re.te is excited to announce the publication of Milan Cultural Mega-Events, a book co-authored by Abdallah alongside scholars from Politecnico di Milano (Davide Ponzini, Stefano Di Vita and Zachary Jones), exploring the city’s event-driven transformations.
Milan has been undergoing profound changes, with its global reputation, tourism appeal, and real estate market evolving rapidly. These shifts are often attributed to the city’s cultural vibrancy and its two major mega-events: Expo 2015 and the upcoming Winter Olympics 2026. However, the interplay between these large-scale events and the city’s broader cultural and entertainment landscape remains underexplored.
This book critically examines the planning, governance, and legacy of Milan’s mega-events, shedding light on both achievements and challenges. While these transformations have brought visible benefits, they also raise questions of inclusivity, uneven impacts, and long-term urban sustainability. By analyzing Milan’s trajectory through its “mega-event decade”, the book offers insights into how cultural and urban policies can shape a more balanced and resilient future.