Lusail City Becomes First Arab City to be Named UNESCO Creative City in Architecture
Qatar’s Lusail City sets a regional milestone as the first Arab entrant in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for architecture
Lusail City in Qatar has marked a historic milestone by becoming the first Arab city to be officially designated a UNESCO Creative City in Architecture. Lusail was included among the newest members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in 2025, under the category of architecture.
This recognition underscores Qatar’s commitment to forward-thinking urban design, sustainability and architectural excellence. Lusail City, a planned smart city north of Doha, is not only built for modern living but also positioned as a benchmark for future-focused architecture across the region.
From its extensive master plan covering 38 square kilometres, Lusail features mixed-use districts, waterfront marinas, green park networks, pedestrian-centred design and smart transport systems.
The city’s focus on sustainable living—integrating open spaces, bike lanes, and advanced infrastructure—aligns with UNESCO’s vision of creativity and urban sustainability.
By becoming part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the architecture discipline, Lusail gains access to an international platform that encourages collaboration, innovation, cultural exchange and sustainable urbanism. In previous entries, cities used their membership to foster design-education programmes, cross-sector partnerships and global recognition of their built environment.