Winner of the “Bilharith bin Haitham Architecture Award” to Be Built in Muscat
Muscat Municipality has officially awarded the construction contract of the “Muttrah Square” project — winner of first place in the inaugural Bilharith bin Haitham Architecture Design Award — to a qualified contractor. This landmark project has entered its execution phase with the aim of enhancing urban space quality, strengthening the tourism standing of Wilayat Muttrah, and preserving the historical identity of the area.
According to Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, the project is considered one of the most pivotal urban development initiatives in the capital. It will play a direct role in beautifying the wilayat, enhancing visual appeal, and strengthening the connection between contemporary architecture and Muttrah’s historical heritage. He emphasized that Muttrah Square is not merely a new construction space, but a smart re-creation of the region’s visual and historical identity within a modern urban framework.
Based on the approved plans, the “Muttrah Square” project will be constructed at a strategic location in Muscat Governorate on a land area of approximately 7,500 square metres. The central element of the project is a symbolic bridge, 5 metres wide, designed as a suspended structure over the sea and inspired by the sword of Imam Al-Salt bin Malik Al-Kharousi. The bridge, shaped in a U-form, will frame a unified visual panorama of both the maritime route and the historic Muttrah Fort.
Surrounding the bridge, a multi-purpose public square will be established, featuring a dancing fountain, lighting synchronized with sea waves, and interactive public spaces. The surrounding area will also include green spaces, pedestrian walkways, family recreational areas, and urban rest zones, transforming Muttrah Square into one of the new urban tourism landmarks of Muscat.
The Chairman of Muscat Municipality stated that the project is being implemented in line with the objectives of Oman’s National Urban Development Strategy 2040, which focuses on building identity-driven, sustainable, people-oriented cities centered on quality of life. He noted that Muttrah Square represents a clear example of the coexistence of cultural heritage and architectural innovation within a sustainable urban development framework.
The Muttrah Square project had previously won first place in the inaugural Bilharith bin Haitham Architecture Design Award, an award established to promote local architecture, encourage creative design, and enhance the quality of the urban environment in the Sultanate of Oman.
Publication Date: 10 December 2025
Sources:
Muscat Municipality
Al-Masar Newspaper
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