Muhammad al Timami has been crowned winner of Tilal al Irfan’s first National Art Competition. He was followed by Reem al Hashmi in second place and Mohammed Qamar in third place.

The announcement was made under the patronage of H E Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidi, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.

Oman’s largest and most ambitious lifestyle destination, Tilal al Irfan is a partnership between Omran and Majid al Futtaim Properties which is transforming 550,000sqm of land in the heart of Madinat al Irfan into the City of the Future. 

Timami was one of over a hundred Oman-based artists who submitted designs for a sculpture that would be built within the development’s landscape. Tilal al Irfan is already a destination and is inspiring authentic connections. 

The competition ran for two months from September to October, and was open to nationals and residents, who could enter either as an individual or as a team of up to five members. As well as the accolade of winning and the opportunity to have their work seen by thousands of people, there were financial awards too, for both the winner and two runners-up.

Timami’s winning entry was chosen by an esteemed panel of judges made up of Hawazen Esber, CEO of Majid al Futtaim – Communities, Peter Walichnowski, CEO of Omran, Hassan Meer, arts and culture manager at Omran and owner of Stal Gallery, Dr Bader al Maamari, head of the Art Faculty at Sultan Qaboos University, and Sarah al Ulaqi, artist and founder of Cure8art Gallery. 

Commenting on the selection, Esber said, “We were overwhelmed with the positive response to this competition where both the originality and the variety of the entries, clearly reflected the incredible talent, passion and enthusiasm of artists living and working in Oman.

“Art is a key pillar within Majid al Futtaim’s place making philosophy and this initiative is one of many that will bring this philosophy alive at Tilal al Irfan. The designs were all impressive and it was a difficult process narrowing them down to decide on a winner. But Muhammad al Timami’s concept stood out as exceptional and we know that once the sculpture has been created and is standing pride of place outside of the completed Sales and Experience Centre, it will enhance what is set to be an architecturally striking space offering something to every resident and visitor.”

The wining sculpture will be the first of many prime examples showcasing the design talent in the sultanate and a testimony to Tilal al Irfan’s cultural and artistic pillars. Tilal al Irfan will continue to build on this initiative and work with local artists to provide them with a platform to challenge their creativity.

Built on an ambitious, contemporary design which features a floating roof, once complete in early 2021, the Sales and Experience Centre will take centre stage opposite the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.