TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE URBAN FUTURE IN OMAN:PROBLEM & PROCESS ANALYSIS (MUSCAT AS A CASE STUDY)

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 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.