RIBA Middle East Awards 2025: 15 Projects Redefine Architecture

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the 15 finalists for its inaugural Middle East Award, recognising transformative projects that balance innovation, sustainability, and cultural continuity across the GCC. From the world’s first purpose-built women’s mosque in Doha to the conversion of a Saudi airport into a vast city park, the shortlist demonstrates how architecture in the region is responding to urgent ecological, social, and cultural challenges.

Spanning the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, the shortlist includes both regional and international practices from the UK, USA, Germany, Singapore, and Japan. Collectively, these projects reflect an architectural renaissance in the Gulf, one that embraces inclusivity, climate-conscious design, and heritage-rooted innovation.

Kerem Cengiz, Jury Chair for the Middle East Awards, called the shortlist “a powerful reflection of a region in architectural renaissance, where cultural identity is alive, evolving, and deeply embedded in contemporary form.”

Climate-Conscious Interventions

Several shortlisted projects address the pressing challenges of climate and ecology:

Khor Kalba Turtle and Wildlife Sanctuary by Hopkins Architects (Algurm), a cluster of rounded pavilions supporting turtle and bird rehabilitation.

World Food Waste Teahouse: Arabi-an by Mitsubishi Jisho Design (Dubai), the world’s first food-concrete structure using tea leaves and dried fruits.

Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre by Hopkins Architects (Al-Madam Plain), five fossil-inspired pods connecting visitors to prehistoric landscapes.

King Salman Park by Gerber Architekten with Buro Happold and Setec (Riyadh), an ambitious transformation of a former airport into a 16.7 km² urban oasis pioneering desert soil revitalisation and water reuse.

People-First Architecture

Inclusivity and social impact define another group of projects:

Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women conceived by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (Doha), the world’s first contemporary women’s mosque, illuminated by over 5,000 light wells.

Jafar Centre, Dubai College by Godwin Austen Johnson (Dubai), a STEM learning hub prioritising daylight, acoustics, and sustainable design.

Wadi Safar Experience Center by Dar Al Omran, Rasem Badran (Riyadh), a cultural and ecological gateway rooted in Najdi design traditions.

Reinterpreting Heritage

Adaptive reuse and cultural continuity are central themes:

The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim by ANARCHITECT (Sharjah), two restored 1950s homes transformed into a boutique hotel, balancing preservation and contemporary design.

Wadi Safar Experience Center (Riyadh), blending courtyards, earth berm landscaping, and immersive experiences aligned with Saudi’s Vision 2030.

Cultural and Civic Landmarks

Other shortlisted projects showcase bold civic and cultural ambitions:

Al Dana Amphitheatre by S/L Architects (Sakhir, Bahrain): a dramatic cultural venue shortlisted under the RIBA Member category.

Al Wasl Plaza by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (Dubai): the iconic Expo centerpiece shortlisted for Design for Living.

Expo 2020 Thematic Districts by Hopkins Architects (Dubai): redefining large-scale cultural infrastructure.

Singapore Pavilion, Expo 2020 by WOHA (Dubai): an innovative temporary structure representing urban greening.

Terra: The Sustainability Pavilion, Expo 2020 by Grimshaw, Desert INK, and Buro Happold (Dubai): a sustainability-driven landmark now part of Expo City Dubai.

The Fold by Huna (Dubai): a sculptural residential form under Design for Living.

The H Residence by tkdp (Dubai): a private residence shortlisted for Design for Living.

 Recognition and Global Trajectory

Chris Williamson, RIBA President, emphasised the awards’ global resonance: “What stands out is not only the quality of design, but the diversity of approaches. These projects show how architecture can support communities, respond to climate realities, and create places that enrich daily life.”

The winners will be announced at Dubai Design Week on 5 November 2025, followed by a dedicated event on 7 November. All shortlisted projects will be eligible to progress to the RIBA International Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in global architecture.

Full Shortlist at a Glance

1. Al Dana Amphitheatre – S/L Architects (Sakhir, Bahrain)
2. Al Wasl Plaza – Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (Dubai, UAE)
3. Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women – Diller Scofidio + Renfro (Doha, Qatar)
4. Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre – Hopkins Architects (Al-Madam Plain, UAE)
5. Expo 2020 Thematic Districts – Hopkins Architects (Dubai, UAE)
6. Jafar Centre, Dubai College – Godwin Austen Johnson (Dubai, UAE)
7. Khor Kalba Turtle and Wildlife Sanctuary – Hopkins Architects (Algurm, UAE)
8. King Salman Park – Gerber Architekten with Buro Happold and Setec (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
9. Singapore Pavilion, Expo 2020 – WOHA (Dubai, UAE)
10. Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, Expo 2020 – Grimshaw, Desert INK, Buro Happold (Dubai, UAE)
11. The Fold – Huna (Dubai, UAE)
12. The H Residence – tkdp (Dubai, UAE)
13. Wadi Safar Experience Center by Dar Al Omran – Rasem Badran (Riyadh) for Social Architecture
14. World Food Waste Teahouse: Arabi-an by Mitsubishi Jisho Design (Dubai) for Temporary Architecture
15. The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim by ANARCHITECT (Sharjah) for Adaptive

This first edition of the RIBA Middle East Awards not only elevates architectural excellence across the GCC but also places the region at the forefront of conversations around climate adaptation, social equity, and cultural continuity.