Cities designed with people at their core are catalysts for social, economic, and environmental progress. They unlock potential, foster inclusivity, and shape communities. But what does "humanizing cities" truly mean for Oman? How can human-centric urban development redefine public spaces and enhance the quality of life across the country?

Humanizing Cities was an intensive capacity-building workshop facilitated by Humankind at the Royal Academy of Management in Muscat, Oman. Initiated by Dr. Neila Akrimi, the workshop focused on rethinking urban spaces to make them more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the people they serve.

The four-hour workshop brought together 25 governors from across Oman and was structured into three engaging segments, geared towards a participatory approach to urban transformation:

Learning from Rotterdam: A City of Transformation

The workshop began by exploring Rotterdam’s evolution as a city of change. Participants examined its historical transitions, showcasing how vision and planning transformed it into a global model for urban innovation. This case study provided valuable insights for reimagining the future of urban spaces in Oman.

Applying the Good Public Space Model

In the second segment, participants were introduced to the Good Public Space Model, a practical framework for designing inclusive public spaces. Through a hands-on session, attendees applied the methodology to redesign selected public spaces in Oman, leveraging Artificial Intelligence tools provided by UrbanistAI.

Urban Change and Citizen Participation

The final segment delved into the complexities of urban transformations. A lively discussion explored transitions, the role of empathy, and the importance of citizen participation in driving meaningful and sustainable change in cities.

The workshop was anchored on the idea of a vision for Omani cities. Throughout the session, the conversation sparked innovative thinking and highlighted actionable pathways for human-centric urban development in Oman. By focusing on inclusive design and participatory processes, the initiative aligns with Oman’s broader vision of creating cities that are not only functional but also vibrant and people-friendly.

The Humanizing Cities workshop exemplifies how collaborative capacity-building efforts can inspire transformative urban development, ensuring that Omani cities evolve to meet the needs of their residents while fostering a sense of community and belonging.

All images by the Royal Academy of Management.