In the past, our cities were exemplars of sustainability, with a strong emphasis on ecological limits, harmonious development in sync with nature, resource conservation, utilization of local materials, and the innovation of effective methods for sustaining life, such as aqueducts and wind turbines. Artistic incorporation of water and greenery for air purification and pleasant landscapes, along with the creation of public spaces, were all influential factors contributing to this sustainability.

However, contemporary urban planning, often rooted in classical development patterns and failing to consider local conditions, has led to urban instability. Historically, when development adhered to endogenous and locally-adapted models, a balance existed between the city and its surrounding environment. Yet, the introduction of technology and industry into urban areas, coupled with urbanization based on exogenous development, disrupted this balance and transformed the very factors shaping urban and neighborhood structures. The consequence has been unbalanced growth and development, along with the attendant threats to environmental, economic, social, and physical indicators.

Recognizing the critical importance of this issue, there is a pressing need to elucidate the principles of sustainable urban development, predicated on the concept of sustainable development. Furthermore, it is imperative to formulate policies for sustainable urban development and outline the principles of sustainability in residential neighborhoods within desert cities.

To address these research objectives and strategies, the methods employed to gather necessary information are bifurcated into two broad categories. The first part entails data collection through document and library research. In the second part, input is sought from experts through structured interviews or by administering questionnaires to elucidate sustainability principles in desert cities. Data validity is verified and assessed based on theoretical foundations and expert opinions. The multi-criteria decision model, employed through software like Super Decision, measures data compatibility via an index known as the compatibility index, thereby determining the reliability of input data.

Ultimately, the outcomes and results of data analysis reveal a shift in focus from the predominant environmental perspective towards socio-economic criteria when determining the sustainability of residential areas. This shift culminates in the articulation of principles governing sustainable urban development in residential neighborhoods. Among the most salient of these principles are:

1. The Primacy of Human-Centered Sustainable Development: Placing individuals at the core of sustainable development goals, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the quality of life and the comfort of families within neighborhoods.

2. Eradicating Poverty and Reducing Social Inequalities: Achieving these aims by increasing employment rates and fostering collaboration between the government, local institutions, and the public. This collaboration centers around creating a sustainable economy that transforms local heritage into wealth, a critical component of local sustainability.

3. Inclusivity and Embracing Diversity: Acknowledging and integrating racial and cultural diversity while adopting a novel approach that caters to groups traditionally marginalized within urban settings, such as women, children, the disabled, and the elderly. This inclusivity serves to enhance social capital and bolster the sense of security among vulnerable groups, playing an instrumental role in realizing sustainable neighborhoods.

Keywords: sustainability, sustainable development, residential neighborhood, desert cities, multi-criteria decision-making model.