AlZaina Lootah is a senior architecture student at the College of Architecture, Art, and Design at American University of Sharjah and a part-time architect at T.ZED Architects. Lootah is the recipient of the 2023 Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship. Throughout her education, she developed an interest that is deeply connected to the development of her hometown and is engaged in sharing stories about her ancestors. Lootah’s philosophy is directly related to the idea that architecture is a craft that adapts to program, culture, and context while providing a design language that reflects human desires, beliefs, and behavior.

Al Zaina Lootah is winner student of the programme “Pavilion Prize”, Abu Dhabi Art 2022

Lara Zareeni is a 5th year architecture student at the College of Architecture, Art, and Design at the American University of Sharjah. Lara has gained the Merit scholarship and is a Dean’s list student at her university. She has worked keenly with PACE on several active projects in diverse regions including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, developing an in-depth understanding of the importance of the relationship between urban and architectural designs and the region's social and cultural context. She advocates that architecture should excel not only in form and function but also in integrated approaches that support sustainable functioning and environmental responsibility through urban design and planning. Her ideology addresses a design language that reflects the region’s culture and context, creating design patterns for the changing social and environmental behavior.

Lara Zareeni is winner student of the programme “Pavilion Prize”, Abu Dhabi Art 2022

Sahil Rattha Singh is a senior architecture student currently enrolled at the American University of Sharjah. He is greatly influenced and intrigued by ecological sustainability while striving to achieve a sense of equilibrium between social, contextual, and performative aspects of his work while being culturally applicable and environmentally sensitive.

Sahil Rattha Singh is winner student of the programme “Pavilion Prize”, Abu Dhabi Art 2022

Sumaya Dabbagh is a Saudi architect educated in the UK. She founded Dabbagh Architects in 2008. The practice set out to create a timeless Architecture that enhances people’s lives. It addresses themes of identity, place and context through its contemporary and innovative approach to architecture.

Dabbagh Architects are renowed for their culturally sensitive, contextual designs. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre and the recently completed Gargash Mosque have been globally recognized with multiple awards. Al Ain Museum is currently in the making is a further addition to a new emerging Architecture in the region being carved out by Dabbagh.

In addition to cultural projects, Dabbagh’s portfolio covers diverse sectors including commercial, residential as well as educational.The practice are also known for their quality-driven design. In 2017 they became one of the first RIBA Chartered Practices in the Gulf region. Sumaya is passionate about bringing more awareness to the region on the value of socially and environmentally sustainable design.

She has also made it her mission to break stereotypes and limiting believes about women in the architecture profession. By demonstrating what women can achieve, and how much they can influence change, she has become a role model to many aspiring architects. In 2019 she won the Principal of the Year Award at the Middle East Architects Awards and became a finalist at The Tamayouz Award for Women of Outstanding Achievements.

Sumaya Dabbagh is Jury Member of the programme “Pavilion Prize”, Abu Dhabi Art 2022