Urbanization and Everyday Mobility in Muscat/Oman

• Applicants: Dr. Maike Didero; Professorin Dr. Carmella Pfaffenbach
• Subject Area: Human Geography
• Term: from 2015 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 280192122

Muscat, the capital of Oman, has been witnessing a very dynamic urbanization process as well as an increasing social and urban fragmentation during the last four decades. Due to the spatial expansion of residential areas and the scattered dispersal of utilities and services, the traffic volume has been steadily increasing. Despite serious efforts to enhance the road network, accidents and traffic jams are current fare for the residents, making the traffic situation an ongoing hot topic for discussions. Against this background, our research project will look into the interaction between household mobility and urban structures in Muscat. Although the prize for fuel is heavily subsidized in Oman, the feasibility of mobility still varies a lot between different social groups. Since an individual`s potential for mobility (motility) impacts on his or her potential for social inclusion and might play into subtle forms of exclusion, mobility has to be considered as an important social asset. Within this line of thought, the research project at hand distinguishes between wanted and unwanted (necessary) forms of mobility, between Omani and Non-Omani households and also between households with differing amounts and forms of capital at their disposal. Spatial and social restrictions and requirements for individual mobility will also be taken into account. In a final step, the project will set its gaze on the upcoming Post-Oil-Era when even Oman as a resource rich country will have to make efforts in order to preserve and enhance its citizens` economic, social and political participation. Taking its cue from the residents` perspective, the project therefore will strive to develop new concepts for culturally acceptable, socially inclusive and economically as well as ecologically (more) sustainable forms of urban mobility and urban structures. The research questions include both social and spatial aspects which will be investigated using a mixed-method approach. In order to look into residents` everyday mobility, a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews will be conducted in four different residential areas in Muscat. The interviews will be supplemented by participant observation and solicited diaries. Additionally, a more spatially-oriented research agenda will examine the urban structures in Muscat. This part of the research project focuses on the spatial conditions (e.g. urban form, land allocation and site development) which influence on the scope and quality of everyday mobility practices. The views and perspectives of local experts concerning urban structures and mobility opportunities and impediments will be captured by a number of expert interviews. In addition, a workshop will provide ample opportunity to discuss the results of the survey, interviews and mappings with experts and scientists residing in Oman. Based on these discussions, the workshop aims at drafting tangible recommendations for future planning processes in Muscat.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Dr.-Ing. Sonja Nebel