As the Arab region grapples with rapid urbanization, rising land costs, and the challenges of climate change, governments and private stakeholders are looking to digital innovation as a game-changer in land governance. The High-Level Session on Land Sector Innovation for Sustainable Investments and Housing brought together ministers, policymakers, and private sector leaders to explore how advanced technologies—such as GIS, AI, 3D cadastres, and blockchain—can transform land governance, enhance investment opportunities, and ensure housing accessibility.

With land tenure security emerging as a cornerstone for economic growth, the session emphasized the role of digital transformation in creating transparency, reducing land disputes, and attracting investment. Through case studies from Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, and Africa, speakers shared insights on how new technologies are shaping urban planning, land administration, and real estate markets.

Key Takeaways from the High-Level Session

1. Morocco’s Digital Transformation in Land and Investment Policies

The discussion began with Ms. Badria Benjelloun, Director of Urban Planning, Ministry of National Territory and Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy, Morocco, who highlighted the challenges of urban expansion, land scarcity, and rising costs in Morocco and across the Arab world.

“Morocco has seen rapid urban growth, and by 2050, this trend will only intensify. The cost of land is increasing, access to land for housing and development is becoming more complex, and climate risks pose additional challenges. To address this, Morocco has placed digital transformation at the heart of its national strategy.”

She outlined Morocco’s 2025 National Development Model, which integrates digital land registries, e-governance platforms, and smart investment incentives. Notably, Morocco has developed 12 regional investment centers—‘Morocco Invest’—to streamline land transactions, reduce regional disparities, and promote sustainable investment.

“Through digitalization, we are ensuring transparency in land transactions, reducing bureaucratic delays, and making land resources more accessible for investors and citizens alike.”

2. Egypt’s Smart Cities and Blockchain-Based Land Governance

Mr. Khaled Seddik Ebrahim, Chairman of Egypt’s Urban Development Fund, showcased how Egypt is leveraging AI, blockchain, and digital dashboards to accelerate urban expansion and transform informal settlements into modern housing projects.

“In Egypt, we are already using AI and blockchain-based land registries to improve efficiency. Today, government officials can track urban projects in real-time using digital dashboards, allowing for data-driven decision-making.”

He highlighted Egypt’s success in converting slums into high-value real estate zones, such as the 500-acre development of Abu Arab Land into a central park and entertainment hub.

“With real-time monitoring and a digital land registry, we can take informed decisions quickly, making land investment more attractive while ensuring sustainable urban growth.”

3. Africa’s Land Governance Lessons and Technology-Driven Solutions

Speaking from an African perspective, Ms. Joan Kagwanja, Chief of Land and Agricultural Transformation at UNECA, emphasized the need for land tenure reforms and digital mapping technologies across the continent.

“Land governance was historically seen as a political issue, but today, it is recognized as an economic driver. We are using digital tools to map land rights, ensuring smallholders, women, and vulnerable groups are not excluded from investment opportunities.”

She pointed to Rwanda’s success in digitizing land registries, which has boosted investment, reduced land conflicts, and improved agricultural productivity.

“Leadership commitment is essential. When governments prioritize land digitization, they unlock enormous economic opportunities and reduce inequality.”

4. Lebanon’s Digital Land Reform and Investment Revitalization

Ms. Claudine Karaki, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Finance in Lebanon, provided insights into how Lebanon is leveraging digital services to attract foreign investment despite economic challenges.

“Lebanon has fully digitized its land registry, making all land transactions transparent and accessible online. Today, investors can verify land ownership, pricing, and even receive push notifications about property updates, reducing risks of fraud and corruption.”

She introduced Lebanon’s upcoming ‘One-Stop-Shop’ digital portal, which will allow investors and citizens to complete land transactions entirely online, without visiting government offices.

“Digitalization ensures land transactions are secure, transparent, and efficient. This is key to revitalizing Lebanon’s real estate sector and attracting investment.”

5. Palestine’s Struggle for Land Sovereignty and Sustainable Agriculture

Mr. Salim Abu Thaher, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Housing in Palestine, offered a powerful intervention on the impact of land control, displacement, and agricultural sovereignty.

“We are facing unprecedented land confiscation and forced displacement. Secure land tenure is not just about investment—it is about protecting livelihoods and sovereignty.”

He emphasized the need for strong governance, community-led land mapping, and sustainable agricultural investment to counter land loss.

“Palestine is now using satellite imagery and digital land registries to document and protect our land. We must ensure that land innovation serves people, not just economic interests.”

6. Integrating Technology and Governance for Sustainable Urban Growth

Throughout the session, speakers stressed the importance of integrating technological advancements with sound governance policies. Key technological innovations discussed included:

• AI-powered urban planning to optimize land use and reduce infrastructure costs.
• Blockchain-based land registries to prevent fraud, corruption, and disputes.
• Digital dashboards to provide real-time monitoring of land projects.
• Geospatial mapping to assess climate risks and improve resilience.

The discussion underscored that technology alone cannot drive change—it must be coupled with strong policies, leadership commitment, and community engagement.

Key Conclusions and Next Steps

The session concluded with a call to action for policymakers, investors, and civil society to embrace digital transformation in land governance. Key takeaways include:

• Land digitization enhances transparency, reduces corruption, and improves investment confidence.
• Blockchain, AI, and geospatial technologies can accelerate land registration and urban planning.
• Cross-sector partnerships (government-private-civil society) are essential for scaling innovation.
• Land tenure security must be prioritized to ensure inclusive economic growth.
• Sustainable urbanization requires balancing digital transformation with social and environmental considerations.

As the Arab region faces growing urban and climate challenges, land innovation will be central to driving resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering regional cooperation, countries can unlock new investment opportunities, enhance land rights, and build smarter cities for the future.