RIBA Unveils Exciting Shortlist for First-Ever Middle East Architecture Awards
Dubai is buzzing with architectural innovation as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announces 15 standout finalists for its brand-new Middle East Award. These projects highlight the Gulf region’s (GCC) push towards sustainable architecture, cultural heritage, and community-focused designs that tackle real-world issues like climate change and biodiversity.
Imagine turning an old Saudi airport into the world’s largest city park or building the first women-only mosque in the Muslim world—these finalists show how architects are reshaping the future of the Middle East. From the UAE’s biodiverse nature reserves to Qatar’s inclusive spaces, the shortlist spans the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. It features talent from local GCC firms and international stars from the UK, USA, Germany, Singapore, and Japan.
The projects cover everything from urban landmarks to eco-friendly innovations. Take King Salman Park in Riyadh, designed by Gerber Architekten, Buro Happold, and Setec. This massive 16.7 square kilometer green space revives desert soil, uses water wisely, and plants climate-resilient greenery on a former airport site— a game-changer for sustainable urban planning.
Then there’s the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women in Doha by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. As the world’s first purpose-built mosque just for women, it boasts an undulating roof with over 5,000 light wells that flood the space with natural light, creating a peaceful vibe for prayer and reflection. It’s all about inclusive architecture that empowers communities.
Sustainability takes center stage in other entries too. The Khor Kalba Turtle and Wildlife Sanctuary in the UAE, crafted by Hopkins Architects, uses rounded pavilions to help rehab turtles and endangered birds. Nearby, the Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre draws inspiration from fossilized urchins with its pod-like structures, connecting visitors to ancient landscapes and tombs.
Innovation shines in quirky projects like the World Food Waste Teahouse: Arabi-an in Dubai by Mitsubishi Jisho Design. This is the globe’s first food-concrete building, made from tea leaves and dried fruits for biodegradable, easy-to-assemble tea spots—perfect for fighting food waste with green architecture.
Heritage gets a modern twist in places like Sharjah’s The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim by ANARCHITECT. They transformed 1950s pearl merchant homes into a chic boutique hotel, blending preservation with fresh design. In Riyadh, the Wadi Safar Experience Center by Dar Al Omran – Rasem Badran uses traditional Najdi elements like courtyards and earth berms to create immersive cultural hubs that nod to Saudi Vision 2030.
Education and culture aren’t left out. The Jafar Centre at Dubai College by Godwin Austen Johnson is a flexible STEM hub packed with natural light, top-notch acoustics, and eco-features to inspire young minds.
Jury Chair Kerem Cengiz calls this shortlist a "powerful reflection of a region in architectural renaissance." He praises how these designs weave cultural identity into bold, forward-thinking forms—whether through adaptive reuse of old buildings or smart responses to ecology.
RIBA President Chris Williamson echoes that sentiment: "These projects show architecture in the Middle East evolving with purpose and ambition. They tackle social and environmental challenges head-on, creating sustainable spaces that enrich everyday life." He loves the mix of heritage-inspired works and cutting-edge ideas.
The shortlist spans categories like Adaptive Reuse, Design for Living, Future Projects, Social Architecture, Sustainability and Resilience, and even new ones like Temporary Architecture—highlighting how the field is adapting to tomorrow’s needs.
Who will win? Find out at Dubai Design Week on November 5, 2025, with a special event on November 7. These finalists prove architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about building better futures for the Middle East and beyond. Stay tuned for more on sustainable architecture and GCC innovation!
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