Housing, People, and Environment (HOPE) advances people-centered development through inclusive planning and sustainable urban design, producing healthy and livable environments. Launched in January 2023 under HH Sayyed Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, HOPE fosters dialogue among scholars, decision-makers, civil society, and industry to support Oman Vision 2040 with interdisciplinary approaches focused on Oman and the wider region.
HOPE 2026 explores the intersections of housing development, health promotion, governance, and spatial inclusion, promoting responsible growth in MENA cities and communities while addressing densification demands to enhance health outcomes and economic diversity.
Housing, People and Environment – HOPE – is a platform that advances people-centered development through inclusive planning, responsible growth, and sustainable urban design. Established in January 2023 under the patronage of HH Sayyed Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, HOPE brings together scholars, planning practitioners, designers, civil society, government, and industry to support Oman Vision 2040 and to strengthen dialogue across Oman and the wider MENA region.
HOPE 2026 is held under the patronage of H.E. Ahmed Al Humaidi, Mayor of Muscat Municipality, and forms part of the “Muscat Nights” initiative.
This year’s edition explores the intersections of housing development, public health, governance, and spatial inclusion, addressing the challenges of urban growth and densification while promoting environments that are healthy, resilient, and socially cohesive.
HOPE continues to highlight pathways for sustainable and economically diverse communities, fostering interdisciplinary perspectives that shape the future of cities in Oman and beyond.
MC & Eng. Elham Alhadhrami, Director of Urban Development, Muscat Municipality
Arch. Joleza Koka, HOPE Organising Committee
Prof. Winy Maas Founding Partner, MVRDV | The Why Factory, TU Delft
Moderator: Dr. Ruth M. Mabry – Global Health Consultant
Arch. Manuela Gatto, Zaha Hadid Architects
Arch. Benedetta Mea, Settanta7
Dr. Amna Al-Saadi, GCET
Dr. Haitham Al Abri, Ibrahim Jaidah
Moderator: Dr. Jianxiang Huang, Tsinghua University
Dr. Alya Al-hashim, SQU
Dr. Jose Ramon Sierra, Studio Pratica
Arch. Thomas Busse, KSP-Engel
Arch. Kostandin Jano, UDV
Moderator: Prof. Jason Carlow, American University of Sharjah
Dr. Gustavo de Siqueira, PUT/ Gutech
Prof. Adam Nadolny, PUT
Dr. Wafa Alghatam, UOB
Prof. Mahmood Al-Wahaibi, OTU
Awarding of Certificates and Presentation of Gifts to Speakers and Organisers
Presented by Muscat Municipality & HOPE Organising Committee
End of HOPE 26 – SYMPOSIUM
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