Powerlist Influential 30 Architects 2025: Rasha Alkady, Principal Architect & Founder, Studio Kad, Rank 29th

Born in Dubai, Rasha AlKady is not just designing buildings—she’s shaping the future of the Middle East’s cultural identity. With 15 years of experience, her work seamlessly blends heritage with hyper-innovation, proving that architecture can honor the past while embracing the future. As the operational lead for Dubai Expo 2020, she transformed the global event into a showcase of Emirati heritage fused with AI-driven precision, captivating 25 million visitors.
At Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, her eco-design strategies cut energy use by 30%, demonstrating that sustainability can be bold, not bland.
Beyond Dubai, Rasha’s influence extends across the region. At the Grand Egyptian Museum, she reengineered ancient relics into immersive experiences, driving a 40% surge in youth engagement. Her collaborations with UNESCO and Google Arts & Culture have digitized over 10,000 regional artifacts, turning MENA’s history into a global digital conversation. She also integratestraditional craftsmanship into smart-city frameworks through partnerships with institutions like Basel University and Dubai Culture, ensuring heritage thrives in modern landscapes.
A recognised disruptor, Rasha has been named a Top 30 Creative Power Architect in MENA and a Women in Leadership Honoree. Her role on the board of Cairo Design Week fosters pan-Arab innovation, mentoring a new generation to see cities as living ecosystems.
Looking ahead to 2025, Rasha is set to unveil a groundbreaking project that redefines GCC urbanism by blending AI with cultural authenticity. For her, architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about crafting ecosystems where communities flourish, traditions evolve, and the MENA soul isn’t just remembered but reborn.