Al Manumah Beachfront Park

Al Manumah is a quiet fishing village close to Oman’s capital city, Muscat. At the Muscat Municipality’s invitation, Verdaus developed a proposal for revitalising the public realm along the beachfront. That proposal envisioned Al Manumah Beachfront Park.

At the edge of the dry beach is a new place for people to gather. With panoramic views of the sea, people can get together at this beachside cafe, drinking coffee and enjoying conversation.

In keeping with its surroundings, the cafe structure reflects the materials and character of the existing boathouses, which sit along the beach just above the high-tide mark.

Working in with the existing boathouses is one way the design defines authentic local character.

Also helping to activate the public realm is a new promenade with seating steps, which overlooks an existing football field and the beach.

Beyond the promenade, simple, low wooden posts and wire-mesh fencing protect existing dune vegetation. This measure has multiple advantages: it allows the vegetation to regenerate, creates a habitat zone and protects the area from erosion.

Remarkably, a grove of Ghaff trees (Prosopis cineraria) is growing close to the sea. The design harnesses this natural shade in including space for beach picnics.