Muscat Municipality Launches Global Design Competition to Shape City’s Architectural Future

MUSCAT : Muscat Municipality has officially launched the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025, marking a significant step in the city’s vision for sustainable urban development. The initiative was formally set in motion with a site visit by His Excellency Ahmed Al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, symbolizing the competition’s commencement and attracting interest from top international architecture firms.

The competition centres around a prime 8,000-square-metre plot strategically located adjacent to the Mall of Oman, nestled between the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains. This landmark site is earmarked for a multi-functional civic building designed to embody Muscat’s future aspirations while remaining rooted in its rich architectural heritage.

“Muscat is preparing to welcome a growing number of tourists, and we are committed to ensuring their experience is sustainable, beautiful, and of the highest quality,” said His Excellency Ahmed Al Humaidi. “This competition reflects our dedication to shaping Muscat’s urban landscape through architecture that enhances public spaces, respects our traditions, and supports civic pride. We aim to create iconic structures that set new benchmarks in sustainability and cultural relevance.”

The international design competition is open to renowned architectural studios worldwide, challenging them to conceptualize a civic structure that reflects Omani identity, sustainability, and modern functionality. The competition process is currently in progress, with submissions being prepared by leading firms. Five finalists will be shortlisted and invited to present their proposals to a prestigious jury of both local and global experts.

Final presentations will be held in early July, after which three top proposals will be selected. The winning design is set to be announced shortly thereafter.

More than a building, the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 is a public-driven initiative that emphasizes transparency, design excellence, and lasting urban impact. It reflects the city’s commitment to cultural authenticity, accessibility, and sustainable development—elements that are central to Muscat’s vision as a forward-looking global city.

The recent site visit marks both a symbolic and strategic milestone in a project that will influence Muscat’s architectural identity for generations to come.

For further details and ongoing updates, visit: [www.mmcdd.com]