Who we are?

The Emirates Planning Association (EPA) is the only officially recognized professional association for the profession of urban planning and design in the United Arab Emirates. It was founded on the 15th of July 2020 based on the Ministerial Decision Number (121) for the Year (2020).

The EPA is mandated with a number of important remits including its leading role in the training and professional development of planning practitioners in the UAE through the dissemination of contemporary knowledge and improving basic and advanced skills. The EPA is also responsible for several other professional development roles including the fostering of scientific and applied research related to the discipline and sub-disciplines of urban planning and design within the UAE context. The development and spread of high standard professional ethical principles, conducts and practices among planning practitioners in all sectors. Contribute to the development of official systems of registration, evaluation, classification and professional licensing for both planning practitioners and consultancy firms in collaboration with the relevant competent governmental authorities in the country. EPA will also provide technical urban planning and design support and professional advice to relevant governmental entities in the UAE.

In a nutshell, EPA aims to comprehensively elevate all aspects of the planning profession to an entirely new level. This requires that we focus on a number of priority areas including developing the planning leaders of tomorrow who will shape the future cities and towns across the country. Finding answers to the most critical planning issues and building institutional capacities that can best respond to emerging mega trends and their effects on cities, the resources and most importantly the people.