Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, extended his congratulations to Palestinian architect Dr. Suad Amiry for her recognition in the Great Arab Minds 2025 Award for Architecture and Design.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the significance of architecture in shaping national identity and preserving cultural heritage. He posted on X, acknowledging Dr. Amiry's achievement and her pivotal role in preserving Palestinian architectural heritage. As the founder of the Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation, Dr. Amiry has been instrumental in restoring historic buildings, thereby reinforcing architectural identity and aiding local communities. Her efforts include registering over 50,000 historic buildings and revitalizing 50 historic centers. A notable feature of her work is the involvement of local residents and artisans in restoration projects, which provides jobs and training in traditional building materials.
Sheikh Mohammed further expressed his wishes for peace and stability in Palestine, hoping for the revitalization of its historic structures and the continuation of its heritage. The Great Arab Minds initiative honors talents across fields such as medicine, engineering, economics, and the arts.
Dr. Amiry's career is marked by her dedication to documenting and restoring Palestinian architecture. Her work encompasses surveying historic structures, supporting community engagement in preservation activities, and training artisans. Her research includes studies on Palestinian architectural styles, building methods, and material culture. She has led efforts to revitalize the historic center of Birzeit and restore 50 Palestinian villages, preserving rural Palestine's historical and cultural identity.
Between 1982 and 1996, Dr. Amiry taught architecture at Birzeit University. Her published works include "Traditional Floor Tiles in Palestine" (2000), "Sharon and My Mother-in-Law" (2002), and "Throne Village Architecture" (2003). Additionally, her travels throughout Arab cities are reflected in her writings, such as "Plants of Jordan" (1982) and "My Damascus" (2016). Dr. Amiry completed her architectural studies at the American University of Beirut, followed by a master's degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and a PhD from the University of Edinburgh.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds Higher Committee, informed Dr. Amiry of her award through a video call. He praised her extensive work in documenting Arab architectural heritage and sharing it with global audiences. The Great Arab Minds initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed, aims to revive scientific leadership and development in the Arab world by recognizing thinkers and innovators. The initiative seeks to inspire Arab youth to cherish their heritage and achieve new milestones.
The 2025 award's Architecture and Design Committee included prominent figures such as Professor Hashim Sarkis from MIT, Dr. Adrian Lahoud from the Royal College of Art, and Professor Ali Malkawi from Harvard University. Now in its third edition, the Great Arab Minds award is recognized as the largest of its kind in the region, celebrating Arab talent with significant societal impact. Winners in each of the six categories receive AED 1 million to support their work and global outreach.