The research addresses the importance of planning special economic zones and their fundamental role in achieving integrated urban development. The research aims to clarify the nature of these zones, their role and factors for their success, by presenting international and Arab experiences, especially since these experiences have proven the importance of special economic zones and the investments accompanying them in making the region international fame, enhancing its ability to attract residents from different countries of the world, and disseminating knowledge and technology. In its basic structure, the research relied on three main discussions, the first of which relates to defining them and clarifying their types and the extent of their effective role at the local and global levels. The second deals with the importance of these areas in balanced urban development in order to achieve sustainability goals. The third and final relates to presenting and studying experiences, whether foreign or Arab. The experimental study showed that planning and developing these areas effectively contributes to achieving sustainable development goals. It contributes effectively to the urban development plan through the growth of communities and cities with diverse capabilities and resources. And also developing regions and reviving industries in most parts of the country. Increasing reliance on clean energy and providing many new job opportunities. This is what many countries need, especially in light of the challenges related to global climate change, which has made sustainable development not just an economic luxury, but an inevitable necessity that the world seeks.