RIBA Middle East Awards winners showcase best architecture of the region

The Royal Institute of British Architects has unveiled the winners of the inaugural RIBA Middle East Awards, recognizing the best architecture of the region. Nine projects were selected as winners, including the world’s first purpose-built women's-only mosque. 

“The projects recognized in the RIBA Middle East Awards show architecture’s growing influence in shaping how people live, learn, and come together across the region,” RIBA President Chris Williamson said about the projects. “They celebrate progress, not only in design and technology, but in how buildings can create opportunity, inclusivity, and lasting cultural value.”

The nine schemes are as follows:

Adaptive Reuse Winner

The Serai Wing, Sharjah - Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim by ANARCHITECT (pictured above)

Project excerpt: The Serai Wing transforms two 1950s pearl-merchant homes into a serene boutique hotel, blending Sharjah’s rich past with contemporary comfort. By introducing new spaces while also restoring the original character of the building, it exemplifies how adaptive reuse can bring new life and relevance to the region’s historic fabric.

Design for Living Winner 

Al Wasl Plaza, Dubai - Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

Project excerpt: Al Wasl Plaza, the centerpiece of Expo 2020 Dubai, has evolved into a vibrant community hub at the heart of Expo City. Its iconic 360° 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. 

Future Project Winner 

King Salman Park, Riyadh - Gerber Architekten is leading a joint venture with two engineering partners, Buro Happold, and Setec 

Project excerpt: Transforming a former airport into the world’s largest urban park, King Salman Park introduces a vital green intervention to the heart of Riyadh. Designed to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and promote active, healthy living, it reflects Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 commitment to a more sustainable and livable future. 

RIBA Member Winners 

Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre, Al-Madam Plan - Hopkins Architects

Project excerpt: Set within a protected desert landscape, Buhais Geology Park brings the story of the earth to life through a series of striking, shell-like buildings inspired by fossilised sea urchins found on site. Designed to blend gently with the surrounding terrain, the centre allows visitors to explore the region’s ancient geology and fossils while preserving the fragile desert environment. 

Expo 2020 Thematic Districts, Dubai - Hopkins Architects 

Project excerpt: The Expo 2020 Thematic Districts transformed the desert into a human-scaled, walkable city inspired by traditional Arab urbanism. With shaded courtyards, tree-lined streets, and adaptive reuse at its core, the project has seamlessly evolved into a thriving mixed-use quarter for Dubai’s future.

Social Architecture Winner 

Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women, Doha - Conceived by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Project excerpt: The Al-Mujadilah Center is the world’s first purpose-built contemporary women’s mosque, designed to foster equality and community engagement. The 4,645 m² building features a grand prayer hall, classrooms, courtyard, and flexible spaces under a signature undulating roof with 5,000+ light wells. Flooded with natural light, it supports education, skills development, and inclusive worship, marking a transformative shift in religious spaces across the region.

Sustainability & Resilience Winner 

Jafar Centre, Dubai College, Dubai - Godwin Austen Johnson 

Project excerpt: The Jafar Centre at Dubai College is a purpose-built STEM facility enhancing collaborative, flexible, and inclusive learning. Replacing underused space in Al Sufouh, the compact vertical building was delivered with minimal disruption and prioritises daylight, acoustics, thermal comfort, and sustainability, aiming for LEED Gold certification. 

Temporary Architecture Winners 

Singapore Pavilion, World Expo 2020, Dubai - WOHA 

Project excerpt: The Singapore Pavilion transformed desert into a lush oasis of vertical gardens, achieving net-zero energy and water use with recyclable materials. Showcasing Singapore’s sustainability and biodiversity innovations, its welcomed over one million visitors and sparks dialogue on climate resilience and sustainable living. 

World Food Waste Teahouse: Arabi-an, Dubai - Mitsubishi Jisho Design 

Project excerpt: ARABI-AN, the Dubai edition of the World Food Waste Teahouse, uses tea leaves and dried fruit to form the world’s first food concrete structure. Fully biodegradable and climate-adaptive, the pavilion can be dismantled and relocated, showcasing circular design in a culturally meaningful context.