→ Sumaya Dabbagh

Sumaya Dabbagh is a Saudi architect and founder of Dabbagh Architects in 2008. Since training and working in the UK and Europe, her contextual designs combine a mix of influences and sensitivities towards both Western and Middle Eastern cultures. She is curious about the impact of tangible, built forms around us, and notions of memory, identity, and belonging within architecture. Recent projects include The Mleiha Archaeological Centre, which has been globally recognised for its new emerging approach to architecture in the region; The Gargash Mosque; and the design of the Al-Ain Museum. Dabbagh was a founder of the RIBA Gulf Chapter, where she served as Chair (2015-2019). She won Principal of the Year at the Middle East Architect Awards and was a finalist at The Tamayouz Award for Women of Outstanding Achievements in 2019. She was also nominated for The Aga Khan Award, and her work has been featured in international publications such as Phaidon’s Breaking Ground, Architecture by Women.