Muscat Structure Plan competes for global urbanism award
The Muscat Structure Plan – a blueprint for enhanced governance, future growth, and resilient development of sustainable neighbourhoods across the capital region of the Sultanate of Oman – has been shortlisted among landmark international developments vying for honours at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF), set to take place in Miami, USA, later this year.
The annual World Architecture Festival is the world's largest awards programme and conference dedicated to celebrating excellence in global architecture and urbanism. The 2025 edition, scheduled from November 12–14, marks the first time the event will be hosted in the United States.
In an announcement, Broadway Malyan – the UK-based global architecture, urbanism and design practice – revealed that the Muscat Structure Plan is a frontrunner for one of the top accolades.
'We're excited to share that the Muscat Structure Plan is a finalist in the World Architecture Festival's Future Projects – Masterplanning category for the 2025 awards,' the firm noted.
The Greater Muscat Structure Plan focuses on compact, connected development by increasing population densities in better-linked areas, aiming to curb urban sprawl. It promotes the creation of well-defined, serviced urban districts with a clear purpose, identity, and strong connection to their surroundings.
To underpin economic resilience, the plan proposes the creation of 19 employment clusters, supporting Muscat's projected growth to 890,000 jobs by 2040, while driving a shift to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
Recognising Muscat's pivotal role in delivering Oman Vision 2040, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning commissioned a technical team led by Broadway Malyan to develop the Greater Muscat Structure Plan — a strategic framework for sustainable growth and urban governance, aligned with the Sultanate's 2050 net-zero emissions target.
A key feature of the Plan is the introduction of over 54 km of mass transit lines, enabling higher-density, mixed-use development on underutilised government land. The transit network is designed to bring one-third of Muscat's population within a 20-minute walk of a station or feeder stop, supporting a shift toward low-carbon, accessible urban living.
Additionally, the Plan seeks to leverage Muscat's natural and heritage assets — including its dramatic coastline and historic identity — to position the capital as a compelling destination for tourism, investment, and regional talent. The city's 12 wadi systems, which connect the mountains to the coast, form the backbone of a proposed open-space network, reinforcing Muscat's transformation into a lush, green urban oasis amidst its arid surroundings.
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