Powerlist Creative 30 2023 : Sumaya Dabbagh, PRINCIPAL, DABBAGH ARCHITECTS
Dabbagh Architects is an award-winning Architectural design practice based in Dubai, UAE. It is recognized regionally for its contemporary design and quality-driven service.
The practice was established in 2008 in Dubai, becoming one of the first in the Gulf to become an RIBA Chartered Practice in 2015 . It set out to create contemporary Architecture that is culturally and environmentally sensitive. An Architecture that explores themes of identity, context and place.
Founded by Sumaya Dabbagh, the Saudi architect is at the forefront of women in architecture in the Middle East. She is one of the few Saudi women of her generation to train as an architect, and one of the first women to found her own practice in the UAE. In 2019 Sumaya won the title ‘Principal of the Year” at the Middle East Architects Awards, and became a finalist at The Tamayouz Award for Women of Outstanding Achievements. In 2021 she became one of the first women architects to design a mosque in the UAE. Sumaya continues to challenge stereotypes and strives to bridge cultural and gender divides with her sensitive approach to design and Architecture.
Her practice, Dabbagh Architects have successfully completed a number of prestigious projects in the commercial, private and public sectors and continue to fulfil their mission through their unique innovative designs.
Some of their highly acclaimed projects such as The Mleiha Archaeological Centre building (2016) as well Gargash Mosque (2021) have been globally recognised as significant examples of a new emerging approach to Architecture in the region. Both projects were nominated for Agha Khan Awards and won multiple awards including the prestigious international award; Architecture Master Prize. Currently the practice is working on a new Mosque project in the UAE as well as a number of significant cultural projects in UAE and Saudi Arabia.