Oman Graduates Fourth Batch of Rafid Smart Cities Programme

Oman Graduates Fourth Batch of Rafid Smart Cities Programme

Muscat, Oman — October 8, 2026: Oman has graduated the fourth cohort of its National Capacity Building Programme, Rafid, for Smart Cities – Phase One. The graduation ceremony took place during the Urban Planning, Housing and Construction Exhibition and Conference and World Habitat Day 2026 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

Twenty Participants Complete the Training Programme

The latest cohort included 20 graduates representing various sectors. The programme ran from April 5 to July 22, 2026, in partnership with more than 10 international and local organisations. It aims to strengthen professional knowledge and skills related to smart cities and urban development.

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Discussions Focus on the Future of Housing

The event featured sessions on the future of the housing sector and inclusivity in city design. Specialists from government agencies, academic institutions and the urban development sector discussed approaches to creating cities that respond to the needs of different communities.

Building Connected and Livable Communities

One session, titled “Housing Outside the Home: Building Integrated, Interconnected and Livable Communities,” examined how housing developments relate to their surrounding urban environments. The discussion highlighted the importance of connected neighbourhoods and integrated communities alongside the provision of housing units.

Preserving Urban Identity and Cultural Heritage

Urban identity was another key topic at the event. A paper titled “Shaping Cities and Preserving Identity: Bahrain as a Case Study” explored Bahrain’s experience in maintaining its identity during urban development. Another paper, “Visual Identity of Muscat Governorate over Four Decades,” examined changes in Muscat’s visual identity over the past four decades.

Sustainable Planning and Urban Renewal

The discussions covered a broad range of issues, including infrastructure development, urban renewal, cultural identity and inclusive city design. These topics highlighted the relationship between effective urban planning and the development of sustainable, connected and livable communities.

Event Attracts More Than 60,000 Visitors

The 2026 Urban Planning, Housing and Construction Exhibition and Conference and World Habitat Day concluded on October 8 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. According to the Oman News Agency, attendance exceeded 60,000 visitors, with broad participation from government bodies and the private sector. The event provided a platform for professionals and institutions to exchange ideas on housing, smart cities and the future of urban development.