Tamayouz Excellence Award is delighted to announce the shortlist for the Mohamed Makiya Prize for Architecture 2024, also known as the Middle Eastern Architectural Personality of the Year. This prestigious award is given to individuals and organisations that have significantly contributed to advancing architecture and the built environment in the Middle East.
This year’s shortlist includes submissions from 12 countries, with three finalists from Palestine, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. The winner will be revealed in September.
The Mohamed Makiya Prize was launched as part of the Tamayouz Excellence Award programme, which champions outstanding achievements in architecture. It holds significant importance in the region as the only dedicated award recognising individuals and organisations whose efforts are transforming architecture in the Middle East.
Established in 2014, the award is named after the prolific Iraqi architect Dr Mohamed Saleh Makiya, whose contributions extend beyond his design work to influence the built environment in Iraq and the wider region. The prize was announced in celebration of Dr. Makiya’s 100th birthday.
The jury members for The Mohamed Makiya Prize – The Middle Eastern Architectural Personality of the Year 2024 were:
- Dr Joseph El-Hourani – Lebanon: Architect, Academic, Sculptor, and President of the Association of Arab Architects.
- Dr Saad Naji – Jordan: Founder of the Ibdaa Cultural Programme and Vice President of the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan.
- Dr Walid Al Humaidi – Saudi Arabia: Architect, Urban Planner, Associate Professor at King Saud University, Former Mayor of Asir Province.
- Akram Ogaily – UAE: Architect, Urban Planner, and Founder of The Arch Bureau.
- Ali Al-Lawati – Oman: Architect and Media Professional, Winner of the Mohamed Makiya Prize – The Middle Eastern Architectural Personality of 2020.
- Louay Yousif Atrakchi – United Kingdom: Engineer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bonair in London, and a supporter of Arab cultural initiatives.
The shortlist for the Mohamed Makiya Prize for Architecture 2024 (in alphabetical order):
George Arbid – Lebanon: Recognised for his unique contributions to studying, preserving, and archiving modern architecture in the Arab world. George Arbid has played a crucial role in documenting and promoting the region’s modern architectural heritage as the founding director of the Arab Center for Architecture in Beirut. His work includes creating an extensive online database featuring over 330 architects and 1,100 buildings from 20th-century architecture in the Arab world.

Shatha Safi – Palestine: The jury selected Shatha Safi for her pivotal role as a Riwaq – Center for Architectural Conservation Co-Director. She has led numerous restoration, preservation, and documentation projects across rural areas in Palestine, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Gaza.
Through Riwaq, Shatha has also played a significant role in reviving traditional crafts in Palestine, empowering crafts such as tile-making and metal and woodwork. Her work involves studying the history of these crafts in Palestine, mastering traditional techniques and practices, and ensuring their preservation and continuity.

Sumayah Al-Solaiman – Saudi Arabia: The jury selected Sumayah Al-Solaiman for her prominent role as the CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia. She has made a notable impact in leading and establishing the commission, which has launched 33 initiatives covering various aspects of architecture, including the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism.
Sumayah Al-Solaiman’s work through the Architecture and Design Commission focuses on enhancing urban areas, raising awareness about identity, preserving heritage, and integrating contemporary architecture with local traditions and sustainability. Her initiatives have set a pioneering model for institutional work across the Gulf region and the broader Middle East.

Tamayouz Excellence Award director and Coventry University Academic, Ahmed Al-Mallak said:
We are delighted that the jury has shortlisted these three finalists for The Middle Eastern Architectural Personality of the Year 2024, recognising their impactful roles and dedication to advancing architecture in the Middle East. We encourage everyone to support the efforts of these individuals and their organisations, as they represent some of the most influential work we have seen in the region over the past five years, with a significant and direct impact on its architecture.
Previous recipients of the prestigious Mohamed Makiya Prize for Architecture include:
International Journal of Islamic Architecture (2019)
As the award announces its shortlist, it extends gratitude to its sponsors and supporters: Coventry University, the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan, Kufa—Makiya Charity, Dewan Architects + Engineers, Bonair Ltd, the United Nations Global Compact—Iraq Network, Round City Magazine, and the Knowledge Hub Universities—Egypt.