Muscat: The Al Aqr heritage project in Nizwa and Al Thuraya City project in Muscat have been shortlisted for the prestigious MIPIM 2026 Awards. The 40 finalists represent countries across the globe, from Denmark to Oman to Australia, have been selected for the final ceremony in Cannes.
Categories for MIPIM Awards include: Best Conversion Project, Best Cultural, Sports and Education Project, Best Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Project, Best Industrial & Logistics Project, Best Mixed-Use Project, Best Residential Project, Best Urban Regeneration Project, Best Workplace Experience, Best New Development, and Best New Mega Development. The winners will be selected by both the jury’s and MIPIM delegates’ votes, cast online and on-site. In addition to the category winners, a ‘Special Jury Award’ will be awarded to the jury’s favourite project. The winners will be announced at the MIPIM Awards ceremony at the Palais des Festivals, Cannes, on March 12.
This year, the jury has focused on projects that enhance the prospects of the built environment in line with ESG goals. The projects are judged on their overall sustainability, integration with the environment and community, the quality of the user experience, the economic contribution to the area, the originality of the concept, and the architectural qualities.
"The jury was impressed by the high level of innovation and sustainability demonstrated across the projects. This sets a new benchmark for the MIPIM Awards, which celebrate truly visionary developments that push the boundaries of real estate. The 40 shortlisted projects, representing 19 countries, range from first‑of‑their‑kind ‘drive‑in’ and naturally climate‑controlled buildings to the restoration of one of the oldest historic neighbourhoods. Each one showcases unique ways in which real estate can create more resilient and economically vibrant places for the future, said Véronique Bédague, the MIPIM Awards jury chair.
The Al Aqr heritage project is focused on rehabilitating the historic 1,200-year-old Al Aqr neighbourhood, including restoring its 1,950-metre-long, 700-metre-sectioned wall.
Al Thuraya City is a sustainable, and high-end residential development in the Wilayat of Bausher, designed as a 3-phase project featuring over 2,600 residential units in its first phase. Located on a mountain plateau near the Muscat Expressway, it offers modern,, eco-conscious living with, villas, retail, and, entertainment, accommodating over 8,000 residents, with construction already underway.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) said the achievement underscores the Sultanate of Oman’s growing presence on the global urban development map.
Jamal bin Nasser al Hadi, media adviser to the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, said both projects “reflects the strategic direction of the Sultanate of Oman in developing cities according to clear planning principles and implementing integrated urban projects that consider economic, environmental and social sustainability.” He noted that the Sultanate of Oman's participation in MIPIM 2026 aims to showcase investment opportunities in major urban projects and strengthen partnerships with international investors and developers.
Created in 1991, the MIPIM Awards celebrates the most useful, sustainable and visionary real estate projects. It annually attracts a select group of investors, developers, and decision-makers from around the globe and serves as a key platform for showcasing major urban projects and building international partnerships.
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