Urban Mobility and Sustainable Transportation in the MENA Region: Trends and Perspectives

Abstract

Due to the rapid urbanization, economic growth, and the related environmental and other externalities, pivotal challenges can be detected related to sustainable transport systems within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) territory. The main aim of the study is to identify and present the characteristics of the current sustainable transport environment in the MENA region. Based on the available relevant information in the selected cities of the MENA countries, it analyzes the main trends, the key challenges and also the related opportunities considering sustainable mobility. The sustainable mobility landscape covers, among other themes, sustainable transport, including urban mobility, public transport developments also considering the integration of new technologies. The study highlights the MENA region's commitment to the transition towards a sustainable transport sector, supported by strategic plans and policy reforms, while also addressing the main obstacles to responding to the challenges in the region. Finally, it focuses on policy recommendations to be able to foster the practical implementation of a more resilient and greener transport sector in the examined region.