Muscat – Muttrah corniche will get an iconic building that will set a new standard in Omani architecture and attract local as well as foreign tourists. The winning project of the Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design, Maidan Muttrah will be a centrepiece on the corniche.

Maidan (square) Muttrah, designed by Abdulla al Bahri, Omaima al Hinai and Ahmed al Jahdhami, was declared the winner of the Bilarab Award on Tuesday.

“Our design will come to life in the form a massive project in Muttrah,” Bahri claimed

The Foundation Monument by Nasser al Himli won the second place and Future of Oman Pavilion by Tahira al Busafia won third.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Bahri said, “Maidan Muttrah will enhance the value of Muttrah with an iconic bridge in the shape of an arch looming over the middle of the square besides the sea. It was inspired by the sword of Imam Al Salt bin Malik al Kharusi.”

All the famous landmarks of Muttrah will be visible from the bridge. The arched bridge will be surrounded by a mixed-use plaza having a dancing fountain, retail stores and cafes lit by lights blending with the waves of the sea.

According to Bahri, Dr Alya al Hashim, vice-chairman of the Jury Committee, the Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design Office and Muscat Municipality will implement the first-place winner of the competition.

He added, “We are very happy to win the award. It is an indescribable feeling. All nine projects that we competed against had unique designs.”

Creating a unique design within a short time was a challenge, which was compounded by the fact that the team members have day jobs, Bahri informed.

“The Bilarab Award is an opportunity for Omani youth to show their talent in the field of architecture. We thank H H Bilarab bin Haitham and the award committee for their efforts to make this competition a success,” said Bahri.

In the first edition of the award this year, participants were asked to propose a design for the seafront site of Muttrah. Spread over an area of 7,500sqm, comprising Port Sultan Qaboos and boasting a wide captivating view of what has for ages been a tourist hotspot, the site is a historically and culturally prominent site of Omani civilisation.