Preserving Heritage, Building Sustainability: Perspectives on Cultural Restoration and Sustainable Urban Development in Oman

Dr Alaa Hamood

Dr Alaa Hamood is the Head of Civil Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton, UK, and a Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng) and Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE).

With nearly three decades of experience in civil engineering since graduating in 1996, he has developed extensive expertise across the infrastructure sector, having worked on a wide range of engineering projects in the Middle East and the UK before transitioning into academia in 2010.

Since then, he has successfully combined his industrial experience with teaching, research, and academic leadership, working closely with industry to educate and support the development of the next generation of civil engineers for professional practice.

Dr Aliya Al-Hashim

Dr Aliya Al-Hashim is an Assistant Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, specializing in digital heritage documentation, computational design, and urban performance evaluation. She holds an MSc in Built Environment from the University of Arizona, USA, and a PhD in Building Technology from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA.

Her research explores how advanced digital technologies can support the documentation, conservation, and management of Oman’s architectural heritage, while also informing sustainable design and urban planning practices. She is passionate about bridging research and practice through innovative teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing the next generation of architects and engineers to make informed, evidence-based design decisions.

Dr Jaber Al Siyadi

Dr Jaber Al Siyadi is a seasoned built environment professional with over 25 years of experience in real estate, infrastructure, and strategic project development across Oman’s public and energy sectors.

He currently serves as Development Manager for the Ras Al Hamra Development Project at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), leading the delivery of a flagship mixed-use master-planned development. Dr Al Siyadi holds a DBA from the University of Northampton, an MSc in Construction Project Management from Loughborough University, and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University.

He has also completed executive leadership programmes at the Maastricht School of Management and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. A member of OSE, ICE, and APM, he holds professional certifications including APMP and Certified Value Analyst (CVA).