the ground - so has 'peak oil' been reached? Notably, that term doesn't even appear in the article. Instead, it discusses the difference between light and heavy oil, and the role of technology
Public Space Key in Arab Unrest
At the center of ongoing protests and uproar in the Middle East, iconic and historical public spaces hold political clout.
Tight Timeline A Challenge for Doha Metro
Doha wants to have a fully functioning metro rail system in place by the time Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup, but the tight deadline of the event has some officials worried the system won't be complete in time.
An Urban Protest Movement Arises in Beirut
A new anti-sectarian political movement has emerged in Lebanon challenging the government. It is mimicking the successful urban strategies of ongoing Arab revolutions, like the occupation of public spaces.
Tel Aviv's Controversial Skyline Plans
Once low-slung, Tel Aviv has seen a number of towers shooting up randomly around the city. A new master plan gives the green light to more towers, but tries to pull them into a more coherent urban form.
Dubai Eyes Rail Expansion
Officials in Dubai have announced plans to extend the emirate's 75-km rail system to more than 250 km.
The Next Dubai
The tiny mideast country of Qatar is a new hotbed of infrastructure activity and foreign investment, leading some to suggest that it will be the next place to take off in the region.
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
