
HH Sayyid Dr Kamil Fahad Al Said to honour winners of the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 on Tuesday
The award ceremony will take place on the morning of Tuesday, 8 July 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Shatti Al Qurum (Al Thuraya Hall). The event will be attended by a distinguished group of experts from the judging panel, as well as several CEOs of major real estate development companies in the Sultanate.
The Muscat Municipality Design Competition serves as a premier platform for the exchange of visionary ideas, with five leading international architectural design firms competing for the award. Each firm will present its concept for a multi-use civic building that harmoniously blends Omani identity with contemporary global urban design, integrating the latest sustainable technologies.
In preparation for the ceremony, Muscat Municipality has designated Monday, 7 July 2025, for the project presentation sessions. This provides a dedicated platform for the finalists to present their designs before the judging panel. The initiative reflects the Municipality's ongoing commitment to strengthening Muscat's visual identity, promoting sustainability, and encouraging architectural innovation that responds to both people and place.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Saudi construction output value soars to $148bln, says report
Growth in Saudi Arabia's construction activity shows no signs of slowing, with the construction output value for the construction, transport, power, oil & gas, industrial, water and chemical sectors reaching $148 billion in the first half of 2024, up 4.6% compared to the same period the previous year, according to global property consultancy Knight Frank. Knight Frank's analysis shows that the Saudi construction sector has been growing year-on-year since 2020 and forecasts this upward trajectory will continue, hitting $191 billion in 2029. This phenomenal level of development is being driven by the government's Vision 2030 strategy to position the kingdom as a global hub for tourism, commerce and trade, stated Knight Frank in its latest Saudi Arabia Construction Landscape Review. This transformation aims to deliver over 1 million homes, more than 362,000 hotel keys, over 7.4 million sqm of retail space, and more than 7.7 million sqm of new office space by the end of the decade, it added. Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, Mena, said: "Construction contracts totalling more than $215.4 billion were awarded across Saudi Arabia between 2020 and 2025, highlighting the government's incredible ambition and commitment to making the Kingdom the centre of wealth generation and trade not just in the GCC but globally." "Indeed, some $1.3 trillion is planned to be invested in real estate and infrastructure projects as part of Vision 2030, highlighting the breadth and scale of what is now being delivered," stated Durrani. Riyadh remains a centre of construction activity, with $135.2 billion of contracts awarded since 2020, representing 63% of the total across the kingdom. The capital's $195 billion development plan includes 4.6 million sqm of office space, 2.6 million sqm of retail, more than 28,800 hotel rooms and over 340,000 homes. Anticipating the sharp increase in businesses, residents and tourists this level of development will attract, almost $24 million (29%) of construction contracts awarded in Riyadh have been for transport projects. The $22.5 billion Riyadh Metro project features six lines spanning 176 km with 85 stations and fully automated, driverless trains. Alongside this, the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project will create a comprehensive bus rapid transport system, while more than US$ 5bn is being spent on major road projects to support the city's expansion. Mohamed Nabil, Regional Partner - Head of Project and Development Services, Mena, said: "With the population of Riyadh projected to increase to 10 million by 2030, the city's transport upgrade programme is one of the largest and most innovative in the world." "Although the car is still the dominant form of transport, the investments being made in Riyadh's Metro and rapid transport system show how the city is redefining the urban experience through sustainable development to create not only a liveable city, but also an attractive destination for business and tourism," noted Nabil. Amar Hussain, Associate Partner – Research, Middle East, said: "Giga projects are a major hub of construction activity. For example, the $50 billion New Murabba project will transform 19 sq km of north-west Riyadh, creating 18 new neighbourhoods. In Western Saudi Arabia, a $685.5 billion real estate development plan centred on giga projects will deliver more than 382,000 homes, 330,000 hotel rooms, and office and retail space spanning upwards of 7.3 million sqm, stated Hussain. "These projects are designed on a scale far beyond anything else currently under construction in EMEA, and this bold vision is rapidly becoming reality, bringing benefits to Saudi residents and businesses alike," he added. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Demand spike, price gains fuel Abu Dhabi housing boom
