The urban planning activities of Arabs in the vast Afro-Asian region within the borders of the 7th-16th centuries are covered. A comprehensive description of the city is given: its size and configuration, population, interaction of individual parts (social specifics and defense functions of the citadel), the structure of the general plan and residential areas. Particular attention is paid to fortification and water supply, which is so necessary in an arid climate. The typology of urban development is outlined - residential, religious and public buildings. The description is accompanied by a comparative analysis.