The rapid urbanisation of Gulf countries in recent decades has highlighted the urgent need for urban risk management to be understood and put into practice, said a UN official.

Mami Mizutori, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNDRR, explained that this could be attained via building codes, land use regulation, natural resource management, adaptation to climate change and upgrading informal settlements.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, on the sidelines of the World Urban Forum, WUF10, Mizutori said that one of the biggest challenges in UAE, and the Middle East region, is to mitigate the risk of potential flooding and the associated damage to people, the environment and the economy.

WUF10 is currently running in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi - the first Middle East city to host the Forum.

"The combination of a naturally hot and arid environment, rapid mass urbanisation, industrial development, a growing population and increased water consumption means that whilst water is a naturally limited supply; when rain comes, the risk of flooding is significant," she explained.

Yet, she added, "With its technological innovation and rapid development, the UAE has the potential to lead the way towards a disaster-resilient society."

More than 20,000 visitors from 160 countries are expected to gather at WUF10 until 13th February to assess the momentum for change and work towards a future full of sustainable cities populated with thriving communities.

Mizutori noted that that the UNDRR and the UAE are working closely to ensure that "we are engaging all stakeholders and partners from the government and the private sector, to avoid the creation of new disaster risk and economic losses."

She noted that UAE cities "have the potential to be role models for other cities in the region and internationally."

"The UAE is committed to implementing the global plan to reduce disaster losses [via] the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction," which is an international document adopted by UN member states in 2015.

"The UNDRR’s regional office is supporting the UAE in the implementation effort working closely with UAE Sendai Framework focal points," she added.