TTPod 3.15: Foreign Fields and Future Horizons - In Conversation with Mahmood Al-Wahaibi (Oman Think Urban)

Talking Transformation

In this episode of the Talking Transformation Podcast we change our geography considerably, from a South African context, to the Arabinan Peninsula and Persian Gulf region. Our guest is Mahmood Al-Wahaibi an urban planner, ethnographer and academic who heads up OTU: the Oman Think Urban. The OTU is a Think Tank that blends urban ethnography and planning methodologies to support community engagement and research impacting on a number of the major planning initiatives in Oman. It comes at a time when Oman is looking to transition its economy away from a heavy emphasis on oil and commodities to a more diverse economy where tourism and emphasis on service sector industries are championing that transition. Based out of Muscat, the Capital City of Oman, Mahmood and I met in person a year ago when we both supported the Greater Muscat Structure Plan (GMSP). The GMSP is a fascinating case study in addressing a sprawling, low-density capital city that is bracing for significant changes in its spatial, economic, social and environmental character. It doesn't seek to address the transition and growth in the manner and style of Dubai or Dohar. Muscat's is arguably a more humble approach, that seeks to balance, on the one hand, the preservation and celebration of the heritage of an ancient city with the ambitions, on the other hand, to meet the demands of a modern and competitive economy and metropolitan city. The implications for mobility modes, migration patterns and existential issues of environmental and sustainability issues have been key considerations in the GMSP. Mahmood was the consummate host in a country and region I knew nothing about. I was curious about the region, the history, the opportunities and the transitions that were driving change in his home town and country. Many of the challenges we face here in South Africa are echoed in the GMSP but these are being tackled in a different way and with very different expectations and resourcing for infrastructure and partnerships. I hope you'll enjoy the conversation and reflections from the episode. Recorded 17th November 2023