MUSCAT: In a major international achievement, the Greater Muscat Structure Plan has won the WAFX Award 2025 in the Smart Cities category and has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Comprehensive Urban Planning category at the upcoming World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Miami, scheduled for November 12–14, 2025.
Developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the plan reflects Oman’s bold efforts to shape a sustainable, inclusive and technologically advanced future for its capital — aligning closely with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
The WAFX Awards, introduced on the 10th anniversary of WAF, celebrate future-facing projects that offer practical solutions to global challenges including climate change, digital transformation, urban equity, and smart development. The Greater Muscat Structure Plan’s win underscores Oman’s rising prominence on the world stage in strategic urbanism.
The plan now competes with innovative entries from nations like China, the US, the UK, Brazil, Canada, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, a testament to the maturity of Oman’s urban planning and its ability to blend cultural authenticity with global innovation.
“This award marks a key milestone in our journey to create a future-ready Muscat that respects its heritage while embracing modern urban values,” said Eng Yaqoub bin Amer al Harthy, Project Director.
“It’s not just a regulatory plan - it’s a strategic blueprint that tackles core challenges like mobility, sustainability, livability, economic growth and community safety. The recognition is the result of extensive collaboration across public, private and civil sectors.”
Monika Beck, Urban Planning Adviser to the Minister, highlighted the strategic and technological depth of the project “This isn’t just about innovative design - it’s about crafting solutions for global issues like climate change and urban health. By embedding the plan into a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework, we ensured deep coordination across transport, sustainability, economic diversification and public services. This multidisciplinary approach is what made the plan stand out.”
The plan is guided by five strategic pillars mainly: Green Muscat: Enhancing urban livability by preserving natural assets like wadis and water systems. Connected Muscat: Reducing car dependency through a smart, integrated transport network. Productive Muscat: Fostering innovation and knowledge-based industries, Vibrant Muscat: Promoting livable neighbourhoods and strong social cohesion and Safe and resilient Muscat: Designing for climate resilience and public safety.
This international recognition positions Oman at the forefront of smart urban development in the region. It signals a transformative shift in urban planning - anchored in local identity, but responsive to global change.
As Oman prepares to present its vision at WAF in Miami, the Greater Muscat Structure Plan is set to inspire a global audience with its people-centred, sustainable and forward-thinking approach - proving that smart cities are not just about digital innovation, but about building inclusive, resilient and culturally rooted futures.
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