UPDATE to original story, 10:00 am, March 27, 2026: A representative from SEE Holding followed up with The Dallas Express and said Sustainable City USA is still part of the group’s plan to introduce “future-ready, net-zero emissions communities” in America.
“As part of our early-stage planning, Kaufman County was one of several locations evaluated,” the representative said. “Following a comprehensive technical and commercial assessment, we have decided not to proceed with development in Kaufman County.”
The firm is currently focused on smaller, “strategically phased” communities rather than a single large-scale development – to remain flexible, meet local conditions, and effectively deliver long-term results.
“We would also like to clarify that recent characterizations of the project are inaccurate and do not reflect the nature, intent, or structure of The Sustainable City model, which is inclusive by design and aligned with the regulatory and cultural frameworks of the markets in which it operates,” the representative said. “We will continue to explore opportunities across the United States that align with this vision and will share further updates in due course, working transparently and in close collaboration with our stakeholders.”
The Sustainable City model aims to create “high-quality, human-centric communities” using clean energy, water reuse, urban agriculture, and “circular waste systems,” according to the representative. The firm reportedly aims to improve quality of life and reduce environmental impact, while benefiting the local economy.
“In an increasingly complex global landscape, where energy resilience, resource security, and cost efficiency are critical, this integrated and self-sufficient approach is more relevant than ever,” the representative said.
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After residents of Kaufman voiced their concerns, developers in Dubai have reportedly abandoned plans to build “Sustainable City USA.”
SEE Holding had been planning “Sustainable City USA” in Kaufman – a 2,300-acre “green” development that would use advanced technology, as The Dallas Express previously reported. The Dubai firm’s other projects featured prominent mosques – prompting resident concerns that it could be an Islamic-centric city, similar to EPIC City.
Republican Rep. Keith Self, who co-chairs the Sharia Free America Caucus, echoed these concerns, as DX also reported, and Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation.
Now it appears SEE Holding has withdrawn plans for “Sustainable City USA” in Kaufman, Republican Rep. Lance Gooden told The Daily Caller, reported on March 23.
“I spoke with them directly within the past 24 hours and advised them to step back and reconsider whether this was the right time and fit for their property,” Gooden said at the time. “Following that conversation, I’m pleased to announce they’ve decided not to move forward in Kaufman County. This matter is resolved, and there is no cause for continued concern.”
It was unclear whether the developers would seek out other sites in Texas or elsewhere in the United States.
SEE Holding is already working on “sustainable cities” in the UAE, including Dubai, Sharjah, and Yas Island, and in Oman, including Yiti, as DX reported.
These developments feature dense residential neighborhoods organized around shared green spaces, with amenities including mosques. They also use artificial intelligence and advanced technology to manage infrastructure and essential operations.
Each overseas Sustainable City development spans roughly 165 acres or less, while the proposed Kaufman County site — at approximately 2,300 acres — would have been nearly fourteen times larger.
After the initial news broke, Paxton launched an investigation into the development, as The Dallas Express reported.
“There will be no ‘sharia city’ in Texas under my watch,” Paxton said at the time.
“While you’re on American soil, you will obey America’s laws. I have launched this investigation to determine the nature of this development in Kaufman County and will be thoroughly investigating this matter for any unlawful actions,” Paxton continued.
The Dallas Express reached out to SEE Holding and Gooden’s office, but media representatives did not comment in time for publication.
