Tamayouz Excellence Award is proud to announce George Arbid, a Lebanese architect and the founding director of the Arab Center for Architecture in Beirut, as the winner of its Mohamed Makiya Prize for Architecture 2024, also known as the Middle Eastern Architectural Personality of the Year Award. Arbid has been recognised for his pivotal role in documenting, researching and promoting modern architectural heritage in the Arab region.
George Arbid was an associate professor at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts, the Lebanese University, and the American University of Beirut, where he taught design studios, regional architecture, and the history of modern architecture. He has published extensively on modern architecture in the region.
The Mohamed Makiya Prize, launched in 2014 in honor of the renowned Iraqi architect Dr. Mohamed Saleh Makiya, is awarded biennially to individuals or organizations who have significantly influenced the development of architecture and the built environment in the Middle East. The prize commemorates the 100th birthday of Dr. Makiya, whose contributions left an indelible mark on the region’s built environment.
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.
Jury Comment:
“George Arbid’s work at the Arab Center for Architecture represents a monumental effort to document and promote modern architecture, a legacy that has shaped the urban fabric of many cities in the Middle East. Through comprehensive archival documentation and pioneering research, Arbid and his team have illuminated a gap in the region’s focus on modernity. Their work offers a vital contribution to preserving our architectural identity amidst contemporary challenges, reflecting the spirit of Dr Mohamed Makiya, who institutionalised efforts to promote civic architecture initiatives. We congratulate George Arbid and the other finalists, who represent the future of architecture in the region.”
Statement from Ahmed Al-Mallak, Founder of the Tamayouz Excellence Award:
“We congratulate George Arbid on his recognition as the Middle Eastern Architectural Personality of the Year 2024. His dedication to preserving and documenting modern architectural history in the Arab world through the Arab Center for Architecture is invaluable. His contributions are a source of pride and knowledge for professionals worldwide. We look forward to witnessing his continued efforts in preserving and promoting the region’s architectural heritage.”
Previous recipients of the prestigious Mohamed Makiya Prize for Architecture include:
International Journal of Islamic Architecture (2019)
The award extends its 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 Knowledge Hub Universities—Egypt.