As global cities grapple with climate extremes and increasing water scarcity, urban planning must evolve. At the Value of Water Conference city strategist Dima Al Srouri and water expert Dr Hazem Gouda explore how sustainable design and smart technologies can support resilient, water-efficient cities. The session addresses key approaches such as water-sensitive urban design, predictive AI modelling, digital twins, and integrated governance. Drawing on real-world examples from the Middle East, UK and Singapore, the talk highlights how collaboration between policy, design and communities is essential for tackling tomorrow’s urban water challenges.
Dr Hazem Gouda
Dr Hazem Gouda is a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager, Chartered Engineer, and Chartered Environmentalist (CIWEM, UK) with over 33 years of experience across the water sector and academia. He holds a PhD and MSc from the UK and a postgraduate diploma from IHE Delft. Dr Gouda has worked in consultancy, utilities, and research in the UK and the Middle East. His focus areas include sustainable drainage, flood resilience, asset management, and AI-based planning. He has led major projects including Masdar City (Abu Dhabi), Crossrail (London), and for Southern Water.
Dima Al Srouri
Dima Al Srouri is an urban strategist and sustainability expert. She leads the Biospheric City Lab, a Dubai-based consultancy, and teaches at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. With experience in city-scale spatial strategies and complex mixed-use projects, she specialises in integrating circular development and smart planning. Dima has worked with public and private sectors, served as a judge for the Gulf Sustainability Awards, and contributed to the UN SDSN Youth Program. Her work bridges policy, design and innovation to advance regenerative urbanism.
