His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Suad Al-Amri for winning the “Nobles of the Arabs” award for 2025 in the category of architecture and design. This recognition not only highlights her exceptional contributions to preserving Palestinian architectural heritage but also emphasizes the importance of architecture as a reflection of national identity and cultural history.
A Tribute to Architectural Heritage
In a statement posted on his X account, Sheikh Mohammed praised Dr. Al-Amri’s dedication and innovative approach to the architectural field. “We congratulate the winner of the Nobles of the Arabs award for architecture and design for 2025, Dr. Suad Al-Amri from Palestine, founder of the Popular Architecture Center (Riwaq),” he wrote. He lauded her pioneering contributions to preserving Palestinian architectural heritage, emphasizing her efforts in restoring historic buildings and adapting them to enhance regional identity.
Her work has included a significant architectural documentation project, one of the largest in Palestine, which catalogs over 50,000 historic structures while reviving 50 historical centers. Dr. Al-Amri actively involved local residents and craftsmen in the restoration of villages, emphasizing traditional building materials to ensure cultural authenticity.
Impactful Contributions to Architecture
Dr. Suad Al-Amri’s tireless efforts have made a significant impact on the preservation of Palestinian architectural heritage. Her extensive work has included the restoration of a wide range of buildings, allowing their historical architectural designs to shine through. Dedicated to documenting her homeland’s architecture, she has also mentored generations of craftsmen and produced numerous studies and publications aimed at safeguarding the historical architectural knowledge and cultural heritage of Palestine.
As a central figure in one of Palestine’s largest urban documentation projects, she played a crucial role in developing a comprehensive register of more than 50,000 historical buildings in Palestinian villages and towns, while also training artisans in the use of traditional materials in architecture. Her projects have not only rehabilitated villages but also engaged communities in appreciating and restoring the historical value of their buildings.
Continued Influence and Recognition
Among her notable projects is the revitalization of the historic heart of Birzeit and the rehabilitation initiative for 50 Palestinian villages that commenced in 2005, aimed at preserving the region’s cultural heritage. Additionally, Dr. Al-Amri taught at the Department of Architecture at Birzeit University from 1982 to 1996, authored several significant books on Palestinian architecture, and published works that examine the changes in Palestinian villages, focusing on urban fabric and architectural materials.
Her passion for writing extends beyond architecture; several of her literary works have gained international acclaim and have been translated into over 20 languages. With a solid educational foundation in architecture from the American University of Beirut, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, she stands as an eminent figure in her field.
The Nobles of the Arabs Initiative
The “Nobles of the Arabs” initiative represents a visionary project spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aimed at recognizing exceptional Arab minds and their inspiring contributions to humanity. This initiative encourages young Arab generations to engage with their communities and countries, fostering an environment where creative aspirations can flourish. The award is regarded as the highest form of recognition for innovative and distinguished Arab individuals, comparable to global accolades like the Nobel Prize.
Dr. Al-Amri’s achievements not only exemplify her artistic and intellectual contributions but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for the entire Arab community, reinforcing the importance of preserving heritage while paving the way for future generations to thrive. Her recognition in the “Nobles of the Arabs” for architecture and design showcases the valuable impact that dedicated individuals can have on cultural preservation and community empowerment.