Architectural vanguards shine in UAP Dubai Design Awards 2025

Part 1

IN a dazzling showcase of global design excellence, the UAP Dubai Design Awards 2025 on June 28 brought together the biggest names in architecture and development for a night of celebration at Bluewaters Forum, Delano Dubai. The event solidified Dubai’s reputation as a world-class stage for architectural innovation.

The gala honored visionary architects behind landmarks such as Dubai Opera, Burj Al Arab, One Za’abeel and the Office of the Future. It shone a spotlight on the developers shaping the next generation of urban icons at Expo City Dubai.

The 2025 UAP Dubai Design Awards brought together powerhouse firms such as AtkinsRéalis, Integrity Design, Nikken Sekkei, RSP, Aecom, Mirage, Gensler, Palafox, JT+Partners, Arcadis, RAW-NYC, Kling Consult, NEB, BSBG, Ace of Space, GAJ, P&T, Dewan, OBM, WSP Middle East, Perkins Eastman, KCA, XBD Collective, Studio Mint, WA International, AE7 and X-Architects. 

It also gathered industry-leading developers Emaar, DP World, Sobha Realty, Azizi Development, Al Futtaim Group Real Estate, H&H, FAM Group, RAK Hospitality Holdings, Majid Al Futtaim, Innovate, IRTH Group, Seddiqi Properties, Aldar, DIFC, and Expo City Dubai.

Emphasizing the event’s regional importance and global standards were its distinguished guests from Dubai Municipality, Tecom Group, the Philippine Consulate General, AIA Middle East, and RIBA Gulf.

A virtual host

In a groundbreaking first for the regional architecture scene, the evening was hosted by AI-powered virtual host Aurora, developed exclusively for the UAP Dubai Design Awards. Delivering the program with grace and intelligence, Aurora wowed the audience as a symbol of tech-forward creativity. Developed by a Filipino team at SparksLab Technology, the AI host, app, and event content were created in Dubai: a shining example of Filipino innovation and talent at the forefront of emerging technology in the region.

The awards celebrated outstanding projects, including Nad Al Sheba Mall (Commercial) — Honor Award, Gensler Middle East; Mama Shelter Dubai (Hospitality) — Honor Award, National Engineering Bureau; Henann Premier Coast Resort (Hospitality) — Merit Award, Palafox (PH); Nad Al Sheba Mosque (Community/Cultural) — Merit Award, Gensler Middle East; Tagaytay City Hall (Community/Cultural) — Honor Award, WTA Architecture and Design Studio (PH); Holy Angel Senior High School (Educational) — Honor Award, Palafox (PH); Spin Hostel (Innovation/Sustainability) — Merit Award, Edwin Uy Design Office (PH); House No. 17, Camiguin (Residential, Small) — Merit Award, Edwin Uy Design Office (PH);

Peu Bruts, Baler (Residential, Small) — Honor Award, Cali Architects (PH); Tiger Sky Tower (Concept, Large) — Merit Award, National Engineering Bureau; DIFC Heights Tower (Concept, Large) — Honor Award, AtkinsRéalis; Grey Area, Batangas (Concept, Small) — Merit Award, Cali Architects (PH); Glass Tree House (Concept, Small) — Honor Award, Lino Architecture Inc. (PH); Interior Architecture — Merit Award: Kaimana Restaurant (Ace of Space); and Honor Award: Kasumigaseki Capital, Dubai Hills (Spacewell).

Student Theses — Merit Awards were given to standout projects by Far Eastern University, Cavite State University, and Divine Word College of Calapan (PH): Urban Waterway Interweave by John Vincent C. Galanta of Far Eastern University Manila; Aquaculture Innovative Center by Janina I. Madrigal of Divine Word College of Calapan; and UNBOXED 360 ° by Maria Lucille R. Faustino and Jho-Ar C. Rupido of Cavite State University-Main Campus.

Other top honors included Young Global Filipino Architect of the Year: Amon Cali, Cali Architects; Global Filipino Architect of the Year: Royal Pineda, Royal Pineda +; and Architecture Firm of the Year: Gensler Middle East. Discover more about UAP Dubai and its initiatives at www.uap124.org.

Part 2 will be published on Aug. 5.

Arvin Gabaya Quides is the design director and managing partner of Sketchlife Design, a Dubai-based architectural and interior design consultancy, with over 20 years of experience in architecture, construction, and project management. A licensed architect from Antipolo City, Philippines, he holds degrees in Architecture and Real Estate Management, along with a Project Management certificate from Franklin Covey. He is currently serving as UAP Dubai’s VP for operations.