Rasem Badran

Director, Dar Al Omran

Published by Middle East Architect 

06 Jan 2019

The award-winning Palestinian architect Rasem Badran has long been considered a pioneer of modern Islamic architecture. The recipient of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1995 for the Great Mosque of Riyadh, Badran has built an extensive portfolio of more than 400 reputable projects across the Middle East that span the religious, cultural, educational and hospitality sectors, as well as residential, commercial and healthcare. His office, Dar Al Omran, has three regional offices, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

In addition to his built work, which includes the Abu Dhabi Court House Complex, the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre and the Bujeiri development, all of which have largely contributed to the development and notions of identity and context across the Middle East, Badran further contributes to regional architecture through public talks and engagement with regional initiatives, like the Tamayouz Excellence Award, for which he judges on the Rifat Chadirji Prize. With Badran receiving an award in the past year from the Society of Egyptian Architects for his achievements and contributions to art and architecture, his progression and promotion of modern Islamic architecture continues to inspire generations of Arab architects across the region.