Rasim Badran

Biography

Dr. Rasem Badran, Founder and Director of Dar Al-Omran – Architecture, Planning & Engineering, is one of the most prominent contemporary Arab architects and artists. He holds a degree in Architecture from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, and an Honorary Doctorate in Architectural Design from the Jordan University of Science and Technology, and is renowned for his rare ability to merge modernity with the cultural and historical heritage of Arab cities.

Badran has created a unique architectural legacy in the region through projects that combine contemporary societal needs with a human-centered design approach, while preserving the cultural and historical identity of spaces. His most notable works include the Grand Mosque of Riyadh and the redevelopment of Riyadh’s Old City Center, both of which received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, reflecting a vision that transcends form to embrace architectural and conceptual depth.

Dr. Badran’s appointment to the Al-Omran Award Jury 2025 represents a strategic and architectural asset, combining academic expertise with creative and practical insight, enriching the evaluation process with a contemporary critical perspective, and enhancing the award’s role as a platform celebrating architectural excellence and innovation.