Who we are
Diwan Al-Omran is a research institution dedicated to studying and analysing development and urbanisation trajectories from an integrated perspective that considers social, economic and environmental dimensions, in support of sustainable and just urban development. Diwan starts from a vision of urbanism as a dynamic system reflecting society's interactions and transformations, not merely a physical space.
Our mission
Diwan develops policies and strategies that strengthen good urban governance and support the right to the city, including guaranteeing adequate housing, providing basic services, making public space accessible, and curbing practices that lead to exclusion or forced eviction. It also supports urban practices that conserve natural resources, reduce environmental impact and build resilience to climate change.
Through this approach, Diwan Al-Omran helps build balanced urban environments that entrench social justice, ensure residents take part in shaping the future of their cities, and preserve resources for future generations.
We want urban development decisions to be
Rights- and freedoms-aware
Shaped by the principles of justice and sustainability, respected and inviolable, with the measures needed to guarantee them, including the right to adequate housing, the preservation of urban heritage and environmental balance.
Inclusive of everyone, without discrimination
Responsive to the needs of marginalised groups and vulnerable minorities, protecting against forced eviction and social exclusion, and adopting participatory approaches in planning and implementing urban projects.
Accountable to society
Through compliance with international treaties and relevant local laws, ensuring transparency and access to data and information, and strengthening civil society's role in monitoring urban development policy.
Diwan Al-Omran's values
- Protection
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Justice
- Human rights
We aim to
Guaranteeing access to information and the freedom to share it
Enabling the public to freely access data and information on urban developments and government policies, ensuring they are made available transparently, including criminalising the concealment of such information without legal basis and any punishment of individuals or organisations for sharing it by lawful means.
Improving decision-making
Pressing for better decision-making by holding officials accountable, ensuring urban decisions are better informed and more transparent, that they consider all stakeholders, and adopt fair development policies that guarantee the rights of individuals and marginalised groups while strengthening good governance.
Enabling accountability of officials
Creating mechanisms that allow citizens and organisations to hold those responsible for urban decisions and policies to account, monitor their impact on society and respond in ways that protect rights and serve the public interest.
Empowering stakeholders
Empowering the public and stakeholders to oversee and participate effectively in urban affairs, guaranteeing residents' right to self-determination and to take part in developing their communities, so that officials take informed and fair decisions.
Our fields of work
Monitoring and documenting forced eviction
We track and document forced eviction cases through field monitoring, official data and residents' testimonies, in support of the right to adequate housing.
The geographic and administrative context of violations
We identify locations, administrative boundaries and the authorities involved to understand the scope of violations and link them to the decisions and policies affecting local communities.
Critical analysis of urban issues
We produce analyses that reveal the impact of development projects and policies on urban justice, urban identity, public space and historic landmarks.
Simplifying knowledge and widening the audience
We turn complex urban issues into clear, accessible content so the public can understand how urban transformations affect everyday life and rights.
Our tools
News
Tracking and documenting news on urban development, housing projects, planning decisions and forced evictions, with accurate and up-to-date information that supports public awareness.
Explore → 02Analyses
In-depth and short analyses of the factors shaping urban planning and development, from a comprehensive perspective that helps understand the roots of urban issues and address them effectively.
Explore → 03Research papers
Specialised papers producing critical knowledge on urbanism, housing and urban rights, supporting researchers and decision-makers with rigorous analytical and methodological tools.
Explore → 04Forced Eviction Monitor
An interactive map documenting forced eviction sites based on official data and field documentation, offering an analytical and visual tool to understand eviction patterns and their impact.
Explore → 05Multimedia and data
Visual and interactive tools, from photos and videos to charts and diagrams, that simplify urban issues and present data clearly to a wider audience.
Explore → 06Campaigns and advocacy
Media and community campaigns across digital platforms to raise awareness, support the right to the city and engage citizens in defending urban justice.
Explore → 07Mailing list
A monthly newsletter with the latest updates, analyses, research papers and campaigns, building a community engaged with urban issues and urban rights.
Explore →Diwan's team and writers
The researchers and writers behind Diwan's analyses, investigations and papers.
Diwan's achievements
Milestones in Diwan's journey to advance housing rights and urban justice.
Diwan Alomran Expropriation Severity Index (DAESI)
Methodology of the Diwan Alomran Expropriation Severity Index (DAESI) Introduction Since 2014, Egypt has witnessed a significant expansion in expropriation policies associated…
Achievement details →Diwan Alomran Announces Partnership to Advance Access to Information and Urban Justice
Diwan Alomran announces a partnership with Innovation for Change – Middle East and North Africa (MENA Hub), in collaboration with CIVICUS, to…
Achievement details →Diwan Alomran Contributes to an International Study on Gender Inequality in Access to Housing
As part of International Women’s Month 2026, Diwan Alomran is pleased to announce its participation, alongside the Intersection Association for Rights and…
Achievement details →Work with us
We welcome in-depth articles, investigations and research papers on urban issues, as well as research and media partnerships.