MUSCAT: The inaugural 'October Urban and the First Gulf Housing Week' conference began on Sunday with the theme 'Better City, Better Life.' Hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event was opened under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs.
This conference coincides with two globally significant annual events in the fields of urban planning and housing: 'October Urban' and 'Gulf Housing Week.' Together, they underscore the imperative of constructing superior cities and enhancing the quality of urban life with an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Over the course of three days, this conference seeks to accomplish a set of paramount urban planning objectives, aimed at elevating cities, urban existence, and the real estate sector. The core mission is to strengthen sustainable urban economies, facilitate the development of enduring educational environments, and foster ecological equilibrium.
In a press briefing, HH Sayyid Shihab stressed the significance of the conference which, he said, is the most outstanding event in the Sultanate of Oman’s urban planning and housing sector. The event sees a large regional and international turnout, he said.
HH Sayyid Shihab added that an exhibition held on the sidelines of the conference showcases successful models and highlights prominent experiences in the fields of housing, urban planning and smart cities, notably the Sultan Haitham City project, which constitutes a replica for Greater Muscat.
The conference's primary focus areas encompass four key domains: housing, urban planning, the future of school buildings, and city resilience. It showcases more than 65 presentations covering urban planning, innovation, contemporary applications, urban economics, sustainable cities, real estate development, city resilience, environmental harmony, climate change risk mitigation, and community engagement. Notably, the conference hosts over 60 distinguished international and regional speakers.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning will present a total of 24 papers in the "Future of School Buildings" segment. These papers will delve into futuristic visions for school infrastructure, building design suitability, standards, location determinants, and the impact of the educational environment on students.
As an accompanying feature, the "October Urban Exhibition" is showcasing the wares of more than 35 participants, comprising both local and Gulf-based entities. These exhibitors present a diverse range of products, innovations, and services within the realms of housing and urban planning. A standout component of the event is the inaugural "Gulf Urban Hackathon," which actively involves the youthful talents of the Gulf region. This segment centres on urban planning with the goal of devising groundbreaking solutions to address urban challenges in Oman.
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