Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi yesterday honoured the winners of the 13th edition of Arab Towns Organisation Awards in Architecture, and the Architectural Heritage award category.
The Minister and Secretary-General of the Arab Towns Organization, Ahmed Mohammed Al Subaih, presented the awards to the winners.
The Minister of Municipality, in his speech, said that the award was one of the most important events in promoting the identity of the Arabic and Islamic architecture in cities. It also helped promote environmental conservation and beautification of cities, the Minister added.
The Minister also noted that the awards were established to help preserve the identity of Arab cities after it became one of the biggest challenges facing Arab cities' officials. The award was also aimed at encouraging innovation in the Arab-Islamic architectural fields and using it in modern day applications.
For his part, the Secretary-General of Arab Towns Organization said that the event enhances the sense of partnership between Arab cities and its dwellers in their goal of achieving sustainable development. It will also enhance the competitiveness of Arab cities and the efficiency of its management, the Secretary-General added.
The four award-winning entries from Qatar were Doha, Al Wakra, Al Shamal, and Al Rayyan city.
The jury members, during the announcement of the prizes, said in their evaluation that Doha city won the first position in "Architecture Award" category for its project Hazm al Markhiya residential project because the project was an excellent place for entertainment and shopping.
The project includes cultural and educational facilities like library, clubs and educational centers for children, among others.
Al Wakrah won the second position in the Architectural Heritage Award for renovation of Al Wakra Fort. Unique, traditional materials were used in the renovation of the fort. The surrounding areas of the fort were beautified, which made it a tourist attraction.
For Al Shamal town, which won the second position in the "Green Award" category, the jury members said the town focused on planting palm trees and Qatari trees. It also provided playground to children and a place for people with special needs. Because it is a coastal town.
For Al Rayyan, which came third in "Beautification Award", the jury members said it was due to its big space as one of the biggest towns in Qatar, and was clean.
