Saudi Arabia’s architectural landscape is being redefined by a group of pioneering women who are breaking barriers and contributing significantly to the nation’s urban development. Here are six trailblazing Saudi female architects making a profound impact today.
Nadia Bakhurji
A pioneer in Saudi architecture, Nadia Bakhurji was among the first women to obtain a consultancy license in 2007. She then founded NBA, her very own architectural and interior design firm.
A champion for women in engineering, she also served on the Saudi Council of Engineers as a board member, a position that no woman has held before her. She strived and strongly advocated for greater female representation in the field. Her notable projects include the Kingdom City Compound, Kingdom Hospital, and HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal’s private palace.
Sumaya Dabbagh
Sumaya Dabbagh, the visionary founder of Dabbagh Architects, is redefining architecture in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and beyond. Her design philosophy seamlessly blends identity and the spirit of place. As one of the first female architects to design a mosque in the region, her work on the Gargash Mosque in Dubai is a striking example of minimalist elegance, with clean lines that offer a fresh take on traditional mosque architecture.
Her work at the Al Ain Museum in Abu Dhabi is a beautiful fusion of history and modernity—restoring ancient structures while introducing sleek new designs made from local materials. Equally impressive is her collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission on revitalizing AlUla, where Dabbagh is playing a key role in reimagining this historic site. Through these projects, Dabbagh isn’t just shaping skylines; she’s creating meaningful spaces that honor heritage and culture while embracing the future.
Dana AlAmri
Dana AlAmri, the talented architect behind Watad Studio, is rapidly gaining recognition for her innovative approach to design. In 2019, she was named a Rising Star by the Tamayouz Excellence Award, highlighting her growing influence in the architectural world. Alongside her partner Yahia Kandil, she co-founded Watad Studio, a Jeddah-based design practice blending traditional architecture with a modern vision. Dana embraces the idea that tradition can imbue a space with meaning and character. With experience working on UNESCO World Heritage sites, she now focuses on residential and leisure projects across Saudi Arabia. Dana and her team draw inspiration from local builders and ancestral techniques, creating designs that connect deeply with their environment while honoring the past.
Sara Alrowithi
Sara Alrowithi is leading the charge in Saudi Arabia’s most groundbreaking development, the Trojena project, a key part of NEOM’s ambitious vision. As the Development Architect Lead, she’s shaping the future of mountain tourism. She is a fan of sustainable design that will redefine the way we experience nature and luxury. From her early work on the King Abdulaziz International Airport City to now driving the innovative ski village in Trojena, Sara’s journey is one of blending bold vision with unmatched expertise. She’s easily proving that the future of design in Saudi Arabia is in incredibly capable hands.
Sarah Alissa and Nojoud Al Sudairi
Sarah Alissa and Nojoud Al Sudairi, the visionary founders of Syn Architects, are redefining architecture with a blend of artistic innovation and cultural exploration. Alissa’s work delves materials, crafting environments that enhance local spaces, while Al Sudairi’s research centers on the intersection of personal and collective identities, deeply rooted in the evolving urban culture of Saudi Arabia. Together, these two female architects bring a unique perspective, merging design and identity to reshape the future of architecture in the Kingdom. Their project, The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection, will represent Saudi Arabia at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2025.
These remarkable Saudi women architects are reshaping the Kingdom’s skyline, blending tradition with fresh, bold ideas. Through their innovative designs, they’re not just building spaces—they’re telling stories, honoring heritage, and pushing boundaries. With each project, they’re inspiring the next generation and showing the world what’s possible when passion and creativity come together.
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