Integrated Humanization as a Gulf Mobility Strategy: Blue–Green Corridors in Muscat

Abstract

Gulf cities are under growing pressure from car dependency, rapid urbanization, and extreme climatic stress. Conventional models of “humanizing cities,” imported from Western or East Asian contexts, emphasize walkability and livability but fail to adapt to the hot-arid conditions of the Arabian Peninsula, where long walking trips remain impractical. This paper advances Integrated Humanization (IH) as a Gulf mobility strategy framework that merges urban planning, urban humanization, public transport, road engineering, and micro-mobility into a single human-centered system. The contribution of this study lies in expanding IH through the novel concept of Blue-Green Corridors, which reimagine wadis (flood channels) not merely as drainage infrastructure but as multifunctional urban assets. By transforming wadis into urban lakes with shaded pedestrian and cycling paths, micro-mobility networks, and water-based transport hubs, these corridors integrate seamlessly with metro and BRT systems. The approach reframes water infrastructure as both ecological and mobility infrastructure. The research applies policy analysis of Oman Vision 2040 and the Greater Muscat Structure Plan, comparative insights from international cases, and a pilot project proposal for Muscat. The results indicate that Blue-Green Corridors can reduce congestion, enhance thermal comfort, reclaim stormwater for beneficial use, and create high-quality public spaces—at significantly lower costs than large-scale highway expansion. Findings indicate that IH—operationalized through Blue-Green Corridors—is not a luxury but a necessity. Compared with costly highway expansion, this approach reduces congestion, enhances equity, mitigates heat, and provides Gulf cities with a culturally adapted, climate-responsive urban strategy. Ultimately, Muscat’s pilot can serve as a regional benchmark for rethinking Gulf urbanism.