STAFF REPORTERT
MUSCAT, NOV 27
In alignment with the visionary directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik emphasising the vital role of youth in shaping the future, the 'Basamat' competition, launched as a highlight of this year’s October Urban Conference and the Home and Building Expo, remains open for registration until November 30.
The competition’s name, 'Basamat' meaning 'fingerprints', draws inspiration from His Majesty’s profound words: “Congratulations to our young designers and thinkers, and I hope they leave their fingerprints on every corner of this land.” This statement serves as a direct call for Omani youth to contribute their innovative ideas and creative visions towards building the cities of the future.
Targeting Omanis aged 16 to 39, the competition aspires to empower young talents to play a pivotal role in shaping 'Sultan Haitham City.' It provides a platform for creativity, inviting submissions across diverse fields, including sustainable architectural design, innovative environmental solutions, contemporary arts, smart technological applications, and other domains critical to building a modern and intelligent city.
The competition seeks to present forward-thinking concepts that embody the essence of smart and sustainable cities while preserving Oman’s rich cultural heritage. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering youth involvement in devising future-oriented solutions that elevate the quality of life, positioning “Sultan Haitham City” as a beacon of modernity and sustainability.
The competition has already witnessed enthusiastic participation from Omani youth. Contestants are vying for prizes totalling RO 6,000, distributed as follows: RO 3,000 for first place, RO 2,000 for second place, and RO 1,000 for third place.
Interactive sessions with creative youth across various governorates are ongoing to provide comprehensive insights into the competition’s objectives, stages, and mechanics. Following the registration phase, the competition will progress through several stages, including the evaluation of submissions, development of shortlisted projects, and a grand finale event.
Submissions will be assessed based on stringent criteria prioritising creativity, innovation, and feasibility for real-world implementation. Winners will be announced during a special ceremony scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
Omani youth are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity by registering via the official competition platform: basamat.sultanhaithamcity.gov.om.
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