Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future and Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration under the Arid Cities Network (ACN), a global initiative aimed at promoting sustainable urban planning in hot and arid regions.

The partnership was formalised to support knowledge-sharing, policy advocacy, and pilot projects across cities facing extreme temperatures, water scarcity, and fragile ecosystems. The Arid Cities Network, launched during the second Earthna Summit in April 2025, brings together cities in arid and semi-arid climates to develop practical solutions for these environmental challenges.

Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director of Earthna, said: “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, added: “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. This partnership reaffirms Qatari Diar’s commitment to supporting leading global initiatives that bring together knowledge, research, and innovative urban planning. We believe that collaboration with Earthna through the Arid Cities Network (ACN) will contribute to establishing an integrated platform for knowledge exchange, developing practical and applicable solutions, and supporting policies that enhance the resilience of cities and their ability to thrive despite climatic challenges.”

Qatari Diar has a proven track record in sustainable urban development, with Lusail City serving as a flagship project that integrates innovative design, environmental sustainability, and community-focused planning. Lusail is recognised as a global model for living, working, and investing, supporting Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

The ACN will host a series of workshops and working groups later this year, culminating in its inaugural gathering in April 2026. The two-day event will feature site visits and interactive learning sessions across Doha, promoting collaboration and replicable solutions for urban arid environments.

Earthna is a non-profit policy, research, and advocacy organisation founded by Qatar Foundation to foster sustainability across environmental, social, and economic domains. It works closely with experts, government and non-government organisations, and civil society to develop actionable solutions for arid regions worldwide.