From Paradigm to Practice: Evaluating and Governing Integrated Humanization for Metro-Ready Gulf Cities

Abstract

Building upon earlier work on Integrated Humanization (IH) in Gulf cities (Saad, 2025a; 2025b; 2025c), this article advances the concept from a theoretical paradigm into an operational framework for evaluation and governance. Previous contributions established the definition of IH as a Gulf-centric alternative to imported planning models, explored its ecological application through blue–green corridors, and addressed engineering alignment with Vision 2040 standards. What remains absent, however, is a mechanism to measure and institutionalize IH. Without metrics and governance structures, IH risks remaining an isolated initiative rather than a systemic shift. This paper proposes a dual contribution: first, a Performance Evaluation Framework that translates IH into measurable indicators across five domains thermal comfort, accessibility, safety, equity, and policy integration; and second, a Governance Model that clarifies institutional roles and coordination mechanisms for Muscat’s metro readiness. The methodology combines policy analysis, global benchmarking, and case-based reasoning to produce both a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) matrix and a RACI (Responsible–Accountable–Consulted–Informed) governance chart. Results highlight the need to reconceptualize walk-sheds as access-sheds, where micro/mini-mobility and shading strategies expand effective transit catchments under Gulf climatic realities. By embedding IH evaluation into Vision 2040 monitoring frameworks and municipal codes, Oman can operationalize human-centered mobility at scale. The article concludes with recommendations for pilot evaluation, inter-agency taskforces, and Gulf-wide adoption of IH as a regional planning code.