MENA HOPE

One of the most beautiful moments of HOPE 2026 was the awards ceremony, a tradition that reflects the remarkable hospitality, generosity, and culture of Oman.

Beyond the discussions, panels, and international exchange, these gestures create a sense of warmth and respect that stays with people long after the event ends.

Grateful to bring together such an inspiring community in a country that knows so well how to welcome others.

A morning rooted in landscape, ecology, and long-term vision.

As part of the HOPE 2026 program, the visit to the Oman Botanic Garden offered a powerful shift in scale, from urban growth discussions to the ecosystems that sustain them. It was a reminder that planning for cities in the region cannot be separated from the environmental systems they depend on.

Spanning approximately 420 hectares, the Oman Botanic Garden is set to become one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. Its ambition is not only spatial, but scientific and cultural. The project is designed to showcase the full diversity of Oman’s native flora, with over 1,400 plant species represented, many of them rare or endangered.

Walking through the site, even in its evolving stages, you begin to understand the scale of ambition behind it. This is not just a garden. It is a national project about identity, resilience, and how landscape can shape healthier futures.

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There are places that host events, and then there are places that shape them.

HOPE 2026 in Oman was exactly that.

Set against the extraordinary backdrop of Al Mirani Fort, this year’s edition brought together ideas, people, and perspectives in one of the most powerful settings imaginable. History, landscape, and contemporary urban thinking all in one frame.

From the moment the sun set behind the mountains of Muscat, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations on growth, health, housing, and governance unfolded in a place that has witnessed centuries of transformation. It added weight, meaning, and a certain humility to everything discussed.

HOPE continues to evolve as a platform for people-centered urbanism, connecting research, policy, and real-world implementation . But beyond the panels and keynotes, what made this edition unforgettable was the context. Oman itself.

There is a quiet strength to Oman. A balance between heritage and forward vision. Between landscape and city. Between tradition and openness. It is rare to find a place where architecture, culture, and hospitality align so naturally.

Grateful to everyone who made this edition possible, from partners and speakers to the wider community that continues to grow around HOPE.

See you next year!

The HOPE logo stood high at Al Mirani Fort, lighting up Muscat Nights as a reminder that the exchange of knowledge brings us together.

Throwback to an unforgettable evening last week, powerful ideas, generous speakers, and conversations that moved between urban growth, health, governance, and inclusion. Grateful for everyone who showed up with curiosity and care, and for the setting that made it all feel a little more magical.

Here’s to more nights where cities, people, and purpose meet. ✨

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As HOPE 2026 unfolds, this edition brings together an especially rich and diverse lineup of speakers, contributors, and guests. More voices, more perspectives, and a shared curiosity about how cities, people, and the built environment can learn from one another. Each edition builds on the last, and this year’s gathering reflects the growing community around HOPE and the depth of exchange it continues to foster.

We are delighted to welcome everyone this evening to Al Mirani Fort, a place where history, place, and dialogue come together in a truly unique setting.

Wishing all our speakers, partners, and guests a wonderful evening and an inspiring time at HOPE 2026.

HOPE 2026 has officially begun in Muscat.
Our speakers have arrived, and the day is unfolding with a city tour through Muscat, offering a first shared moment of exchange and discovery.

We look forward to welcoming you this afternoon at Al Mirani Fort, as we come together for the opening of the symposium and an evening of dialogue, ideas, and collective reflection.




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