Introduction   /   Objectives   /   Process   /   Outcomes


Outcomes

Introduction   /   Patterns of Growth   /   Physical Planning Standards   /   Land Management and Urban Governance   /   Climate Responsive Urban Design   /   Policies and Programmes


Comparative documentation and evaluation of urbanisation patterns in Oman: Representative case studies will illustrate pattern of urbanisation and reveal characteristics on both ongoing urban growth and rural to urban transformation. Findings of the to case studies give detailed insights to mechanisms and processes of urbanisation in Oman. The comparative evaluation contributes to develop a sustainability profile.

Case Study Area A - Al Khoud stands for the phenomenon of urban expansion in Muscat Capital Area. The new Al Khoud neighborhood is located at the western fringe of Muscat Capital Area along the southern expressway. The neighborhood was developed since 2007 and offers a typical show case for urban expansion phenomena.

The criteria for selection were: New settlement on "virgin" land. Designed by the ministry of housing. Relative size of the development: Accommodation 2000 plots of 600m2 each. Continuous urban development allows to study the process of urbanisation. Satellite imagery available from the beginning of the development in 2007 to present.

Case Study Area B - Fanja stands for the phenomenon of rural to urban transformation in Interior Oman. Fanja is located along the Muscat - Nizwa highway in Willayat Bidbid and used to be a traditional oasis settlement.

The criteria for selection were: Fanja displays the typical phases of transformation from a traditional settlement towards a more urbanised settlement type from 1970 to present day. The ongoing transformation process is fostered by the proximity to the highway and Muscat Capital Area.


Further in-depth scientific research:

• Al Gharibi, Hamad: "From Sprawl to Compact City, the case of Muscat", PhD thesis TU Berlin / GUtech 2013
• Abdel Aal, Sara: "Rural urban linkages for a sustainable Oman", Master thesis Urban Management Studies Programme TU Berlin / GUtech 2013
• van Esch, Effje: "Student Stories: Omani students in Muscat about their home, family and aspirations", Master thesis International Development Studies Utrecht University, NL / GUtech 2011. View the thesis as a PDF (2.7MB)