A novel Governance Evaluation Model (GEM) for Accessible and Inclusive Urban Development (AIUD): insights from Sharjah, UAE

In the pursuit of sustainable urban development and the realization of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the governance of Accessible and Inclusive Urban Development (AIUD) has gained prominence as a critical factor. This research responds to the call for comprehensive evaluation models for AIUD governance by introducing a novel approach that combines indicators-based evaluation and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. The study focuses on the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE, aiming to develop a Governance Evaluation Model (GEM) that fosters stakeholder participation, assesses governance effectiveness, and identifies areas for improvement. The methodology encompasses two main stages. Stage 1 involves the development of the AIUD GEM, structured according to established governance principles (GP’s) and corresponding governance indicators (GIs). The Analytic Network Process (ANP), a powerful MCDM tool, is employed to determine the ranking of GP’s and GIs, as well as to establish inter-dependencies and relations between these elements. Stage 2 involves the implementation of the GEM, focusing on stakeholder engagement. Public sector organizations in Sharjah are involved, providing feedback through surveys and interviews to score AIUD GIs and contribute to the ANP model. The research contributes to the advancement of AIUD governance by addressing its complexity through a systematic approach that integrates stakeholder perspectives and decision-making techniques. The proposed AIUD GEM offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating governance effectiveness, promoting transparency, equity, and efficiency, and fostering a more inclusive urban development process. The study’s outcomes provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders striving to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of cities and communities.