Muscat Municipality launches global design contest

Muscat – Muscat Municipality has launched the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025, during a site visit by Ahmed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality.
The visit marked the formal start of the international architecture competition, which is now open to leading studios from around the world.
The selected site, located next to the Mall of Oman, covers more than 8,000sqm and has been designated for a multi-functional civic building. The project aims to reflect Muscat's evolving urban identity, balancing modernity with the city's architectural heritage. Situated between the Oman Sea and the Hajar Mountains, the location is intended to serve as a symbolic and functional space within the capital.
'Muscat is expecting a growing number of tourists in the near future, and the city is doing everything to welcome them in a sustainable way and to the highest standards of quality and beauty,' said Humaidi.
'This competition represents a commitment to shaping how Muscat is experienced, through architecture that enhances our urban landscape, honours our heritage and reflects the values we hold as a society. We aim to create spaces that foster civic pride, set new benchmarks in sustainability and contribute meaningfully to Muscat's future as a global destination.'
The international competition calls on architecture studios to design a sustainable civic structure rooted in Omani identity. Five shortlisted studios will soon be selected to present their concepts to a jury composed of local and international experts. Final jury presentations are scheduled for early July, after which three finalists will be chosen. The winning design will be announced following the final deliberations.
The Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 is intended not only as a platform for architectural excellence but also as a public initiative to promote transparency and long-term urban planning. It reflects Muscat's ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability, accessibility and cultural authenticity.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Observer

6 hours ago

• Observer

QS to launch report on Oman's higher education

MUSCAT: On Monday, June 23, Oman will host a landmark academic event to unveil a new global report by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, titled 'The Enormous Potential of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman.' The event will take place at the Modern College of Commerce and Science in Muscat, under the auspices of Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and in the presence of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Bringing together prominent academic leaders, policymakers, representatives from Omani universities and international institutions, the event will spotlight Oman's rising profile as a global hub for higher education. The QS report presents data-driven insights and practical recommendations aimed at enhancing the performance of Omani universities in global rankings. It also emphasises the Sultanate of Oman's strategic strengths — its geographic location, cultural diversity and sustained investment in educational development — as key drivers for attracting international students and researchers. This initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, reflecting the nation's strong commitment to raising educational standards and achieving institutional excellence on both regional and international fronts.

Observer

6 hours ago

• Observer

Muscat Municipality conducts traffic survey

Muscat, June 21 The Muscat Municipality has initiated a community survey for the Traffic Study 2025 to evaluate traffic flow in Muscat. The goal of the traffic survey is to enhance traffic efficiency. The campaign encourages the public to voice their opinions and contribute to development. Some individuals will receive text messages with a link to the survey, where they can share their personal experiences. According to the Muscat Municipality, the comprehensive traffic study is being conducted to monitor and assess traffic flow in Muscat, identify congestion points and propose appropriate solutions to address the challenges. The Muscat Municipality stated that the traffic study is crucial for the development of the transportation sector, providing sustainable traffic solutions, reducing time wasted in traffic, improving quality of life and enhancing economic development. The Muscat Municipality also emphasised that the community survey is essential for understanding the reality of traffic from the community's perspective, identifying challenges and improving opportunities. This, in turn, helps in developing traffic solutions that meet everyone's needs.

Muscat Daily

6 hours ago

• Muscat Daily

Omani cookbook wins two global awards at Gourmand event

By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has won two international awards for its publication The Omani Cuisine at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards held in Lisbon, Portugal. The Gourmand awards are among the most prominent global events celebrating the best books in culinary arts and food culture. The ministry's participation showcased Oman's culinary heritage through its book, produced in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University. At a ceremony attended by culinary experts and industry figures from around the world, Oman won the 'Best Book in the World' award in the Culinary Diplomacy category and 'Best Cookbook in the World' award in the Intangible Cultural Heritage category. Officials said the achievement highlights efforts to document and promote Omani cuisine as an integral part of the nation's cultural and heritage identity. Asma bint Salem al Hajri, Tourism Promotion Expert at the ministry, said the participation reflects ongoing work to enhance the reputation of Omani cuisine regionally and internationally. She noted that traditional Omani food plays a key role in cultural tourism and showcases the depth of Omani civilisation. The ministry's activities at the event included a visual presentation and a tasting session, giving attendees insight into Omani dishes, their ingredients and preparation. The event was a platform to introduce the diversity and authenticity of Omani food to new audiences and make it a part of the sultanate's tourism offering. Fatima bint Ali al Lawati, Assistant Director for Institutional Planning and member of the Food Tourism and Culinary Arts Programme at the ministry, said the double win demonstrates international appreciation for Oman's culinary arts and intangible heritage. She added that the recognition will encourage further efforts to promote Omani food culture through careful documentation and creative marketing.