Ajman an environmentally friendly city with its quality of life: review of sustainability challenges and achievements by Ajman Municipality and Planning Department

Abstract

The increasing debate on sustainable development has raised attention by many global sectors such as policymakers and developers for advanced sustainable cities and the corresponding sustainability impacts on urban transformation. UAE Government has initiated a task to focus on improving air quality, preserving water resources, increasing clean energy, implementing green growth plans, and further enhancing its citizens' quality of life. Ajman is the smallest Emirate and through the The Ajman Municipality and Planning Department has carried out in corporation with the other Governmental authorities started to initiate plans, policies, and initiatives for this purpose. The increase in population, society wellbeing, lifestyle and industrial revolution in the Emirate of Ajman − UAE, resulted in increased challengesinitiated for the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department (AMPD). These challenges align with national and international strategies and goals targeting the urgent environmental, social and economic issues. Therefore, Ajman Municipality has set up a prime aim to embed sustainability through every life aspect and consider sustainability an integral part of its vision and mission. Municipality sustainability performance was enhanced to incorporate sustainability into all activities to ensure wellbeing and happiness and transform the Emirate of Ajman into a sustainable city and its inhabitants blessed with a beautiful, comfortable life. This paper provides an overview of all the challenges and achievements of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department (AMPD), highlighting the success factors to support initiatives that serve to advance the United Nations' sustainable development agenda. Lessons from the achievements are considered as guidelines for a framework model that can be used for future planning and development.