Sur – South Sharqiyah has announced the three winning designs of a competition to create a monument commemorating Sur’s selection as Arab Tourism Capital for 2024. The results were declared on Monday.

The top prize was awarded to a project called ‘The Meeting of Land and Sea’ designed by Maryam bint Imran al Habsi. Her design captures the deep connection between land and sea, elements that are integral to Sur’s heritage. The monument creatively integrates these two aspects, reflecting the historical ties between agriculture and maritime life in Sur.

‘Khashbat Sur’ – designed by a team comprising Ammar bin Saleh al Saleh, Ronaq bint Rashid al Ismailia, Shama bint Awad al Balushi and Ammar bin Abdul Hamid al Balushi – placed second. Their design celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of Sur’s traditional shipbuilding craft.

The third prize went to ‘Ghanjah Sur’, created by Zainab bint Talib al Busaidi and Zulfi bint Hamad al Kharousi. Their design draws inspiration from the ghanjah ship, a symbol of Sur’s maritime heritage.

South Sharqiyah allocated cash prizes for the winners: RO4,000 for first, RO2,000 for second and RO1,000 for third.

The competition targeting young Omanis specialising in architecture, design, fine arts, urban planning, civil engineering and related fields was part of a broader initiative to harness the creativity of the nation’s youth.

During the competition’s launch in July, Dr Yahya bin Badr bin Malik al Maawali, Governor of South Sharqiyah, highlighted the fact that selection of Sur as Arab Tourism Capital was intended to stimulate tourism-related projects and contribute to the region’s development.

The judging panel included Saeed bin Mohammed al Saqlawi,  Mohammed bin Khamis al Arimi, Mohammed bin Salah al Balushi and Saud bin Mohammed al Mukhaini.

In addition to the three winning projects, seven others that made it to the final round of the competition were also announced – ‘Sail and Ship Movement’ by Wadha bint Khalid al Jabriya, ‘Snail’ by Taif bint Ahmed al Jabriya, ‘Sur Anchor’ by Nouf bint Harb al Alawi, ‘Sur Flag’ by Buthaina bint Mohammed al Farsi and Alia bint Balarab al Batashiya, ‘Nahmat Sur’ by Talib bin Harith al Maawali, ‘Sur Eye’ by Amira bint Salem al Mukhaini, and ‘Durra’ by Shaima bint Salem al Mukhaini.