Urban development exhibition, conference from October 5

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has announced details of Oman’s hosting of World Habitat Day 2026 in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), alongside the Urban Development, Home and Construction Exhibition and Conference 2026. The announcement was made during a media briefing organised by the ministry at the Experience and Sales Centre in Sultan Haitham City to introduce the upcoming event.
The sixth edition of the exhibition and conference will be held from October 5 to 8 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the “October Urbanism” programme. The event will bring together leaders, experts, real estate developers and investors to discuss the future of cities and showcase Oman’s urban development experience and investment opportunities.
Maher bin Ali al Hinai, Director of Communication and Media at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, said that “October Urbanism” represents a platform that brings together various sectors and institutions under one roof. He noted that the event has evolved over the years from an initiative that began through social media platforms into an integrated event highlighting national projects and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors.
He added that this year’s edition is expected to involve around 50 countries, more than 60 real estate developers and about 200 exhibition stands, in addition to 25 small and medium enterprises. More than 85 papers will be presented by over 100 international and local speakers. He said the event focuses on four key themes centred on people, including scalable solutions for complete living, human-centred urban planning, integrated communities and rapidly growing cities.
Al Hinai explained that the event will open local and international investment opportunities and provide a platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise among specialists, academics, developers and private-sector representatives. He stressed that Oman’s hosting of World Habitat Day activities in cooperation with UN- Habitat will add international momentum to the event, noting that this year’s theme is “Adequate Housing for All”.
Anaclaudia Rossbach, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, is scheduled to participate in the World Habitat Day programme, alongside sessions and papers addressing housing, urban resilience and quality of life. The programme will also include a ceremony for the presentation of the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour, recognising initiatives and institutions for their contributions to human settlements.
Al Hinai said “October Urbanism” is not limited to showcasing projects, but also aims to raise awareness of urban planning and highlight investment opportunities, while launching projects and signing agreements in housing and integrated residential neighbourhoods. He said the ministry is working with various partners to provide additional housing options and promote the concept of housing in future cities.
The event programme will address scalable solutions for integrated living, rapidly growing cities, human-centred urban planning and integrated communities. The ministry will also showcase future-city projects and opportunities associated with Sultan Haitham City, Al Thuraya City, Al Jabal Al Aali and the “Sorouh” initiative, allowing visitors to explore housing options while giving investors an opportunity to consider cooperation and partnership prospects.