Muscat Municipality announces the winners, concluding the ‘Design Competition 2025'
Muscat – Muscat Municipality today announced the winners of the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 during the competition's closing ceremony, held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Kamil Fahad Mahmood Al-Said, Secretary General in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, along with several dignitaries, officials, and a distinguished group of engineering experts and consultants from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.
The German firm KSP Engel, known for its work on cultural and institutional buildings, was awarded first place in this edition of the competition, which was launched to design a landmark multi-use building in the Wilayat of Bausher. Second place went to Bisan Mohammadi Architects (BMA) from North Macedonia, while third place was awarded to Xavier De Geyter Architects (XDGA) from Belgium.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Humaidi stated:
'This competition represents an important milestone in Muscat's urban development journey. It is inspiring to see how these design proposals embody innovation and sustainability while preserving our rich cultural heritage. We are shaping Muscat's future in line with our identity and values, which are at the heart of our development strategy.'
He further explained that the results of the competition will play a key role in driving urban development in Muscat, ensuring that modernisation aligns with the preservation of Omani architectural identity.
The two-day closing event, organised by Muscat Municipality on 7 and 8 July 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Muscat, generated strong momentum and engagement. Day one featured live presentations by the five finalist teams before the jury and attendees. These were:
Bisan Mohammadi Architects (BMA) – North Macedonia
Paolo Vimercati Urban Projects and Architectural Designs (POV) – United Kingdom
Samyn and Partners for Sustainable Architecture – Belgium
Xavier De Geyter Architects (XDGA) – Belgium
KSP Engel – Germany
Each firm presented comprehensive designs that creatively blended modern innovation with elements of Omani culture, tailored for a prominent civic landmark.
The competition's jury was chaired by Don Murphy, founder and partner at VMX Architects, and comprised a distinguished panel of Omani and international consultants and engineers. The jury adopted clear values and criteria to ensure the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the evaluation process, with a focus on sustainability and cultural alignment. Murphy commended the participants' efforts during the winner announcement, noting that each submission brought a unique vision to enrich Muscat's urban landscape and community life.
Launched earlier this year, the competition was initiated by Muscat Municipality to design a multi-use civic landmark in the Wilayat of Bausher. It attracted top architectural firms from around the world, inviting innovative concepts for a sustainable, iconic building that reflects Omani identity while meeting the needs of modern civic life. The winning project will be built on an 8,000-square-metre plot near Oman Avenues Mall, offering a striking architectural presence that blends heritage with the aspirations of a modern city.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
The Professional Diploma Program in Endowment Leadership celebrates the graduation of its first cohort
Muscat: In a groundbreaking initiative to advance the future strategic vision for leading and developing the Waqf sector and establishing a comprehensive, sustainable Islamic financial model, the Professional Diploma in Waqf Leadership proudly celebrated the graduation of its inaugural cohort. This milestone marks the fruition of a strategic alliance between Bank Nizwa, Tawafuq Financial Consultancy, and the College of Sharia Sciences, dedicated to cultivating national human capital specialized in Waqf leadership. The graduation ceremony was held under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Said bin Khalfan Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, and attended by senior officials, distinguished leaders from the Waqf and banking sectors, and representatives from the partnering institutions. Since its launch earlier this year, the Professional Diploma has underscored the critical importance of harmonizing rigorous academic research with specialized practical application in the endowment sector. Its mission is to equip a new generation of leaders with the expertise and vision required to spearhead this pivotal sector. Developed through a robust strategic partnership—Bank Nizwa serving as the banking partner, Tawafuq as the executive partner specializing in Islamic financial consultancy, and the College of Sharia Sciences as the knowledge partner—the program delivers a comprehensive, tailored educational experience meticulously designed to address the unique characteristics and operational demands of the Waqf sector. