2023 AIA Middle East Design Awards
These projects demonstrate how fresh perspectives and bold ideas can lead the evolution of our profession. Swipe through the images to explore their visions and join us in celebrating talent across the MENA region every year.
Award Category: Student Graduation Project
This award is a testament to the students dedication, passion, and unwavering pursuit of design perfection. It is a recognition of their outstanding talent and the remarkable impact their work has on the architecture of the Middle East.
MERIT AWARD
Transcendence
Dubai, UAE
By Reem Tawfik, American University Dubai
An ambitious strategy for addressing challenging environments and enhancing the lives of their residents. The learning center's design, while familiar in form, effectively fulfills its purpose, reinforcing the project's underlying intent. Its defining feature—the elevated passages—brings the design to an engaging and innovative conclusion.
MERIT AWARD
Nirvana Resort
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
By Faisal Al-Ghamdi, King Saud University
An innovative blend of sustainable architecture, integration with nature, and expressive therapy within a tourism setting. Developed in collaboration with mental health professionals, the project thoughtfully responds to the needs of psychiatric patients while incorporating therapeutic nature-based activities. The design harmoniously combines tranquil floating units with diverse communal spaces, offering a balance between peaceful retreat and vibrant social interaction. The resort stands as a testament to the healing potential of combining science, nature, and therapeutic design.
MERIT AWARD
Al Hawii -Social Housing
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
By Yara Al-Tammami, Prince Sultan University
An innovative reinterpretation of traditional Arab architecture. The design fosters social interaction and communication while creating a beautiful, functional environment dedicated to empowering women. The project distinguishes itself through its thoughtful integration of architectural heritage with contemporary social objectives.
MERIT AWARD
Studio 25
Sharjah, UAE
Studio25, a student-led renovation project within an architecture and design school, received an Award of Merit for transforming an outdated studio into a dynamic collaborative environment. Over the course of two years, the project addressed layout, acoustics, and storage while integrating interactive technology and sustainable materials. Beyond improving functionality, Studio25 promotes hands-on learning, collaboration, and social exchange. The result is a revitalized space that serves as both a successful design-build project and a valuable educational experience.
Award Category: Urban Design & Planning
This award is a testament to the team creativity, passion, and unwavering pursuit of design perfection. It is a recognition of their outstanding work and the remarkable impact their work has on the urban planning of the Middle East
HONOR AWARD
Warefa Masterplan
Riyadh, KSA
The masterplan receives an Honorable Mention for its commitment to preserving traditional vernacular architecture while creating distinctive landmarks inspired by the local context. Its emphasis on pedestrian-friendly environments, diverse public spaces, and the seamless integration of buildings with the public realm establishes a cohesive urban fabric and vibrant community—an achievement that is especially commendable in a challenging climate.
MERIT AWARD
Dubai Water Canal
Dubai, UAE
By AE7
The Water Network receives an Award of Merit for its transformative 2.9-kilometre canal linking Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf, creating a vibrant waterfront destination. Its Green Network initiative and 5.7-kilometre boardwalk demonstrate exemplary urban integration, enhancing the public realm through sustainable green corridors and a diverse mix of retail, dining, and leisure experiences, further strengthening Dubai's position as a premier tourism destination.
Award Category: Eric Tomich, FAIA Innovation & Sustainability
This award is a testament to the architects creativity, passion, and unwavering pursuit of design perfection. It is a recognition of their outstanding work and the remarkable impact their work has on the world or Architecture in the Middle East.
MERIT AWARD
College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University
Kuwait City, Kuwait
By CambridgeSeven, USA + Gulf Consult
Thoughtful integration of art, environment, and technology within a 74,322-square-metre campus designed for 3,500 students and faculty.
Its commitment to sustainability, particularly through passive environmental strategies, together with the iconic Oculus, reflects a compelling fusion of art and science. The project exemplifies functional, aesthetically refined, and climate-responsive architecture that resonates with its cultural context.
