MUSCAT : The Urban October Conference and the first Gulf Housing Week, organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, kicked off at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). This three-day event, under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Aa Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs, aims to highlight the significance of urban planning and housing in the Sultanate of Oman and foster local, regional, and international collaboration in these sectors.
Under the theme "Better City... Better Life," the conference underscores the importance of well-designed urban planning in enhancing the social and economic well-being of cities. It also focuses on showcasing successful models and experiences in urban planning to improve the quality of life and foster sustainable urban economies.
The conference encompasses four main themes: housing, urban planning, the future of school buildings, and city resilience. With over 60 speakers from global and regional specialists and experts, it presents a platform for the presentation and review of more than 65 scientific working papers addressing various aspects of urban development.
One of the highlights of the conference is the accompanying ‘Urban October Exhibition,’ featuring the participation of more than 35 local and Gulf entities. This exhibition showcases cutting-edge products, innovations, and services in the housing and urban planning sector. Attendance is expected from over 50,000 participants, including experts, professionals, and interested individuals.
In the field of urban planning and housing, a dialogue session titled ‘A Prosperous Urban Economy’ was held. It covered various topics, including presentations on sustainable urban development, urban renewal projects, and addressing social and economic risks with urban concepts. The session provided valuable insights into the experiences shared by different regions, such as the Sultan Haitham City project and the urban renewal projects in Mahayil Asir Governorate in Saudi Arabia.
Another dialogue session, ‘Sustainability of the Housing Sector,’ shed light on the current trends and future prospects in housing and urban development across the Gulf countries. The session emphasized sustainability, innovation, and social aspects as crucial elements for successful housing projects. Topics discussed included sustainable land use, the role of housing associations in providing housing, and the impact of real estate legislation on market governance.
In line with the conference's aim to foster cooperation between the education and housing sectors, the Ministry of Education organised a symposium on ‘The Future of School Buildings.’ This symposium aims to develop school buildings that adhere to modern educational developments and align with the national vision for city development and planning (Oman Vision 2040). The symposium also focuses on creating an attractive educational environment, enhancing partnership and integration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and meeting the educational needs of students.
Over two days, the symposium presented 24 working papers covering a range of topics related to school building planning policies, structural design, engineering specifications, and future educational environments. It also explored financing options for sustainable school buildings.
The exhibition accompanying the symposium included the Ministry Corner, displaying the services provided by the Ministry of Education, and the accompanying events corner, where visitors could share their ideas and aspirations for the future of school buildings.
To promote innovation in urban planning, the conference launched the ‘First Gulf Urban Planning Hackathon.’ This contest involved 80 participants from universities and colleges across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The aim was to provide innovative solutions for a specific region facing challenges, developing a schematic plan within three days, and announcing the winning teams on the conference's final day.
The Urban October Conference and Gulf Housing Week serve as important platforms for exchanging knowledge and experiences in the field of urban planning and housing. With their focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, these events contribute to the development of cities that offer a better quality of life and a more sustainable future.
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