TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE URBAN FUTURE IN OMAN: PROBLEM & PROCESS ANALYSIS (MUSCAT AS A CASE STUDY) Khalfan Said Mubarak Al Shueili Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture Page 1 DECLARATION I declare that this thesis was composed by myself and that the work contained therein is my own, except where explicitly stated otherwise in the text. I declare that this submission has not been submitted for any other academic award. Khalfan Said Mubarak Al Shueili Page 2 ABSTRACT Like its neighbouring countries, Oman has witnessed an extraordinary social and economic development over the past few decades. This was mainly one-sided socio-economic development dependent on the oil sector and the government has continuously strived to draw a balance between exploitation of its natural resources, and the development program which indicates an early courtesy towards sustainability and environmental protection. The pressure towards massive investment in development and economic progress was nevertheless higher and determined to a large extent its success in maintaining this equilibrium. As such, one has to address this important issue within the framework of urban sustainability. The essence of this thesis contribution to knowledge lies around the dissection of the decision making process around urban planning and development in Oman during the past forty years (through problem and process analysis) and how it may be directed towards a more sustainable urban future. The aims of this research are: to develop a comprehensive understanding of the history of urban development in Oman since 1970, and to provide insights into the decision making processes which have occurred during this period; to develop an understanding of contemporary decision making processes in urban planning, including an understanding of decision makers and citizens attitudes towards urban sustainability; to identify problems and successes in these areas; and to develop an improved strategy for urban planning that will provide an effective and equitable sustainable urban future. The study has progressed in a sequence of phases: identifying the main dimensions of urban sustainability that are relevant for this study; mapping out the history of urban development planning, including its main objectives, policies, urban development milestones and challenges; carrying out the research using a triangulated methodology approach that consists of: historical analysis of milestones and projects within the development of town planning in Oman over the past forty years, semi-structured interviews of decision makers, and the assessment of behaviour and attitudes of the general public towards sustainability through the use of focus groups and Page 3 questionnaires. This has revolved around a few case studies of existing districts from Muscat, the capital of Oman. The framework for this study consisted of 16 urban sustainability dimensions (USDs), which can be looked at as the agenda for any serious review of urban sustainability specific to Oman. The problem analysis phase produced a list of problems, challenges, constraints and drivers that can be utilized in addressing the progress of urban development and how it may be enhanced in the future. It was evident that throughout the early years of development, and up to 1995, Oman has undertaken serious strategy development across various disciplines within urban development. As a result of the process analysis phase, there is an apparent gap between strategy development and implementation, and this research identified 14 strategy shortcomings and 24 implementation shortcomings. As an outcome of this analysis, the research identifies a comprehensive list of recommendations against each urban sustainability dimension and this should aid any consultant that aims to develop future urban planning strategies, and the professionals entrusted with implementation of such strategies. It is not surprising that focus should be cast on land use, urban planning and urban transport. The plot distribution system in Oman has driven our cities to the shape they are in today, and has affected other elements of the city in this route, such as transport corridors, urban design and urban quality. The lack of a meaningful urban development management at a city scale contributes to this dilemma, but there are solutions to overcome this that should be looked at. This research could be carried forward by translating these urban sustainability dimensions into indicators which will be able to measure progress and success against the government actions and other initiatives addressing sustainability. In addition, the product analysis phase that would involve case studies within Muscat as a city could be undertaken to identify the association of the outcome with the strategies developed and their implementation. In addition, the results within this research could be tested against the current progress and development of Oman National Spatial Strategy, under development since 2008. The qualitative analysis in this research would be enhanced by conducting quantitative analysis into the decision making process and to measure the gap behind strategy and implementation. Page 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All thanks and praises go to Allah, the Almighty and the Merciful, for granting me the wisdom and the health to complete this work. I bear witness that there is no true guidance but the guidance from Allah. Alhamdulillah. I would like to acknowledge the help and the supervision provided to me by Dr. Tim Sharpe and Dr. Emanuel Rohinton. Their direct involvement and encouragement throughout the study influenced the positive progress and made me a stronger and better researcher. I would like to thank all those who have shared their knowledge and provide me with a constructive feedback at some stage of this research: Dr. Raid Hanna, Yahya Al Zadjali from SCTP, and various colleagues and friends in Oman, and those who participated in this research from SCTP, Muscat Municipality and Ministry of Housing. Their support and participation enabled me to gather the proper data required to conduct this research. I would also like to thank my Glasgow friends who always provided support and advice, as well as enjoyment during various times of my Phd, both in Glasgow or in Oman: Mohamed Al Harthy, Dr. Mohamed Al Fairuz, Dr. Qais Al Yahyaei, Ghassan Al Mamari and Issa Al Abdali. A special thanks to my brother Ahmed Al Shueili who stood by me all the time. I would also like to thank H.E. Dr. Juma bin Ali bin Juma, the previous Minister of Manpower in Oman, for his continuous mentoring, support and guidance in both my academic and career development. He is a true strategist and a decision maker that is worthy of recognition. To the Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Higher Education, the Scottish Government and Oman Airports Management Company, I would like to express my gratitude for sponsoring my scholarship and travels to Glasgow, without which this PhD would not have been possible. Page 5 DEDICATION To my mother and father for their sincere prayers and patience; To my best friend, my wife (Huda) for her continuous love and support; To our future, our heart, our lovely children: Osama, Reenad, Qusay, Sama and Abdullah for the hope they bring to our life; To my country, Oman, for which I will never be able to pay anything back; Please accept my love and humble dedication Page 6 TABLE OF CONTENT DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................ 2 ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................ 5 DEDICATION ................................................................................................................................ 6 LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... 17 LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................ 21 ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 29 1. CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 30 1.1. OVERVIEW................................................................................................................... 30 1.2. BACKGROUND AND RESEARCH PROBLEM ........................................................ 31 1.3. THESIS STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 32 1.4. RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...................................................................... 32 1.4.1. Research Aim 1: History of urban development in Oman ...................................... 33 1.4.2. Research Aim 2: Urban Sustainability Dimensions (USDs) .................................. 33 1.4.3. Research Aim 3: Contemporary approaches in urban development in Oman ........ 33 1.4.4. Research Aim 4: The GAP between strategy and implementation ......................... 34 1.4.5. Research Aim 5: Improved approach towards urban sustainability ....................... 34 1.5. CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE ........................................................................