In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban development, a groundbreaking study is shedding light on the intricate relationship between city branding and urban competitiveness, with significant implications for the energy sector and beyond. Led by Nada H. Abdelraouf, an assistant professor at the Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Najran University, Saudi Arabia, the research introduces a novel framework that could reshape how emerging cities in the MENA region—and potentially worldwide—approach strategic planning and sustainable competitiveness.
The study, published in the journal *Architecture* (translated to English), focuses on developing a City Branding–Competitiveness Index (BCI) that merges symbolic branding elements with quantifiable aspects of urban competitiveness. This innovative index was applied to two emerging cities in the MENA region: King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia and New Alamein City in Egypt. The findings reveal a compelling narrative about the challenges and opportunities these cities face in balancing development with livability.
“Our research underscores the critical need for a holistic approach to urban planning that integrates branding strategies with tangible competitiveness factors,” Abdelraouf explains. “By doing so, cities can enhance their attractiveness to investors, residents, and businesses, ultimately fostering economic growth and sustainability.”
The BCI evaluates cities across several dimensions, including infrastructure, environmental planning, accessibility, social cohesion, cultural identity, and participatory governance. The results indicate that both King Abdullah Economic City and New Alamein City excel in areas like infrastructure and accessibility, thanks to government-led development models. However, they lag in social cohesion, cultural identity, and participatory governance, highlighting a significant gap between urban development and the lived experiences of residents.
This disparity is particularly relevant to the energy sector, where infrastructure projects often require substantial investment and community buy-in. “Cities that prioritize both hard infrastructure and soft factors like social cohesion are more likely to attract and retain the talent and investment needed to drive innovation in energy solutions,” Abdelraouf notes. “This balance is crucial for creating sustainable, competitive urban environments.”
The BCI framework offers policymakers and urban planners a practical tool to assess and enhance their strategic planning efforts. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, cities can tailor their branding and development strategies to better align with the needs and aspirations of their residents and stakeholders. This approach not only boosts urban competitiveness but also ensures that development is inclusive and sustainable.
As the world grapples with the challenges of urbanization and climate change, the insights from this research could not be more timely. The BCI provides a guiding framework for emerging cities to navigate the complex interplay between branding and competitiveness, ultimately shaping more resilient and attractive urban environments.
For the energy sector, the implications are clear: cities that successfully integrate branding and competitiveness will be better positioned to attract the investments and partnerships needed to drive innovation in energy infrastructure and solutions. By adopting a multidimensional approach to urban planning, cities can create environments that are not only economically vibrant but also socially and culturally rich, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
As Abdelraouf’s research demonstrates, the future of urban development lies in striking the right balance between visionary branding and practical competitiveness. By embracing this holistic approach, cities can unlock their full potential and become beacons of innovation and sustainability in an increasingly interconnected world.