Mega-events and Mega-projects in the Middle East: Planning, Legacy and Sustainability - 2026_IDR_DASTU_1

Position: Research appointment (pre-doc) Institute: Polytechnic of Milano
Posted on: 28/01/2026 Deadline: 09/03/2026

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

08/CEAR-12 - Urban And Landscape Planning And Design

Description

In the last three decades, several cities in the Middle East have been experimenting with the import and adaptation of international planning ideas and approaches. These activities mobilized transnational networks and circulated urban policies, plans, and projects, in and beyond the region. For example, cities like Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh started hosting mega-events and cooperating with the BIE, FIFA, and other international bodies for infrastructure planning and large-scale developments. UNESCO increased its presence in urban heritage preservation plans and projects. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture promoted, among other initiatives, the regeneration of historic cities across the region. This research project will problematize the transnational mobilization of concepts like mega-event planning, heritage preservation, urban regeneration, or sustainability, and analyse their adaptation into concrete policies, plans, and projects in Middle Eastern cities.

Number of positions

1

Funding body

Politecnico di Milano