Sharjah Unveils Uruk, a Sustainable AI-Powered City Designed for the Post-AI Era

Sharjah has unveiled Uruk, a new urban development concept designed for the post-AI era, with a focus on sustainability, artificial intelligence, resource independence and community wellbeing.

The project was revealed at the opening of the second edition of Sharjah Next in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park.

Uruk is being developed through a strategic partnership between Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), American University of Sharjah (AUS) and SEE Holding. The collaboration brings together expertise in innovation, scientific research and sustainable urban development.

Uruk to Focus on Renewable Energy and Resource Independence

The proposed city aims to establish a model for urban living in which artificial intelligence and resource-efficient systems support residents' everyday needs.

Uruk is designed to generate all its energy through renewable sources, including solar, wind and biogas. Its resource-management plans also include groundwater desalination, treated water reuse and circular waste management.

Local food production will form another part of the development. Plans include indoor and outdoor farming, fish, egg and honey production, as well as private farming plots for residents. These initiatives will be complemented by suppliers across Sharjah.

The integrated approach is intended to strengthen local resource production while reducing reliance on external supply chains.

Robotics and Smart Mobility to Shape Everyday Life

Uruk will incorporate robotics and intelligent systems into everyday services, including deliveries, cleaning and security, with the aim of reducing routine demands on residents.

Its urban design will prioritise walking and cycling, supported by electric and shared mobility options. The approach seeks to make everyday movement more accessible while supporting the city's wider sustainability objectives.

The development's focus extends beyond infrastructure and technology to the way residents use their time and engage with their communities.

Faris Saeed, Founder and Chairman of SEE Holding, said: “The true measure of progress is not what technology can achieve, but what it makes possible for people. When a city produces its essential resources, manages them intelligently and eases everyday demands, it gives residents something invaluable: more time for family, creativity, health and community life.”

Uruk to Operate as a Living Laboratory for Innovation

In addition to its residential and sustainability objectives, Uruk is intended to function as a real-world testing environment for emerging technologies.

Researchers, students and entrepreneurs will be able to develop and test solutions in practical settings, with residents participating in shaping technologies that address community needs. The model aims to help innovations move more quickly from research and laboratory development into wider society.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, said: “Our ambition is to create an AI-powered innovation city, where technology is embedded into its foundations from the outset. A city where researchers work alongside entrepreneurs, global companies collaborate with universities, ideas are tested in real-world settings, and innovations move faster from the laboratory into society.”

Through its partnership with AUS and SEE Holding, SPARK aims to bring research, entrepreneurship and urban development together within the proposed city.

A New Approach to Sustainable Urban Living in Sharjah

Uruk brings together renewable energy generation, water management, local food production, automated services and sustainable transport within a single urban development concept.

By combining these systems with research and community participation, the project aims to explore how technology can support resource-efficient cities while improving residents' quality of life.

The initiative was unveiled at Sharjah Next, highlighting the emirate's focus on connecting scientific research, innovation and sustainable urban development.