The Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future and Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company have signed an MoU to collaborate on advancing sustainable urban planning in arid environments through knowledge-sharing, policy advocacy, and pilot projects, marking a significant milestone for the Arid Cities Network.
Introduced during the second Earthna Summit in April 2025, the Arid Cities Network is a global community of practice that aims to bring together cities from arid and semi-arid regions to confront shared environmental challenges.
The network will play a vital role, serving as the foremost global convenor and advocate on the unique challenges facing urban arid environments, uniting global resources and expertise into a single accessible platform.
Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata Executive Director – Earthna
“Cities in hot and arid regions are grappling with the realities of extreme temperatures, water scarcity, and fragile ecosystems, making cross-regional knowledge-sharing essential to develop concrete solutions that help cities thrive despite challenging conditions. The Arid Cities Network aims to address these challenges through collaborative action. By partnering with Qatari Diar, we can connect research and policy with real-world urban development and lead the way to develop replicable solutions for cities in hot and dry environments.”.
Eng. Fahad Abdullatif Al Jahrami, Chief Development and Asset Management Officer- Qatar at Qatari Diar, said that, “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Earthna Center, a member of Qatar Foundation, represents a strategic step towards strengthening our joint efforts in the field of sustainable urban development, particularly in hot and arid environments that face growing challenges linked to sustainability.”
Al Jahrami stressed that this partnership underscores Qatari Diar’s commitment to global initiatives that combine knowledge, research, and innovative urban planning, aiming to create an integrated platform for practical solutions and policies that boost city resilience amid climate challenges.
Qatari Diar has established itself as a leader in visionary urban development, exemplified by its flagship project, Lusail City, a sustainably planned, world-class city integrating innovative design and environmental stewardship. Lusail stands as a landmark national development and a premier destination for living, working, and investing, solidifying Qatar’s position as a global real estate hub aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030.
