The meeting was held via video, chaired by His Excellency Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, and President of the current session, attended by Their Excellencies, the Ministers of Municipal Affairs of GCC countries.

In her address, H.E. Almheiri commended the significant role played by the municipalities of the GCC countries. Almheiri expressed gratitude to the GCC Secretariat for their efforts in coordinating joint action among the stakeholders, and reiterated her confidence in the continued and fruitful cooperation for implementing the initiatives of the GCC Municipal Action Plan 2024-2030.

H.E. Almheiri said: “With the GCC States focused on building a cohesive system to enhance the quality of life of the communities, municipal initiatives play a pivotal role in achieving this by ensuring exceptional services. The UAE is committed to engaging in extensive collaboration in municipal efforts, with by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment coordinating with the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to advance municipal actions across the Gulf.”

H.E. Almheiri expressed her gratitude to the Ministers for their participation in the 11th International Envirocities Conference 2022 (Cities Environment) held last year in Fujairah. She also extended an invitation to Their Excellencies to attend the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference scheduled to be held in the UAE in November. She emphasized that their active participation would showcase climate initiatives across the GCC region to the world and also foster productive discussions to address the climate change challenge.

The meeting covered various topics, with a focus on the “Development of legislation and municipal control mechanisms”. The UAE played an active role in this regard, through the efforts of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, which prepared a guide on food trucks.

The meeting also addressed crucial themes in the municipal domain. These included the execution of decisions previously endorsed by the Supreme Council in prior sessions, strategic urban planning, and signing agreements with specialized organizations dedicated to municipal matters..