In this series of interviews, we meet the finalists shortlisted for the 2024 Women in Architecture and Construction Award. These women have made outstanding contributions to architecture and the built environment across the Near East and North Africa. The award features two categories: Rising Star and Woman of Outstanding Achievement.
This interview features Sumaya Dabbagh, a Saudi architect educated in the UK, founded Dabbagh Architects in 2008, completing several significant projects that explore intangible concepts like memory, identity, and belonging. Her contextual architectural approach, deeply connected to the land, is evident in projects across the Gulf Region, such as the globally recognised Mleiha Archaeological Centre and Gargash Mosque. Rooted in local traditions, her designs create spaces that resonate with both users and the surrounding landscape. Dabbagh’s work has also been featured in international exhibitions, including the Sharjah Architecture Triennial.
In this interview, Sumaya discusses her architectural approach, focusing on memory, identity, and belonging. She highlights internationally recognised projects like the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, her approach to sustainability, and how her connection to the land shapes her work. She also shares career challenges, offers advice for young architects, and reflects on her hoped-for impact on both the field and communities.
Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your work?
I am a Saudi architect educated in the UK; I began my journey at a time when architecture was not an option for women in Saudi Arabia. Driven by the absence of meaningful architectural expressions in the region, I founded Dabbagh Architects in 2008 to push boundaries and reimagine spaces that resonate deeply with our culture and identity. Since then, the practice has completed a number of significant projects that address intangible notions such as memory, identity and belonging.
I am passionate about bringing more awareness to the region on the value of good design. Our design philosophy is anchored in the land, one that reflects the region’s heritage through a contemporary architectural language.
Can you tell us more about your current role and key responsibilities at Dabbagh Architects?
As Principal at Dabbagh Architects, I lead the creative and strategic vision of the firm. My key responsibilities include overseeing the design process from conceptualization to execution, ensuring that our projects reflect both innovative architecture and cultural sensitivity. Our talented team works in close collaboration with specialist designers, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking. I also manage strong client relationships, ensuring their needs and expectations are met while guiding them through the design journey. Additionally, I represent our firm at industry conferences and events, where I share our approach to architecture and engage in discussions about the evolving landscape in the Gulf region.
Your architectural practice is deeply rooted in notions of memory, identity, and belonging. Can you share a specific project where these themes were particularly central and how you translated them into a physical design?
One project that embodies themes of memory, identity, and belonging is Al Ain Museum. The concept for the museum is anchored in the notion of continuity. This reflects a deep connection to the region’s ancestral history, where each generation is linked to the past through collective memory and felt experiences. We aimed to honour these memories while creating a physical space that evokes the intangible qualities of identity and belonging. The architecture fosters a dialogue between the new and the old through a thoughtful interplay of built form and materiality. Visitors are invited to connect with both the outdoor and indoor spaces, experiencing the rich layers of history. This ensures that the site’s memory lives on while opening a new chapter for future generations.
The Mleiha Archaeological Centre and Gargash Mosque have gained international recognition. What were the key elements of these projects that resonated most with the global architectural community?
The passion of the archaeology team during my first visit to the Mleiha site was incredibly inspiring. From that moment, I knew the historic Bronze Age tomb had to take centre stage, rather than be overshadowed by the building itself. I believe this approach, where the architecture creates a dialogue with the surrounding mountains, desert, and the site’s rich history, was key to the project’s success. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre honours the memory of the place and reconnects it with the local community, giving it back a sense of belonging and historical pride.
For Gargash Mosque, the goal was to create something of its time yet deeply rooted in the essence of Islamic values. The design aims to bring these values to the forefront, creating a sacred and contemplative space that feels meaningful and appropriate for worship. Both projects resonate globally because they strike a balance between respecting their context and heritage while pushing contemporary architectural boundaries.
You founded Dabbagh Architects in 2008. How has your vision evolved since then, and how do you see it continuing to evolve in the future?
When I founded Dabbagh Architects in 2008, it was during the global economic crisis, which I believe created a natural pause for reflection. This moment led to a shift in the industry, moving away from purely commercially led projects toward more culturally focused developments.
In 2013, we had the opportunity to design the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah, which was completed in 2016. This project, centered around the human experience, continuity, and context, became an example of a new approach to design that was rarely seen at the time. This also was a start of a new emerging architecture in the region. Its success opened doors for us to work on other cultural projects, both in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This trajectory has allowed us to crystalise our design philosophy that serves not only individual clients or developers but also the public and community.
Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the talented team we have built and the opportunities to work on so many meaningful projects over the past 15 years. I see the practice now at another turning point or the next level, where we are recognised, respected, and have a proven track record. We envision further growth and will continue to evolve and embrace new, exciting opportunities that lie ahead while staying true to our core values of creating architecture that resonates with its cultural and human context.