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Mohammed Fakhri Suwaileh, Islamic Banking and Endowments Advisor and Sr. Manger of Waqf Investment at Bank Nizwa, participants engaged in an intensive curriculum covering Islamic jurisprudence, legal frameworks, corporate governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, performance metrics, contemporary Waqf investment strategies, internal and Sharia audit, and Waqf accounting. By embracing an innovative pedagogical approach that transcends conventional methodologies, the diploma program has solidified a management paradigm focused on maximizing the developmental and investment impact of endowments. Graduates have been empowered with the essential tools, insights, and competencies to elevate operational efficiency, uphold transparency standards, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector. Reflecting on the occasion, Mr. Khaled Al Kayed, Chief Executive Officer of Bank Nizwa, stated, 'This milestone underscores our firm commitment to partnering with like-minded institutions that share our vision of advancing Islamic finance through the development of highly skilled and specialized professionals. Initiatives of this nature are essential in cultivating individuals with a profound understanding of Waqf systems, alongside the analytical and managerial competencies needed to thrive in today's evolving institutional landscape. This program embodies our belief in structured, purposeful learning as a catalyst for sustainable transformation and meaningful impact within the sector. We are proud to have partnered with Tawafuq and the College of Sharia Sciences in empowering the first cohort of graduates from the Waqf Leadership Diploma Program, and we look forward to its continued growth and success in shaping influential leaders who will drive progress across the Waqf sector.' The graduating batch comprised professionals from a broad spectrum of institutions, including representatives from the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, endowment organizations, Islamic banks, and academic and legal fields. This diversity of professional backgrounds significantly enriched the learning experience and fostered a culture of engagement and knowledge-sharing — reflecting a shared commitment to advancing inclusive development within the Waqf sector and the broader financial ecosystem. The program provided exceptional opportunities for knowledge exchange and institutional capacity-building, aimed at enhancing performance efficiency and strengthening the infrastructure that supports the Waqf sector in the Sultanate of Oman. Initiatives such as the Professional Diploma Program for Waqf Leadership reflect the shared commitment of Bank Nizwa, Tawafuq, and the College of Sharia Sciences to advancing Waqf leadership and enhancing national talent. These efforts aim to elevate the role of Waqf in sustainable development and community service by preparing a new generation of leaders capable of driving the sector toward a prosperous future.
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Dubai Municipality participates in Dubai Dates Festival
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Municipality has announced its participation in the Dubai Dates Festival, taking place from 25 July to 1 August 2025. The Municipality will showcase its advanced laboratory services, agricultural initiatives, and food safety programmes, while promoting environmental sustainability and engaging the public on recycling and community wellbeing. The initiative reflects Dubai Municipality's commitment to supporting national products and contributing to a sustainable and secure food ecosystem. Its participation aligns with the emirate's broader vision of health, safety, and economic prosperity through high-quality municipal services. Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafea, Acting CEO of the Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: 'The Dubai Dates Festival is a celebration of one of the region's most valued agricultural products and an opportunity to reinforce the importance of food safety, innovation, and sustainability. Our participation reflects Dubai Municipality's ongoing commitment to ensuring product quality through precise, advanced laboratory testing, while supporting farmers and promoting a culture of health and environmental awareness.' Throughout the festival, the Dubai Central Laboratory will conduct daily on-site testing of date samples from exhibitor booths using its Mobile Food Testing Lab. Equipped with advanced technologies, the lab enables rapid analysis and provides accredited results that meet the highest international safety standards. This capability ensures immediate regulatory response to any contamination risks, safeguarding public health and reinforcing consumer confidence. Dubai Municipality will also highlight its agricultural programmes and technical services that support local farmers through education, guidance, and sustainable practices. These initiatives enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the preservation of palm trees as part of Dubai's ecological and cultural heritage. As part of its scientific pest control efforts, the Municipality will present its integrated management programmes targeting pests such as the red palm weevil. Live demonstrations and expert consultations will be available at the booth, along with insights into modern palm offshoot tissue culture techniques and Dubai Municipality's free home palm pest control services. For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
FIA and Formula E sign landmark extension to power Formula E World Championship for another 10 years
