Mahmood al wahaibi, Co-founder, Oman Think Urban
Imagine a city built not from blueprints, but from the whispered stories of its people. That vision drives Mahmood Al Wahaibi, an urban planner whose work is as deeply rooted in Muscat’s 3,000-year history as it is in the cutting edge of 21st-century urban science. He’s not just designing buildings; he’s weaving together the past, present, and future of urban life, one ethnographic insight at a time.
A Legacy Rooted in Urbanism
Mahmood’s upbringing was deeply intertwined with the very fabric of Muscat. His tribe, responsible for constructing and naming the Ruwi district over three millennia ago, instilled in him an intuitive understanding of urban dynamics. “My ancestors didn’t call it urban planning,” he reflects, “but they understood it intuitively.” This early immersion in the unspoken language of urban spaces laid the foundation for his future endeavours. Following his father’s passing, Mahmood’s journey took him to the United States, a pivotal transition that broadened his horizons. Driven by a desire to modernize his family’s legacy, he pursued urban planning with a scientific lens, yet retained an unconventional approach.
Mahmood’s intellect and ambition were evident early on. Skipping high school, he earned dual bachelor’s degrees by the age of 16, a testament to his exceptional intellect. At the University of Minnesota, he forged his own path, designing a unique degree in the Geography of City Systems, a blend of urban planning, geography, public policy, and population studies. This interdisciplinary foundation would become a hallmark of his career.
From Muscat to the World: A Visionary’s Global Impact
His professional trajectory led him to South Korea, where he contributed to the design of an industrial city poised between North and South Korea—a striking example of his ability to navigate the complex intersection of urbanism and geopolitics. Over the years, Mahmood’s expertise took him across the globe, working on urban projects in 28 countries, primarily serving the U.S. government and private entities.
A defining element of Mahmood’s approach is his pioneering work in ethnographic planning. He recognized the inherent limitations of traditional top-down urban development, where the residents’ voices often went unheard. Ethnography, the study of people and cultures, became the cornerstone of his urban vision. “Urban planning should begin from the ground up,” he insists, “shaped by the needs, behaviours, and aspirations of local communities.”
This conviction fueled his work with the Future City Council in Canada in 2016, a think tank focused on anticipating and shaping the trends of smart cities. His expertise garnered widespread recognition for Departmental Excellence at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, culminating in the prestigious Karl B. Lohmann Award in 2018. That same year, he became the youngest professor in the history of Big Ten schools in the United states of America.
Returning to Oman: A New Vision for Urban Development
Despite his global achievements, Oman remained central to his identity. In 2018, Mahmood was nominated to be a technical Lead for Oman’s National Spatial Strategy, The roadmap of the nation’s Vision 2040. This marked his return, not simply as a citizen, but as a globally recognized expert entrusted with shaping Oman’s future. Recognizing the limitations of traditional planning models, Mahmood co-founded Oman Think Urban (OTU), a groundbreaking think tank dedicated to bottom-up urban development. “OTU is not just a research hub; it’s a platform for real, actionable change,” he explains. The organization quickly earned international accolades, receiving endorsements from the European Commission and UN-Habitat as the Middle East’s first human-centered urban planning initiative. He also resurrected his father’s company under the name Ruwi Group, seamlessly integrating business development, ethnographic branding, and consultancy services. Remarkably, within five years, he transformed both OTU and Ruwi Group into a powerhouse of urban innovation- without external funding, a testament to his strategic vision and commitment to self-sufficiency.
A Leadership Style that Fosters Empowerment
Mahmood’s leadership style is deeply Socratic, emphasizing dialogue and collaborative decision-making. “True leadership is about empowerment, not control,” he believes. He cultivates leadership within his organizations, ensuring their long-term viability. He believes in nurturing leaders within his organizations, ensuring sustainability beyond his direct involvement. A self-imposed rule of never staying more than three years in a single organization has led him to create systems that function independently. “Once I establish governance structures and a culture of mutual respect, I step back—allowing others to lead while I pursue new ideas.”
Balancing Work and Passion
Success often comes at the cost of personal sacrifices. Mahmood’s early career was marked by relentless work—sometimes sleeping just two hours a night. However, with experience, he learned the importance of balance. “Time management, delegation, and a clear vision allow me to handle multiple ventures without burning out,” he shares.
Beyond work, Mahmood finds solace in fitness and restoring classic cars, including a Ford Mustang Cobra, which he painstakingly rebuilt over three years. “Urban planning requires patience, and I practice that even in my hobbies.”
A Legacy of Innovation
When offering advice to young entrepreneurs, Mahmood emphasizes the importance of trusting instincts. “Many successful people give advice, but everyone’s journey is unique. Listen, learn, but make decisions based on your own experiences.” He encourages resilience, noting, “Even in a world full of difficulties, there’s always a small spark within the ashes.” He also stresses the value of calculated risk-taking, especially early in one’s career. “Say ‘yes’ to experiences when you’re young—explore, learn, and adapt. But as you grow, learn when to say ‘no’ to maintain focus.”
For Mahmood, success isn’t measured in monetary terms, but by collective achievements and positive impact. “Personal success alone feels empty. What matters is the difference we make in people’s lives.” Inspired by his father’s commitment to serving others, he believes, “If my work improves even a small part of someone’s life, then it has been meaningful.” By seamlessly blending traditional tribal wisdom with cutting-edge urban science, Mahmood Al Wahaibi has redefined urban planning—not just for Oman, but as a model for the world. “The cities of tomorrow must be shaped by those who dare to rethink how we inhabit our world.” As he continues to push the boundaries of urban development, one thing remains certain: the future of cities will be profoundly influenced by his visionary leadership.