Muscat Municipality launches landmark design contest
Muscat: Muscat Municipality officially launched the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 with a site visit recently conducted by Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality. The visit marked the formal start of this landmark initiative, which is now underway and drawing global attention as leading architecture studios from around the world prepare to submit their visionary concepts.
The selected site, strategically located adjacent to the Mall of Oman and spanning over 8,000 square metres, will serve as the future home of a multi-functional civic building that reflects Muscat's modern aspirations while honouring its rich architectural heritage. Set between the Sea of Oman and the Hajar Mountains, the site is a unique canvas that speaks to the evolving narrative of urban Oman.
'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 Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality. '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.'
hmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality
The international competition invites top-tier architecture studios to design a sustainable, iconic structure rooted in Omani identity and built for modern civic use. Submissions are currently being prepared, and five shortlisted studios will soon be selected to present their proposals to a distinguished jury comprising local and international experts. The final jury presentations will take place in early July, where the jury will deliberate and narrow the selection down to three finalists. The winning design will be officially announced thereafter.
The Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 represents more than a building; it is a public initiative centred on transparency, design excellence and long-term urban impact. It also reinforces Muscat's commitment to embedding sustainability, accessibility and cultural authenticity at the heart of its development strategy.
This site visit marks both a symbolic and operational milestone in a competition that will shape the architectural identity of Oman's capital for generations to come. For updates, visit www.mmcdd.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
E-freelancing gains momentum among Omani youth
MUSCAT: Online freelancing is gaining strong traction across the Sultanate of Oman, fuelled by the evolving digital economy and proactive government initiatives that support self-employment and youth empowerment. Aza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, noted that e-commerce has become one of the most prominent freelancing sectors. This growth has been supported by streamlined licensing procedures, including the introduction of the 'Freelance Business Register' – a low-cost, regulated framework for individuals to operate legally. She emphasised that e-commerce offers significant advantages: low startup costs, broad consumer reach, and access to regional and global markets. These benefits make it an ideal platform for young Omanis seeking to build sustainable businesses and diversify income streams. Aza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Over 200 commercial activities are now covered by freelance licences, allowing businesses to gain consumer trust through platforms such as 'Maroof Oman,' which authenticates licensed e-stores. Al Kindi highlighted e-commerce's contribution to job creation, especially for graduates and job seekers in marketing, software, and digital design. The sector also showcases Omani talent and innovation, boosting value-added economic activity and modernising the business landscape. She cited the government's National E-Commerce Plan (2022–2027), which includes initiatives like the SME Authority's training programmes for global platforms such as Amazon and Noon. Other initiatives, such as the Ministry of Transport's 'Makin' programme, help upskill Omanis with in-demand technical skills. In conclusion, Al Kindi noted that online freelancing is not just a source of income but a critical stepping stone for entrepreneurship. It allows Omanis to build professional portfolios and networks before launching independent ventures, reinforcing Oman Vision 2040's aspirations for a knowledge-driven, innovative economy. — ONA
Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
Move to localise Oman's ‘green copper' value chain
MUSCAT: A pioneer in the production of 'green copper'—copper cathode extracted from mining waste—is now exploring opportunities to boost in-country value (ICV) through potential investments in domestic copper rod manufacturing. The move seeks to localise the entire green copper lifecycle, from tailings to finished rod, said Imraan Shaikh, Managing Director of Green Tech Mining & Services. Earlier this month, the company— a joint venture between Oman Mining Company (49%) and Austria-based BPG Precious Metal Storage Plc (51%)—commissioned the Arjaa Tailings Processing Calibration Plant (ATPCP) in Suhar. This first-of-its-kind facility recycles copper tailings using renewable energy and advanced clean technologies. The facility, which serves as a precursor to a full-scale commercial plant scheduled to break ground before year-end, treats acid mine drainage waters and processes leaching deposits from stripping, overburden, and low-grade ore stockpiles to recover valuable metals. Green copper output, currently a modest 60 tonnes per annum, is projected to soar to 12,000 tonnes when full commercial operations commence in December 2026. While current production is exported under an offtake agreement with international commodities trader Traxys, Green Tech Mining is now engaging with local industry players to foster downstream processing in Oman. 'The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion is keen to enhance in-country value,' said Shaikh in an interview with The Energy Year, a leading business news platform. 'We are in discussions with Oman Cables and Nuhas Oman to explore copper rod production using locally recycled green copper.' Green Tech Mining currently manages around 18 million tonnes of copper tailings at Arjaa, a legacy of copper mining operations from 1983 to 1994. An additional 6 million tonnes has been secured through a partnership with leading Omani miner, Mawarid Mining. More tailings are expected to become available as a new wave of copper mining and processing projects gathers pace in the Sultanate. The company's green copper initiative is built on a 'sustainable circular mining' model, combining low-carbon reprocessing technologies with renewable energy. Funding for the project was raised through green bonds certified by Austria's Ministry of Climate Affairs and Energy. 'This is not just a financial milestone—it's a global first,' Shaikh noted. 'While major firms like BHP have issued green bonds for renewable energy, our bonds are the first in the world dedicated specifically to mine tailings remediation. It is also the first green bond-funded project in the GCC's mining sector.' With copper now officially designated a critical mineral due to its essential role in the global energy transition, Green Tech Mining aims to contribute to closing the supply gap through environmentally responsible tailings recovery.
Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
Oman concludes guest of honour role at Algiers Fair
ALGIERS: The Sultanate of Oman has concluded its prominent role as Guest of Honour at the 56th Algiers International Fair, which commenced on 23 June. Oman's delegation was led by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and included Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside officials from government and private sectors. Oman's national pavilion showcased 60 government and private companies and institutions operating across various economic and service sectors. It also featured small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and traditional craftspeople, offering a rich blend of innovation and heritage. On the sidelines of the fair, the Omani-Algerian Businessmen Forum was held, spotlighting investment prospects in logistics, manufacturing, and real estate development. The forum facilitated bilateral meetings between Omani and Algerian entrepreneurs, paving the way for collaborative ventures. Mohammed bin Khalaf al Hamdani from Oman Exports highlighted that Oman's pavilion enabled visitors to gain first-hand insight into the nation's industrial capabilities, heritage, and investment potential. He noted that some participating companies successfully signed export agreements with Algerian buyers, while others are in negotiations to establish joint commercial partnerships aimed at expanding their distribution across North Africa. Dr Saif bin Khamis al Maamari, Head of the OPEX Operations Team, remarked that Oman's role as Guest of Honour was supported by a series of events designed to boost investment and export opportunities. These initiatives helped strengthen economic ties in sectors including urban planning, manufacturing, and logistics. Algerian visitors expressed strong interest in Omani products, praising their quality and competitive pricing. According to al Maamari, this has led to discussions about distribution agreements in sectors such as plastics, agriculture, electricity, and food production. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Alawi, Director of the Investment Department at Madayn, underscored the agency's aim to promote Oman's industrial cities and attract Algerian investment. Meetings were held with several Algerian firms interested in the incentives available in Oman's industrial estates. Ibrahim bin Sulaiman al Hinai, a specialist at the Authority for SME Development, reaffirmed the commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs by facilitating their participation in international events. Meanwhile, Ibrahim bin Saud al Balushi, Director at Al Madina Logistics Services, noted the company's role in ensuring smooth transport of Omani goods and supporting exporters interested in the Algerian market. Overall, Oman's participation not only elevated its profile in North Africa but also opened avenues for increased trade and collaboration with Algeria. — ONA
