Abstract
This paper aims to establish a sustainable Planning System that stimulates conducting Consultation and Community Engagement processes in the various stages of preparing urban development projects in line with the prevailing traditions and norms of the Gulf societies on the one hand. Moreover, there is a need to understand the lessons learned from dealing with the Covid19 pandemic on the other hand. In this context, this paper attempts to answer the following questions: • How to verify the suitability of the current Planning System to adopt the “Participatory Planning Approach” during the preparation of urban development projects in many Gulf states? • What is the availability of a stimulating atmosphere for the Consultation and Community Engagement processes in the various stages of preparing urban development projects – (within the framework of the current Planning System in the Gulf countries)? • What are the available opportunities of the current Planning System for the Gulf countries that contribute to satisfying the requirements of the concerned stakeholders (including the private and community sectors)? • What are the obstacles that prevent fulfilling the desires of all concerned stakeholders of the current Planning System in the Gulf societies? In order to answer the previous questions, this paper will pay attention to the components of the current Planning System in several Gulf countries (within which planning studies and projects are being prepared) and evaluate them. In addition, it will observe what this system lacks, which negatively affects the performance of the competent planning authority. This in turn, ensures the quality of the planning product and its success to satisfy the requirements of all concerned stakeholders and target community groups, takes into account the prevailing traditions and cultures of the Gulf Societies, and finally reduces the differences and discrepancies that may occur between the approved project and what is actually implemented on the ground. The paper addresses a proposed “Consultation and Community Engagement Model” that will be elaborated in light of the findings of the Personal Interviews conducted with officials and staff of the competent planning authorities by the researcher in several Gulf countries on the one hand. In addition to evaluate the outputs of the Questionnaire, which is being distributed to the “Expert Panel”, in order to finally develop a sustainable model that fits the Gulf context on the other hand. This paper is divided into five main parts: the first part provides a synopsis of the current Planning System in some of Gulf States. The second part attempts to investigate the missing elements from the current Planning System in those States, whereas the third part assesses the possibility of adopting the “Participatory Planning Approach” within the current Planning System for these counties. The fourth part proposes a Consultation and Community Engagement Model appropriate to the Gulf context. Such model will enable the local community to exercise the power of decision - making and decision - taking, and empower them to manage their own built environment according to their priorities and desires. The fifth part crystalizes a concept that accommodates the proposed Consultation and Community Engagement Model in a prototype organizational structure of the competent Planning Authority of the abovementioned Gulf States. Based on the above understanding, this paper will be concluded with recommendations, tools and mechanisms to be used for developing the performance of the concerned Planning Authority so as to guarantee Good Governance and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Gulf States` emerging Planning System. Such findings will ensure a fundamental and decisive progress in the development and consolidation of their emerging Planning System. Keywords Governance - Participatory Planning Approach – Consultation - Community Engagement – Stakeholders.
