Muscat – Based on the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, Muscat Municipality will implement a project that won the Bilarab bin Haitham Architectural Design Award in March 2022.

Muttrah corniche will get an iconic structure that will set a new standard in Omani architecture and attract local as well as foreign tourists. The winning project of the award, Maidan Muttrah will be a centre piece on the corniche.

Maidan (meaning square) Muttrah is designed by Abdulla al Bahri, Omaima al Hinai and Ahmed al Jahdhami.

A signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, with Muscat Municipality and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth at Al Wahat Club on Tuesday.

A statement issued by Muscat Municipality said, ‘This signing is confirmation of the award’s intend to implement the project, and to exploit the capabilities of Omani youth by translating their designs into landmarks that serve society and add aesthetics to the surroundings.’

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Bahri said that the design team is very happy with the signing of the agreement and thanked His Majesty the Sultan for his Royal Orders to implement the project.

“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,” Bahri added.

Inspired by the sword of Imam al Salt bin Malik al Kharusi, Maidan Muttrah will be an iconic structure from where all the famous landmarks of Muttrah will be visible. “The arched bridge will have a mixed-use plaza, a dancing fountain, retail stores and cafes lit by lights blending with the waves of the sea around it.”

Bahri described the Bilarab Award as an opportunity for Omani youth to showcase their talent in the field of architecture. “We thank Bilarab bin Haitham and the award committee for their efforts to make this competition a success.”

On the occasion, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Hamidi, chairman of Muscat Municipality, said, “Implementation of the project will be facilitated by the expertise of the specialists of the municipality.”

According to Hamidi, the award is a significant step and an opportunity for aspiring architects and engineers. He called on young people to engage in innovative ideas that serve the sultanate in the future editions of the award.

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.