Madinat Al Irfan marks a milestone with first international award win at the Real Estate Asia Awards 2026

Its masterplan integrates residential, commercial, hospitality, and cultural districts to anchor Muscat's urban growth.

Madinat Al Irfan received the Mixed-Use Development of the Year - Oman at the Real Estate Asia Awards 2026, recognising its integrated masterplan that brings together residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, and cultural components within a single destination. The project spans approximately 7 million sqm and introduces a structured urban framework positioned to support Muscat’s long-term development objectives.

The masterplan is organised around a series of defined districts, notably the Convention District and the first upcoming International Financial Centre of Oman, with residential areas and public spaces interspersed throughout. More than 10,000 residential units are incorporated within this layout, alongside facilities for business, education, healthcare, and retail. At its core, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre hosts international exhibitions and conferences, generating consistent activity that extends to nearby hotels, retail outlets, and service providers, whilst attracting more than 1.8 million visitors annually. Open and green spaces account for a significant share of the site. In total, over 2.6 million sqm, approximately 36% of the development, has been allocated to parks and landscaped areas centred on the existing wadi system. This natural feature shapes the broader layout, whilst pedestrian routes, cycling paths and shaded corridors connect different parts of the development and support movement across districts.

Located approximately four kilometres from Muscat International Airport, the site is connected to key routes such as Sultan Qaboos Highway and Muscat Expressway. Several major destinations, including Sultan Qaboos University and the Royal Opera House Muscat, are accessible within short travel times. Road infrastructure within the development includes additional access points and internal circulation routes designed to support event-related traffic and projected population growth.

Commercial activity is distributed across office buildings, business parks and designated innovation areas, with hospitality and retail components located in close proximity. Hotels and wellness centres are integrated into the wider plan, complementing both indoor and outdoor retail formats. In the Convention District, Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC and JW Marriott Muscat provide accommodation linked to events at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, supporting visiting delegates and business travellers.

The Development remains ongoing, with further phases set to expand the existing mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces. Identified future zones will extend the current districts and introduce additional mixed-use components in line with the established masterplan.

The Real Estate Asia Awards highlights outstanding achievements across Asia’s real estate sector, recognising developments that demonstrate innovation, excellence and long-term impact on their communities.

The Real Estate Asia Awards is presented by Real Estate Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional projects or initiatives in the Real Estate industry, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].