Muscat – South Batinah governorate announced a competition for the citizens of the country asking them to share their ideas for the development of the Rustaq Gate in northern Oman.

The winner of the competition will be rewarded with RO2,000, an official said.

The wilayat of Rustaq is considered the centre of the governorate, which boasts of many monuments such as the archaeological landmark Al Huqain Fort, whose construction dates back to the year 1722 and is characterised by its clay construction.

“The RO2,000 competition aims to gather creative ideas from the Omanis for the development of the Rustaq Gate and obtain the best design for the gate and the parking area surrounding it,” said the official from the South Batinah’s office.

The governorate has set some conditions, such as that a participant should be an Omani, and the design must be implementable and inspired by the country’s tradition and environment. It also should include the variety of facilities and services that can be offered to attract visitors.

The deadline for the submission of designs is March 12.

The wilayat of Rustaq is not only dotted with historical monuments and landmarks, it is also distinguished by a number of important tourist sites such as Ayn al Hout, a water pool in Wadi Bani Awf; Ayn al Khadra, a water pool located in Wadi al Sahtan surrounded by trees and palm trees; and Ayn al Zarqa in the niyabat of Al Huqain.

Rustaq has also a number of waterfalls, some of which are in the niyabat of Al Huqain and others in Wadi al Sahtan.