Middle East
Cairo's New Megacities
Overcrowding and pollution in Cairo have inspired planners to push out into the desert, raising two brand-new cities out of the sand.
A New Ethic for Urban Reinvention
In a unique collaboration, an American lawyer and a Venezuelan architect merge thinking on holistic design, planning and regulation
Would A World Cup in Qatar Make Sense?
The Middle Eastern country of Qatar is bidding to play host to the 2022 World Cup. But some wonder whether the Cup might do better for the area if it were hosted by a regional coalition.
Garden of Eden Site Being Restored
A marsh in Iraq drained by Saddam Hussein and believed by some to be the site of the Garden of Eden is being restored -- despite dangerous risks.
Cairo Facing Possible Future of American-Style Suburban Sprawl
Real estate investment is expected to rise sharply in the greater Cairo region. Some fear this will bring about American-style suburban sprawl.
BRT On the Way to Jordan
A new bus rapid transit project has begun construction in Amman, Jordan -- a first for the country.
Qatar's Boom Looks Beyond World Cup
As Qatar plans to spend billions on infrastructure and stadia ahead of its hosting of the 2022 World Cup, locals are hopeful that plans will focus on longer-term impacts.
Israel Needs More Density
In an op-ed, architect Hillel Schocken calls for greater density in Israel, which he says has 1/5th the public density of Paris.
Saudi Arabia Looks to Build Major Rail Hub in Capital
Officials in the Saudi capital of Riyadh are planning to build a central rail hub with an annual passenger capacity of more than 800,000. The station is expected to be complete by 2013.
Breaking Down the Walls in Jerusalem
Deputy Mayor Naomi Tsur of Jerusalem is proposing that the city must 'emerge from its [many] walls', and connect and enhance its vibrant public spaces.
Abu Dhabi Uneasy About its Role in New Movie
The new "Sex and the City" movie was set -- but not shot -- in Abu Dhabi. Now officials there are trying to decide whether or not to release the film to local audiences, as the city tries to control its brand and image.
Making Mecca a "Mecca" for Public Transit
Already a substantial city of 1.5 million, Mecca more than doubles its population during the annual hajj pilgrimage -- which is expected to bring in 8 million people by 2030. Moving so many people will require a world-class public transit system.
Stadium in a Box
The desert nation of Qatar is trying to win hosting duties for the 2022 World Cup. A new plan to build temporary stadia is helping to increase the country's chances.
Real Estate Scandal and Planning Reform in Jerusalem
Described as being the biggest corruption scandal in Israel's history, the Holyland Park scandal highlights the need for tighter regulation of land use planning in Israel. But with the Prime Minister's support for deregulation, reform looks unlikely.
Beirut is Booming
The booming real estate market in Beirut is causing the rapid disappearance of the city's history, says Guardian critic Deen Sharp.
Bringing Life to the Streets of the UAE
This oped from The National calls for increased attention to the streetscapes of the United Arab Emirate, specifically the lack of non-palm trees and seating.
Affordable Housing for Tel Aviv
The Tel Aviv Municipality has approved a plan to create affordable housing units in the city, making it the first Israeli city to do so.
Saving Depleted River Could Unite War-Torn Region
This article from National Geographic examines the rapidly depleted Jordan River and how saving it could bring Israel and its quarreling neighbors together.
A Middle Eastern Oasis for Sustainable Transportation
Like the U.S. in the mid-20th Century, much of the growth in Abu Dhabi over the last 35 years has catered primarily to the automobile. But new plans are re-wiring the city to make Abu Dhabi's streets more hospitable to pedestrians.
Israeli Housing Plan Draws Ire of Peace Negotiators
The Quartet on the Middle East (the United Nations, the US, the EU and Russia) have issued a statement denouncing the Israeli settlement plan, but Palestinian groups are disappointed that it contains no enforcement provisions.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
