Latest news with #MuscatMunicipalityDesignCompetition2025
Observer
09-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
German firm wins Bausher ‘Design Competition 2025'
German firm KSP Engel, known for its work on cultural and institutional buildings, was awarded first place in the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025. The competition was launched to design a landmark multi-use building in the Wilayat of Bausher. The event was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and was attended by Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, along with other top officials, dignitaries, and a distinguished group of engineering experts and consultants from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. Five globally renowned construction and engineering companies participated in the competition, vying for the prestigious project. The second place was awarded to Bisan Mohammadi Architects (BMA) from North Macedonia, while the third place went to Xavier De Geyter Architects (XDGA) from Belgium. In his comment, Al Humaidi said, '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.' The jury witnessed live presentations by the five finalist teams for the final place. These companies are 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, and KSP Engel – Germany. Each firm presented comprehensive designs that creatively blended modern innovation with elements of Omani culture, tailored for a prominent civic landmark. 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 competition's jury comprised Don Murphy, jury chairman and founder and partner at VMX Architects, along with 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. 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.
Observer
07-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Municipality's Bausher project design contest winners to be awarded today
The announcement of the best design blueprint for the Bausher multi-use project by Muscat Municipality will take place on Tuesday. The event will be held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, along with other representatives from various ministries and public and private firms, will attend the ceremony at the Mandarin Muscat. Speaking to the Observer, a representative from the municipality said that the design competition is focused on enhancing the appearance of the capital and the surrounding area and that three finalists in the competition will be announced, first, second and third respectively and the first will be awarded with the project. 'The competition, participated by five international design companies, aims at creating innovative, sustainable and state-of-the-art solutions for the area. The designs should beautify the surroundings, manage water flow and incorporate urban elements while maintaining existing infrastructure in Bausher area,' he said. On Monday, all the companies presented their designs before the judging panel and clarification was given on each project. Five architectural design, engineering and implementation companies from Belgium, the UK, Germany and North Macedonia are competing for the prestigious project next to the Mall of Oman, adjacent to the Muscat Expressway in Bausher. The companies in contention are Belgian XDGA, British POV, German KSP Engel, North Macedonian BMA, and Belgian Samyn and Partners. These firms will play a crucial role in the iconic project. Dubbed the 'Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025', this international competition aims to establish new standards in urban development by enhancing Muscat's urban landscape, preserving cultural heritage and elevating the city's global reputation. Siham al Harthy, Chairperson for Al Aufoq Real Estate Development and Investment, emphasised the importance of selecting the best design blueprint for Muscat. She believes that this step will shape a more sustainable, inclusive and livable capital city. Muscat Municipality Design Competition serves as a platform for visionary ideas, with five leading international architectural design firms competing for the award. Each firm will present a concept for a multi-use civic building that blends Omani identity with contemporary global urban design and sustainable technologies.
Muscat Daily
05-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Muscat Municipality Design Competition on Tuesday
Muscat – The awards ceremony of Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 will take place under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Kamil Fahad al Said, Assistant Secretary-General at Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Council of Ministers, on Tuesday. Launched by Muscat Municipality, the international competition aims to set a new benchmark in urban development by enriching Muscat's urban landscape, safeguarding cultural heritage and elevating the city's standing as a leading global destination. 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 exchange of visionary ideas, with five leading international architectural firms participating. Each firm will present its concept for a multi-use civic building that harmoniously blends Omani identity with contemporary global urban design, while integrating the latest sustainable technologies. The competition's project presentation session will be held on Monday. 'This provides a dedicated platform for the finalists to present their designs before the judging panel. The competition 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,' Muscat Municipality stated.
Observer
05-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
What is Muscat Municipality Design Competition
A jury panel, featuring both local and international expertise, will select the top three winners of the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 in the coming week. The panelists include Don Murphy - Head of Jury: An Irish architect with extensive experience in architectural design and consultancy, Don Murphy is the founding partner of VMX Architects, one of Europe's leading international architecture firms, headquartered in Amsterdam. Eng. Mohammed al Rashdi: Assistant Director General of the Directorate General of Technical Affairs at Muscat Municipality. He holds a degree in Architecture and has played a pivotal role in leading and managing major engineering and planning projects, drawing on his extensive professional expertise throughout his tenure at the Municipality. Dr. Haitham al Abri: An architect and architectural researcher specializing in the traditional built environment of Oman. He holds a PhD in the History and Architecture of Oman from Nottingham Trent University. His research focuses on architectural and urban history, aiming to explore the diverse factors that contributed to the formation of traditional settlements and their architecture in the Gulf region. Other panel mambers are Dr. Aliya Al-Hashim, Dr. Chaham Rajab Alalouch, Eng. Elham Al-Hadhrami and Fiorenza Matteoni. Muscat Municipality International Architectural Competition said it seeks innovative designs for an iconic architectural landmark that reflects the city's vision for sustainable and forward-thinking urban development. The selected site will be 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. The proposed design should embody architectural excellence, seamlessly blending contemporary elements with Omani heritage while ensuring practical feasibility, environmental sustainability, and financial viability. Five international companies - XDGA, POV — also known as 24PV, KSP Engel, Samyn and Partners and BMA - will present project proposals for the landmark Muscat Municipality Design Competition, launched to set new benchmarks in urban development and enhance Muscat's cityscape while preserving its rich cultural heritage. The initiative will also lead to the proposed development of Al Ghubra South, contributing to the evolving urban landscape of Muscat.
Muscat Daily
10-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
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.
