Growth
The HOPE 2026 – Housing, People & Environment symposium successfully took place at Al Mirani Fort, Muscat, as part of the Muscat Nights programme and under the patronage of Muscat Municipality.
Building on previous editions, HOPE 2026 brought together policymakers, academics, architects, urban planners, and practitioners from Oman and across the international context to reflect on the theme of Growth, exploring how cities can accommodate population, economic, and spatial growth while prioritising health, inclusion, and long-term wellbeing.
About HOPE
HOPE (Housing, People & Environment) is a people-centred urban platform launched in 2023 through collaboration between academic research, public institutions, and professional practice. The initiative supports evidence-based urban development aligned with Oman Vision 2040, translating research into implementable policy and design action for healthier, more liveable cities.
HOPE 2026 Focus
This edition explored growth through three interlinked lenses:
- Urban Growth, Housing & Healthy Cities
- Housing, Regeneration & Economic Development
- Governance, Social-Spatial Growth, Inclusion & Placemaking
Through keynote lectures, moderated panels, and open discussion, speakers addressed topics ranging from housing density and public health to governance frameworks, economic regeneration, and implementation strategies across the MENA region and beyond.
Keynote Address
The symposium opened with a keynote by Winy Maas, Co-founder of MVRDV and Professor at TU Delft, who explored the relationship between urban growth and global health, drawing on international projects and research-led urban models.
Speakers & Contributors
HOPE 2026 featured a diverse and interdisciplinary group of speakers, including:
- Eng. Elham Alhadhrami, Director of Urban Development, Muscat Municipality
- Joleza Koka, Founder of JZK Collective and member of the HOPE Organising Team
- Gustavo de Siqueira, German University of Technology in Oman
- Manuela Gatto, Zaha Hadid Architects
- Benedetta Mea, Settanta7
- Amna Al-Saadi, GCET
- Haitham Al Abri, Ibrahim Jaidah Architects
- Jose Ramon Sierra, PRÁCTICA
- Thomas Busse, KSP Engel
- Kostandin Jano, UDV Architects
- Jianxiang Huang, University of Hong Kong
- Jason Carlow, American University of Sharjah
- Hanan Aljabri, Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning
- Adam Nadolny, Poznań University of Technology
- Wafa Al Ghattam, University of Bahrain
- Mahmood Al-Wahaibi, Oman Think UrbanDr. Ruth M. Mabry, Global Health Consultant
A Platform for Dialogue
HOPE 2026 reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration, connecting research, governance, and practice, to address contemporary urban challenges. The discussions emphasised that growth, when guided by inclusive planning and evidence-based design, can become a driver of healthier societies and more resilient cities.
Below you can find a selection of photographs from the HOPE 2026 symposium, capturing key moments, discussions, and the atmosphere of the event at Al Mirani Fort.