Extension unlocks long-term growth and investment opportunities for the world's premier electric motor sport championship Formula E has seen 20% year-on-year growth since inception and continues to accelerate fan engagement and manufacturer interest The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced a significant multi-year extension to its agreement with Formula E Holdings Limited (majority owned by Liberty Global) for the continued promotion of the FIA Formula E World Championship (Formula E) within the all-electric single-seater category. This agreement solidifies Formula E's bright future at the forefront of international motor sport. It provides a powerful platform to accelerate the Championship's growth trajectory, attract further investment, scale its global impact and pave the way for sustainable innovation in the wider automotive sector. Under current plans, Formula E is set to continue its ambitious and phased development strategy for its racing cars, delivering faster top speeds, greater acceleration, enhanced aerodynamics and improved tyre performance to continue producing some of the closest and most competitive racing in world motor sport. These developments showcase the increased relevance to consumers and the wider EV market, with greater 'race to road' technology transfer. The long-term extension will enable Formula E to build further on this work, providing the FIA World Championship with the long-term vision and support to thrive in the years to come. It opens the door to strategic long-range partnerships and expanded fan engagement. With electric vehicle sales set rise to over 40% of global vehicle sales by 2030 [1], and global lithium-ion battery production expected to triple by 2030 [2], the relevance of Formula E and advancements in this field are more important than ever. At the heart of this shift, the FIA Formula E World Championship, showcases what's possible in modern electric racing and plays a pioneering role in shaping the technologies that will define the road vehicles of the future. The Formula E GEN3 Evo, which launched earlier this year, is already a step-change in performance: 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds (30% faster than a current Formula 1 car), a 200mph top speed, and almost 50% of energy needed to complete a race regenerated during a race. It is designed with sustainability at its core and includes tyres made with 35% recycled materials and bodywork incorporating recycled carbon fibre and natural fibres. Already backed by a roster of leading manufacturer brands such as Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, Maserati, Stellantis, Mahindra and Lola-Yamaha, Formula E is the only all-electric single-seater series competing at the highest level – offering a unique blend of intense competition, cutting edge-technology, and sustainability-focused leadership. Since its first race in Beijing in 2014, Formula E has become a global motorsport success story – growing by 20% year-on-year to reach circa 400m fans around the world and attracting a television audience of approximately half a billion. Featuring 11 world-class teams and 22 elite drivers, the Championship races through incredible locations including Monaco, Tokyo, London, Shanghai and Miami, delivering thrilling, purpose-driven sport in the heart of the world's most iconic cities. Solidifying its global standing as a beacon of sustainability Formula E has been ranked the top ESG sport in the world for the third consecutive year [3]. Coupled with substantial annual reductions in freight emissions and the lasting positive legacy of its Better Future Fund in host cities, Formula E is poised for an even stronger and more impactful future. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President at the FIA, said: 'The extension of the agreement governing the FIA Formula E World Championship is a fantastic outcome for the sport and a clear reflection of our ongoing strategy at the FIA to foster long-term stability, innovation, and growth across all areas of motorsport. 'This milestone reaffirms our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological progress, which are all central to the Championship's unique identity and purpose. It also aligns with our broader goal of increasing global participation and driving more accessible motorsport for all. We are delighted to be continuing this journey with Formula E, and I look forward to seeing it grow even further, both on and off the track, in the years to come.' Craig Edmondson, Chief Commercial Officer at the FIA, said: ' Formula E has not only demonstrated impressive growth since its inception, but has also led the way on sustainable innovation in our industry. This is a landmark agreement for the FIA and Formula E, and we are excited to be working with the Championship in the years to come.' Mike Fries, CEO at Liberty Global, said: 'We've believed in Formula E since day one, and this extension reaffirms our confidence in where it's headed. This is the motorsport of the future – a championship that combines the very latest technology, close-combat racing, and a mission that really matters. 'With the FIA's continued backing, we can now take the next big steps – scaling the sport, growing its global fanbase, and continuing to push the boundaries of what electric racing can achieve. With this new agreement in place, Formula E is now positioned better than ever to define the future of motorsport – more innovative, more inclusive, more sustainable – and to inspire the next generation of fans, drivers, and partners around the world." Jeff Dodds, CEO at Formula E, said: ' Formula E's growth since its inception has been nothing short of extraordinary, with hundreds of millions of fans and world-class teams and drivers deciding to choose highly competitive electric racing. This long-term extension of the partnership enables us to continue building the brand, investing in the product and delivering some of the most captivating racing that has made us famous. With this long-term extension, the opportunity that Formula E now has to impact world motorsport will be truly transformational.' About FIA The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all. Formula E Holdings Limited is currently owned in its majority by Liberty Global and is the promoter of the FIA Formula E World Championship.
