Saudi Arabi’s first female architect wins ME Women Leader Award
Nadia Bakhurji recognised for contributions to engineering and architecture
Saudi Arabia’s first female architect, Nadia Bakhurji, has won an award for her contributions to engineering and architecture at the 11th Middle East Women Leaders Awards.
Bakhurji, who is also secretary general of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, was presented with the award at a ceremony held at Burj Khalifa on March 8, in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
“Since time immemorial, women have been playing a significant role in contributing to the development of humankind,” commented Ali Al Kamali, managing director for the Middle East Excellence Awards Institute.
“The objective of the Middle East Women’s Achievement Awards is to recognize women and their organizations in the Middle East, who have made significant contributions to the development of regional society. The characteristics that are marked for appreciation include ingenious ideas, value addition to the organization, adaptation of new technology, enhancing performance in trying business and industrial situations,” Al Kamali added.
In 2006, Bakhurji was elected to the ten member board of directors for the Saudi Engineering Council (SEC); the only female candidate against 72 males, according to reports at the time.
The top award of Middle East Woman Personality of the Year, 2012, was awarded to H.H Princess Ameerah Al Taweel, Wife of His Royal Highness Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal Al Saoud, and Vice President Al Waleed Bin Talal Foundation and presented by the guest of honor H.E. Reem Al-Hashim, UAE Minister of State.
