Dubai [UAE], September 17 (ANI/WAM): The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) revealed the 15 finalists for the inaugural Middle East Award, showcasing probably the most transformative and socially impactful new structure throughout the Gulf (GCC).
From the primary purpose-built women-only mosque within the Muslim world to an bold transformation of a former Saudi airport into the world’s largest metropolis park, the shortlist displays how the area is reimagining its future.
Projects vary from the conservation of one of many UAE’s most biodiverse nature reserves to an expertise centre constructed utilizing indigenous Najdi design, showcasing structure the place innovation, sustainability and cultural identification are on the forefront.The winner of the award might be introduced throughout Dubai Design Week on 5 November 2025, adopted by a devoted occasion on 7 November.
The shortlist spans 4 nations – the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain – and brings collectively each regional and worldwide architects from throughout the GCC, in addition to the UK, USA, Germany, Singapore, and Japan.
It showcases a various vary of initiatives, from civic landmarks that rework metropolis life to modern responses to local weather change and biodiversity loss, the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and daring new cultural locations.
Together, these initiatives display how structure is getting used to unravel real-world challenges and create extra sustainable and inclusive areas for his or her communities.
Shortlisted initiatives spotlight modern responses to biodiversity, local weather and ecology. Examples embody the Khor Kalba Turtle and Wildlife Sanctuary by Hopkins Architects (Algurm), a cluster of rounded pavilions supporting the rehabilitation of turtles and endangered birds; the World Food Waste Teahouse: Arabi-an by Mitsubishi Jisho Design (Dubai), the world’s first food-concrete construction utilizing tea leaves and dried fruits to create biodegradable, demountable tea areas; and Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre by Hopkins Architects (Al-Madam Plain), 5 interconnected pods impressed by fossilised urchins, linking guests to the realm’s prehistoric landscapes and historic burial tombs. In Riyadh, King Salman Park by Gerber Architekten, Buro Happold and Setec is an bold regeneration of a former airport web site right into a 16.7 km inexperienced oasis on the coronary heart of the town, pioneering desert soil revitalisation, sustainable water use, and climate-resilient planting.
Architecture that creates inclusive, socially impactful environments can also be recognised. Highlights embody the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (Doha), the primary purpose-built up to date ladies’s mosque within the Muslim world, that includes an undulating roof punctuated by over 5,000 gentle wells that diffuse pure gentle to create a luminous, contemplative environment; the Jafar Centre, Dubai College by Godwin Austen Johnson (Dubai), a versatile STEM studying hub designed to prioritise daylight, acoustics and sustainability; and the Wadi Safar Experience Center by Dar Al Omran – Rasem Badran (Riyadh), a cultural gateway to the broader Wadi Safar improvement, with trendy immersive experiences that spotlight heritage, ecology and Vision 2030 targets.
Several initiatives reimagine heritage varieties for at this time’s context. In Sharjah, The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim by ANARCHITECT transforms two Fifties household houses, as soon as owned by a pearl service provider right into a boutique resort, balancing preservation and cultural identification with up to date design In Riyadh, the Wadi Safar Experience Center by Dar Al Omran – Rasem Badran, attracts on Najdi structure with courtyards, inward-facing areas, and earth berm landscaping, integrating custom with climate-responsive sustainability.
Kerem Cengiz, the Jury Chair for Middle East Awards- ‘The Middle East’s shortlist is a strong reflection of a area in architectural renaissance, the place cultural identification is alive, evolving, and deeply embedded in up to date type.
From adaptive reuse of conventional typologies to daring city interventions and socially responsive areas, these initiatives mirror a area embracing innovation whereas honouring its heritage.
Whether by materiality, spatial generosity or climatic intelligence, every work tells a narrative of place and folks. Together, they signify a brand new architectural language for the Middle East, rooted in reminiscence, but confidently forward-looking, imaginative, and profoundly transformative’
Chris Williamson, RIBA President, stated, ‘The shortlisted initiatives display how structure within the Middle East is evolving with function, sensitivity, and ambition. What stands out isn’t solely the standard of design, however the variety of approaches: some initiatives draw deeply on heritage, whereas others push the boundaries of latest observe.’
‘As we face immense social and environmental challenges, these initiatives stand out for his or her creativity, sustainability, and human focus. They present how structure can help communities, reply to local weather realities, and create locations that enrich day by day life. This award is about recognising that ambition, and sharing it on the worldwide stage.’
Projects have been shortlisted throughout a variety of classes, together with Adaptive Reuse, Design for Living, Future Projects, RIBA Member, Social Architecture, Sustainability and Resilience, and Temporary Architecture.
Notably, classes corresponding to Future Projects and Temporary Architecture will debut for the very first time, reflecting the evolving priorities and shifts in how structure is designed and constructed for present and future generations. (ANI/WAM)