Dubai’s Architectural Icons Shine at the Middle East’s Biggest Design Awards

Five Dubai landmarks have been named among the Middle East’s best new architectural achievements by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The projects were honored as part of the inaugural RIBA Middle East Awards, celebrating the region’s most innovative and impactful designs.

The nine winners from across the Middle East will be officially recognized during a special ceremony taking place on Friday, November 7, as part of Dubai Design Week.

Dubai’s Award-Winning Projects

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

Taking home the Design for Living award, Al Wasl Plaza—the iconic centerpiece of Expo 2020 Dubai—continues to evolve into a vibrant community hub at the heart of Expo City. The plaza’s stunning 360° domed trellis hosts immersive light shows, performances, and cultural events year-round, embodying Dubai’s spirit of innovation and connection while celebrating sustainable urban design.

Jafar Centre, Dubai College — Godwin Austen Johnson

Recognized in the Sustainability & Resilience category, the Jafar Centre at Dubai College is a forward-thinking STEM facility that redefines collaborative learning. Built with a compact vertical design in Al Sufouh, the structure maximizes daylight, comfort, and energy efficiency—aiming for LEED Gold certification. The project showcases how educational spaces can inspire both creativity and sustainability.

Expo 2020 Thematic Districts — Hopkins Architects

Winning under the RIBA Member category, the Expo 2020 Thematic Districts transformed Dubai’s desert landscape into a walkable city rooted in traditional Arab urbanism. With shaded courtyards, tree-lined pathways, and a focus on adaptive reuse, the district now serves as a lively mixed-use neighborhood that continues to evolve beyond the Expo.

Singapore Pavilion, World Expo 2020 — WOHA

The Temporary Architecture winner, the Singapore Pavilion, turned a corner of the desert into a lush vertical garden oasis. Entirely net-zero in both energy and water consumption, the pavilion used recyclable materials to highlight Singapore’s green innovations and drew over one million visitors during Expo 2020. It remains a stunning example of how architecture can embody sustainability and resilience.

World Food Waste Teahouse: ARABI-AN, Dubai — Mitsubishi Jisho Design

Also awarded in the Temporary Architecture category, ARABI-AN presented a groundbreaking concept by creating the world’s first food concrete structure, made from tea leaves and dried fruit. Fully biodegradable and transportable, the pavilion merged design with sustainability, encouraging dialogue on food waste and circular living.

Beyond Dubai, other regional winners included King Salman Park in Riyadh and Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women in Doha, each recognized for their contributions to sustainability, inclusivity, and community-driven design. The RIBA Middle East Awards mark a new milestone for regional architecture, shining a global spotlight on the Middle East’s creativity, innovation, and dedication to shaping a sustainable future.