Abu Dhabi's residential real estate sector is gathering strong momentum in 2025 propelled by robust demand, record-high sales prices, and a visible shift toward ready homes and spacious family residences. Despite a scheduled delivery of 11,900 new homes by year-end, experts warn that surging population growth, rising investor confidence, and a scarcity of new off-plan projects could cause demand to outstrip supply across several key neighbourhoods, market watchers say. Cavendish Maxwell's latest market report shows that the UAE capital added 600 residential properties in the first quarter, setting the stage for 12,500 new homes to be completed by year-end, with another 7,000 units already in the pipeline for 2026. Yet, analysts suggest this may fall short of meeting the growing needs of end-users and investors, especially as the city continues to attract residents and capital on the back of infrastructure development, social reforms, and long-term residency initiatives. Average residential property prices in Abu Dhabi hit Dh2.5 million in the first quarter—the highest figure in three years—while total sales reached Dh3.7 billion across 1,300 transactions. Ready properties, which comprised 900 of these deals, dominated market activity, underlining a preference shift towards completed homes over off-plan developments. Apartments continued to lead in transaction volume, but villas and townhouses recorded stronger price growth and increasing buyer interest. Year-on-year, apartment prices jumped 12.3 per cent, with a 4.1 per cent gain from the previous quarter. Villas rose 12.5 per cent annually and 2.4 per cent quarter-on-quarter, with Yas Island leading the price rally. Villas there climbed 15.5 per cent from Q1 2024, followed by Al Reef (4.4 per cent) and Saadiyat Island (1.0 per cent). These increases are being driven by a growing segment of family buyers looking for larger spaces, gardens, and long-term living options. The report noted a drop in overall transaction volumes from the previous quarter, which analysts attribute to seasonal slowdowns during Ramadan and Eid. Nevertheless, the strength of the market was visible in the record-high average sale price of Dh2.5 million, alongside mortgage activity totalling Dh1.7 billion across 800 loans. Lending for villas and townhouses surged nearly 60 per cent from a year earlier, while mortgage uptake for apartments declined—further highlighting the pivot in buyer preferences. Andrew Laver, associate director at Cavendish Maxwell – Abu Dhabi, noted that the capital's real estate sector is showing resilience, with price appreciation expected to continue. 'There is sustained demand for ready homes and a clear reduction in off-plan launches. We are also seeing encouraging signals in secondary market activity and bank financing, which reflect healthy investor sentiment and end-user confidence,' he said. Beyond pricing and transaction dynamics, the Abu Dhabi market is benefiting from structural support. The emirate's government has introduced a range of investor-friendly initiatives—from long-term Golden Visas and retirement visas to enhanced urban planning and lifestyle infrastructure. New public transport projects, international school openings, and cultural landmarks have made Abu Dhabi more attractive for both expatriate families and institutional investors. A recent report by CBRE corroborates these trends, noting that Abu Dhabi's residential rents have also risen significantly. Average apartment rents increased by 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2025, while villa rents jumped by 6.3 per cent, further boosting yields and adding appeal for investors. With residential occupancy rates also climbing, developers are increasingly looking to fast-track the delivery of high-demand inventory. According to ValuStrat, transaction volumes in premium communities like Al Raha Beach and Al Reem Island are growing steadily, with off-plan inventory becoming scarce. As a result, the secondary market has taken centre stage, benefiting sellers and landlords alike as prices firm up and listings shorten. While some analysts remain cautious about over-exuberance, citing global inflation concerns and fluctuating interest rates, the outlook for Abu Dhabi's housing market remains largely upbeat. Strong economic fundamentals, consistent oil revenues, and the UAE's broader economic diversification strategy continue to provide stability and investor reassurance. Relay experts argue that given the current demand surge, the real challenge may not be selling homes—but building enough of them. With fewer new launches and escalating interest in move-in-ready properties, the current trajectory suggests that supply constraints could intensify in 2026 unless more projects are greenlit soon. 'For now, Abu Dhabi's real estate market is in a sweet spot: undersupplied, competitively priced, and bolstered by confidence. The next 18 months will test how well developers and policymakers can sustain this delicate balance of growth and affordability,' they said.


Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
Takmeel Real Estate Development announces bold vision for the future with AED1.5bln in pipeline for 2025
Dubai, UAE – After nearly two decades of shaping thoughtfully designed communities, Takmeel Real Estate Development L.L.C. is entering a transformative new era. With a proven track record of over 100 completed projects across the UAE, this homegrown developer is now unveiling its ambitious development roadmap for 2025 a dynamic pipeline valued at AED 1.5 billion, with AED 550 million dedicated to upcoming flagship projects in Dubai South and Al Barari. Built on a foundation of timely delivery, lifestyle-driven design, and unwavering transparency, Takmeel is positioning itself as a next-generation developer committed to crafting communities that go beyond architecture offering environments that inspire belonging, well-being, and long-term value. Takmeel's upcoming developments will span over 350,000 sq. ft. of built-up area, strategically located in high-growth areas such as Majan, Al Barari, and Dubai South. These districts are recognized for their connectivity, natural landscapes, and strong investment potential, aligning with the company's strategy to meet the evolving demands of today's urban buyers. Established in 2006, Takmeel has delivered a wide range of residential and commercial projects across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, earning a reputation for efficient execution and end-user-first thinking. The developer's growing portfolio includes notable projects such as Divine Residencia in Dubai Sports City; Divine Living and Divine Residences in Arjan; Meydan Racecourse Mansion; and Golf View Living and Divine Golf Villas in Al Zorah. Each of these reflects Takmeel's commitment to design excellence, smart planning, and homeowner-centric living. As the visionary force behind Takmeel, Mr. Mian Asad Bashir has not only contributed to the region's urban development but has actively redefined it. His real estate journey began in 2006 with the launch of a pioneering project in the Northern Emirates, comprising over 800 villas and 12 residential buildings, a milestone that laid the groundwork for Takmeel's future. This success was followed by a bold entry into Dubai's real estate market, where he introduced 12 premium villas and townhouses in Jumeirah Village Circle. In 2017, these milestones culminated in the formal establishment of Takmeel Real Estate Development, now recognized as one of the UAE's most trusted real estate brands. 'Takmeel was born out of a deeply personal belief that homes should be more than four walls; they should be environments where people feel grounded, inspired, and connected. Since day one, our goal has been to craft spaces that bring value not only to the market but to the lives of those who live in them,' said Mian Asad Bashir, Founder & Chairman. 'We've stayed true to our principles of thoughtful planning, functional design, and transparency. This launch is more than a milestone; it's a reaffirmation of our promise to create homes with purpose. As we expand, our focus remains on delivering developments that reflect our integrity, our dedication to quality, and our understanding of what makes a house a home.' The announcement also marks a generational milestone, as Hamza Asad officially takes the reins as CEO, symbolizing the continuity of the brand's legacy with a future-focused vision. 'This is a proud and humbling moment for me personally,' said Hamza Asad, CEO, 'Takmeel is not just a brand — it's a legacy of trust, resilience, and vision. Having closely experienced the business and its trajectory, I've seen the care and dedication behind every detail of our projects. That spirit will drive our next phase. We are focused on scale and smart growth — launching communities that resonate with today's buyers, embracing sustainable practices, and pushing the boundaries of modern design. While we modernize, our values will remain our compass. We are building for the next generation with a long-term perspective on people, spaces, and the future of living.' The event was attended by prominent industry leaders, real estate professionals, members of the media, and strategic partners, offering an exclusive glimpse into Takmeel's evolving journey and bold ambitions. With a proven portfolio, dynamic leadership, and a mission rooted in purpose-driven development, Takmeel Real Estate Development is poised to become a defining force in the UAE's real estate future — a developer guided by legacy, vision, and the limitless potential of the communities it creates. About Takmeel Real Estate Development Founded in 2017, Takmeel Real Estate Development L.L.C. is a UAE-based real estate company committed to delivering thoughtfully designed residential communities that blend luxury, comfort, and functionality. With a name that means "completion" in Arabic, Takmeel reflects a philosophy rooted in precision, trust, and long-term value. The company has successfully developed and handed over several landmark projects across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, including Divine Residencia, Divine Living Arjan, Golf View Living, Meydan Racecourse Mansion, and Divine Golf Villas Al Zorah. With a robust pipeline of upcoming developments, Takmeel continues to shape lifestyle-driven spaces that meet the evolving needs of modern residents — setting new standards for quality living across the region.