Why the GCC can benefit from systems-based thinking as it grows its cities

18/12/2025 02:55 AST

Cities worldwide are approaching a pivotal moment. Rapid urbanisation, rising temperatures, resource constraints, and shifting societal expectations are placing unprecedented demands on urban systems. Across the GCC, urban populations are projected to grow by nearly 30% between 2020 and 2030, intensifying pressure on mobility networks, housing, energy systems, and the public realm.

These challenges are exposing the limits of traditional, siloed planning. They also present an opportunity for the GCC, given many of the cities are just starting their growth journey and have capital: applying a systems-based approach to design (and redesign) its cities. Such an approach aligns transport with walkability, housing, energy grids, and digital services to create a coherent, people-centred urban experience. Al-Futtaim's new whitepaper, Rethinking Urbanisation & Mobility in the GCC, developed with UN-Habitat, Arup, Systemiq, the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), and UAE University's Emirates Center for Mobility Research (ECMR), argues that this integrated model is essential for the region's next phase of sustainable urban and mobility development.

Why systems thinking matters now
A systems-based model views cities as interconnected ecosystems in which mobility, energy, housing, digital services, and climate resilience influence one another. When these components evolve separately, even well-intentioned initiatives can fall short.

Cities around the world demonstrate the value of systems-based design, especially when it comes to mobility networks. In Singapore land use, transport, and housing planning is integrated into one coordinated framework. Rail expansion, new residential districts, and last-mile access are planned together, supported by digital mobility services that significantly reduce travel times and car dependency.

Meanwhile, Copenhagen demonstrates one of Europe's most mature systems-based models. The city links mobility, climate adaptation, district energy, cycling networks, and public space design into one ecosystem, lowering emissions while leading global rankings for liveability and resilience.

Across the GCC, cities are already leading the way. Dubai aligns mobility investments with digital transformation. Multimodal transport, EV charging expansion, autonomous mobility trials, and smart infrastructure are advancing as part of a unified city strategy, creating a seamless experience for residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, Riyadh is scaling integrated planning at unprecedented speed through Vision 2030. The Riyadh Metro, green corridors, major housing projects, and new economic clusters are being developed in coordination, shaping mobility patterns even before population growth peaks.

Yet, these well-intentioned investments often progress in parallel. EV charging networks may expand without considering grid capacity or travel patterns. Public transport upgrades may not be supported by walkable neighbourhoods, shading, or mixed-use zoning. The result then becomes a disconnect between ambition and lived experience.

This fragmentation is reflected in resident sentiment. Insights from more than 1,800 respondents in the UAE show that the quality-of-life factors people prioritise most are easy, convenient commutes, a safe and clean environment, and access to affordable housing. At the same time, traffic congestion remains the single biggest challenge reported by nearly a third of the respondents.

What GCC residents say about mobility
The survey data reveals three pressures shaping mobility today:

1. Car dependency remains high. Nearly 90% of UAE residents surveyed rely on petrol or diesel vehicles as their primary mode of transport, reflecting long-standing patterns of urban design and accessibility.

2. Public transport gaps limit adoption. Two-thirds of respondents say that they rarely use public transport, citing long journey times driven by limited first- and last-mile connectivity and inconsistent intermodal links.

3. Appetite for cleaner mobility is rising-but enabled unevenly.

More than half of respondents plan to replace their primary car in the next two years, and one in four is considering a hybrid or fully electric vehicle. However, 28% point to limited access to charging infrastructure as the biggest barrier to adoption.

These findings highlight a central theme: many pressures residents experience today stem not from a lack of investment, but from the disconnection between the systems.

What a systems-based future could look like in the GCC
A systems-driven model aligns infrastructure, policy, land use, and technology so that each reinforces the other. For example:

 Charging networks would be planned alongside grid upgrades, high-density housing, employment hubs, and retail destinations.

 Public transport would be designed in tandem with walkability, shading, mixed-use zoning, and digital platforms that enhance reliability and predictability.

 Land-use decisions would directly support accessible, efficient, and low-carbon mobility options.

When systems are integrated, sustainable choices become the most convenient choices, and, therefore, the most adopted.

The GCC is well placed to operationalise systems-based urban development. The region benefits from aligned national visions, strong fiscal capacity, and the ability to coordinate across ministries with greater agility than many legacy-bound global cities.

It also has the advantage of developing new districts at speed, enabling integrated planning from the outset rather than retrofitting fragmented systems. A young, digitally engaged population is accelerating demand for cleaner mobility options, and growing openness to new transport behaviours creates fertile ground for systemic transformation.

With coordinated planning, the region can translate its individual strengths, public transport investment, digital innovation, renewable energy capacity, into a unified, future-ready urban model.

Designing cities for people, not parts
The shift toward systems thinking is ultimately about improving daily life: shorter, safer commutes; shaded, walkable neighbourhoods; clean air; reliable public transport; and resilient infrastructure that adapts to rising temperatures and evolving needs.

The GCC now has the opportunity to build cities where urban systems work together rather than compete - cities that are not only efficient and low-carbon, but fundamentally people-centred. By embracing integrated planning, the region can set a new global benchmark for healthy, liveable, and climate-resilient urban development.

The writer is Chief Sustainability Officer, Al-Futtaim

Khaleej Times