Cutting-edge architecture in the Middle East

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has revealed the nine winning projects of its inaugural RIBA Middle East Awards, recognising the best of the region’s new architecture.

This year’s projects celebrate the architectural ambition and diversity of the Middle East.

From inspiring new civic spaces to sustainable places for learning and community, the winning designs show how architecture is reshaping the future of the built environment in the region.

The impact of architecture to redefine how people live and connect was central to the winners.

Among them is the Al Wasl Plaza, the centerpiece of Expo 2020 Dubai, which has evolved into a vibrant community hub at the heart of Expo City.

Its iconic 360 deg domed trellis hosts year-round light shows, performances, musical productions and more, transforming the landmark into a lasting destination that celebrates culture, community, and sustainable design.

Another is the world’s first purpose-built women’s only mosque – a groundbreaking landmark of equality and innovation located in Qatar that reimagines traditional spaces of worship as places for education, empowerment and community, marking a major cultural shift in the Gulf.

Across the Middle East, architecture is addressing the region’s challenges of climate and urbanisation.

In Riyadh, the ambitious transformation of a former airport into the world’s largest city park introduces a vital green intervention to the city and a new benchmark for urban public space.

In Dubai, a new secondary school supporting an evolving curriculum shows how thoughtful, sustainable design can deliver lasting environmental impact, while an Expo 2020 site has evolved into a vibrant civic plaza, hosting year-round events that celebrate community and cultural diversity.

At their core, the winning projects are united by a sensitivity to context, designed with integrity to heritage, landscape, and culture.

In the desert outside of Sharjah, a modular, fossil-inspired geology park seamlessly blends with the terrain, guiding visitors through the region’s deep geological and human history while leaving a light footprint on the land.

Spanning the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, the awarded projects celebrate the breadth of architectural talent that is impacting the Middle East today.

Kerem Cengiz, the Jury Chair for Middle East Awards, said: “The winning projects reflect an architectural language that is deeply rooted in the Middle East’s evolving identity, one defined by stewardship of heritage, climate consciousness, and social transformation.

“Each shows how architecture can mediate between tradition and progress: preserving memory while embracing innovation.

“Collectively, they express a profound belief that design can honour culture, empower communities, and nurture a sustainable future for the Middle East.”

Image credit_ Dubai Expo 2020 LLC