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The first projects of sustainable urban planning are appearing in the countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean (especially in Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt) in a rather ambivalent context. Oil is rather inexpensive in Arab countries. Existing regulations do not push promoters to make sustainable projects. And finally, due to the high cost of eco-technologies and eco-materials, few families have the capacity to buy homes and live in such eco-friendly spaces. However, pioneer projects are flourishing and are part of a big turning point: the generalization of urban sustainability in public policies and projects in Arab countries since the mid-2000s. Starting first with a discussion of the necessity of a sustainable agenda for Arab cities, I try to shed light on the diversity of initiatives (from big private companies to ngos and para-statal bodies) and approaches. From spectacular high-profile eco-projects to modest initiatives with city-dwellers, the scope is wide and opens a period of uncertainties and challenges to overcome the conflicts and difficulties of implementation. And I mention some similarities and big differences with experiences in rich countries and especially in Europe which is seen as the cradle of eco-urbanism.