Award Category: Interior Architecture
This award is a testament to the architects' creativity, passion, and unwavering pursuit of design perfection. It is a recognition of their outstanding work and the remarkable impact their work has on the world or Interior Design in the Middle East.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (Honor Award)
Kai’s Songbird Restaurant
Doha, Qatar
By AE7
Extraordinary fusion of culinary artistry and architectural creativity. Its immersive interior design creates a multi-sensory experience, harmoniously blending visual, auditory, and olfactory elements. Grand windows overlooking Porto Arabia and a central chamber inspired by the Arabian Sea and an enchanted garden create a dreamlike dining environment, while the panoramic outdoor terrace completes the experience. The project offers an imaginative interpretation of traditional motifs. Further exploration of its contextual and sustainability strategies would strengthen an already compelling design narrative.
Award Category: Architecture (Unbuilt)
This award is a testament to the architects' creativity, passion, and unwavering pursuit of design perfection to the ecological and environmental restoration industry. It is a recognition of their outstanding work and the remarkable impact their work has on the sustainability environmental field in the Middle East.
HONOR AWARD
Ras Al-Khor Wetland Sanctuary
Dubai, UAE
By AE7
Harmonious integration of ecological conservation and architectural elegance. The Visitor Centre and observation facilities encourage meaningful interaction with the natural environment while employing sustainable, bird-friendly design principles. The project exemplifies restrained and sensitive architecture, creating a tranquil retreat adjacent to an urban setting and serving as a model for preserving biodiversity through thoughtful design.
MERIT AWARD
Ceil Tower
Dubai, UAE
By NORR
Ambitious reinterpretation of vertical living through the integration of architecture, engineering, and sustainability. As the world's tallest hotel tower, it demonstrates exceptional collaboration and technical innovation. The sculptural form maximises panoramic views while creating a striking landmark on the Dubai Marina skyline. Although the incorporation of vertical gardens is commendable, their placement and visibility could be further enhanced to reinforce their environmental contribution.
Award Category: Architecture (Built)
We celebrate built-architecture that demonstrates excellence in form, function, and forward-thinking spatial design, projects that are already shaping the human experience in tangible ways. This award recognizes built work that goes beyond construction, architecture that creates place, identity, and emotional connection.
HONOR AWARD
Haramain Highspeed Railway (SAR) Train
Medina Al Munawara, KSA
Outstanding synthesis of modular design, architectural innovation, and operational performance. Its elegant steel structure and colour-varied vaults create a distinctive architectural identity while successfully balancing form and function. Designed to accommodate up to 20,000 passengers per hour, the station combines intuitive circulation with sustainable climate-control strategies to provide exceptional comfort in a demanding desert environment. The design's careful attention to detail, strong cultural references, and seamless integration into the city's transit network establish a new benchmark for contemporary transportation architecture.
MERIT AWARD
College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University
Kuwait City, Kuwait
By CambridgeSeven, USA + Gulf Consult
Thoughtful integration of art, environment, and technology within a 74,322-square-metre campus designed for 3,500 students and faculty. Its strong commitment to sustainability, particularly through passive environmental strategies, together with the iconic Oculus, reflects a compelling synthesis of art and science. The project exemplifies functional, aesthetically refined, and climate-responsive architecture, creating an inspiring educational environment that responds sensitively to its local culture and climate.
HONORABLE MENTION
Al Mana’a Hospital
Riyadh, KSA
Architectural innovation and patient-centred design. It successfully integrates holistic wellbeing with operational efficiency and sustainable design principles.
HONORABLE MENTION
NORR
JVC, Dubai, UAE
Bold and instantly recognisable architectural expression. Its distinctive identity reflects a commendable level of creativity, making it a valuable contribution to the contemporary urban skyline.
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View all the Design Awards
The AIA Middle East Design Awards recognise exceptional projects that advance architectural practice and design thinking. Browse past winners whose work reflects innovation, leadership, and excellence across the region.