You’ve spoken about your connection to the land driving your architectural approach. How does this connection influence your design process?
The connection to the land is a fundamental driving force in our architectural approach. It deeply influences the design process by instilling a sense of responsibility to create spaces that resonate with their surroundings and reflect the cultural narratives of the region. When we begin a project, we start with a site analysis. We study the landscape, historical significance, and cultural practices. This exploration allows us to identify the site’s intrinsic qualities and how they can inform the design. For example, we consider local materials, climate, and traditional building techniques, tangible and intangible heritage, which promote sustainability and celebrate the region’s richness. This connection fosters a dialogue between the architecture and the environment, ensuring each design feels like a natural extension of its surroundings. Ultimately, we strive to create spaces that honour the land and evoke a sense of belonging, allowing individuals to connect with both the architecture and the cultural memory it embodies.
Sustainability is a key component of your designs. How do you ensure that your projects not only respond to the cultural context of the Gulf but also incorporate meaningful and authentic sustainability practices?
Incorporating sustainability into design is simply a forward-thinking approach. This vision for the future considers the full lifecycle of the project and its impact on the community, the city, and the planet. In the context of the Gulf, this involves an understanding of vernacular architecture to learn from the past and innovate new design solutions that respect cultural heritage while addressing the needs of current and future generations.
Creating meaning and relevance through the materiality expressed in our projects is key to our sustainability approach. This is articulated through the use of local and regional materials as well as research into new innovative ones that are connected to the region and the culture. Our Earth-to-Earth Installation is a recent example of such an approach.
You’ve worked on projects of various scales, from small installations to large museums. What challenges do you face when shifting between these scales, and how do you adapt your approach to different project types?
Design at various scales can significantly improve people’s lives, not only by fulfilling essential functions but also by creating memorable experiences. Whether it’s a piece of furniture that supports good posture or an office interior that fosters team interaction, effective design has the power to transform everyday environments. Similarly, well-executed architecture can help build communities and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
A holistic approach that addresses infrastructure, long-term planning, and regulatory frameworks is essential for large projects. In contrast, smaller projects can focus on user-centered details, direct communication, and craftsmanship. By adapting to each project’s scale, designers can effectively balance broad concepts with precise execution.
Can you share a challenge you overcame in your career that, looking back, highlights your persistence and determination?
Early in our journey as a small practice, we faced significant challenges in securing larger projects. The competitive landscape often favoured bigger firms, making it difficult for us to gain visibility and trust. However, we recognised that collaboration would be the key to our success. By forming close partnerships with specialist consultants who shared our sensitive design approach and vision, we were able to create larger, cohesive teams tailored for each project.
This collaborative effort allowed us to combine our expertise and resources, enabling us to tackle complex projects requiring diverse skill sets. Through meticulous coordination and attention to detail, we proved that being small did not limit our capabilities. Instead, we became a ‘small but mighty’ team, managing intricate, specialised projects such as museums and other unique endeavours. This approach enhanced our design process and fostered a culture of innovation and creativity, positioning us as a respected entity in the architectural world.
What advice would you give architecture students or young professionals starting their careers?
The more diverse our profession becomes, the better our built environment and cities will be. Unfortunately, the value of diversity is not yet recognised in the industry. To aspiring architects, I would say to be aware of the biases in the field and take deliberate steps to challenge and change them. Make it your mission to shift the mindset of those around you. Lead by example and show others what is possible.
For an Architect, the creative process can be deeply rewarding on a personal level. However, it has the power to profoundly impact your community and shape the lives of current and future generations. So, think big and beyond yourself. The potential and possibilities of being an architect are boundless. You truly can make the world a better place.
Looking back on your career and the work you’ve done, what do you hope your lasting impact will be, both within your field and on the communities you’ve served?
Looking back on my career, I hope I have paved the way for other women to become leaders and excel in architecture. I aim to demonstrate that, as women, we bring a unique and valuable perspective to design that can drive meaningful change. We are capable of achieving great things and being powerful agents of change.
I hope to inspire other women to pursue their ambitions, regardless of the obstacles they may face. Challenges are essential for growth, both personally and professionally, and through overcoming them we truly evolve as human beings.
Ultimately, I want our projects to reconnect people with place and instil a sense of belonging. My greatest aspiration is that our work brings joy to people’s lives, creating spaces that resonate deeply with those who experience them.
Meet our other finalists: Amal Abuelhawa, Hana Alamuddin, Ula Merie, Hala Asslan, Lebriz Atan Karaatlı, Rozhen Kamal Mohammed-Amin, Eman Assi, Rania Kaadan, Shatha Safi.
Meet Our Finalists series is a compilation of interviews with those who have been shortlisted for our awards. Sumaya Dabbagh is a finalist for the Women in Architecture and Construction Award, which recognises women who have made outstanding contributions to architecture and the built environment across the Near East and North Africa.