TITLE:
The Role of Universities in Providing Executive Master’s Programs for Sustainable Municipal Practices: King Saud University’s Model
AUTHORS:
Majed M. Al-Halwany, Abdullah M. Alabed
KEYWORDS:
Training Programs, Sustainable Municipal Practices, King Saud University
JOURNAL NAME:
Current Urban Studies,
Vol.14 No.2,
May
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: The Executive Master’s Program in Municipal Policies and Urban Development, along with the Higher Diploma in Urban Planning and Design, emphasizes effective collaboration to train municipal staff and leadership from the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH). These programs aim to promote sustainable municipal practices. This paper discusses how these programs were developed and assesses their effectiveness in addressing municipalities’ actual needs. To achieve the research objectives, the study employs a descriptive-analytical approach and utilizes a performance evaluation form to assess program results. The findings offer several recommendations for improving educational and training programs in partnership with universities. This research emphasizes the partnership with King Saud University as a model for future initiatives that advance sustainable municipal development across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.