Abu Dhabi Selected to Host Prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2025

Abu Dhabi to Host the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize Ceremony

In a remarkable development for the architectural community, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced that the city will host the illustrious Pritzker Architecture Prize ceremony in 2025. This event is significant as it marks the first time the ceremony will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East. Renowned as one of the highest honors in architecture, the Pritzker Prize recognizes living architects whose work encompasses not only aesthetic appeal but also a profound impact on humanity and the built environment.

Abu Dhabi's selection as the venue for this prestigious event underlines its growing reputation as a nexus for creativity and architectural discourse. The emirate has established itself as a leading figure in the global conversation on architecture, propelled by significant investments and a vision geared towards innovative and sustainable practices. The city's diverse architectural landscape serves as a testament to its dedication to integrating cultural heritage and contemporary design, making it a fitting location for the Pritzker Prize.

The emirate boasts several landmark architectural feats, including the Cultural Foundation’s development and the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, a 2008 Pritzker Prize laureate. Upcoming projects such as the Zayed National Museum, designed by Lord Norman Foster, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, envisioned by Frank Gehry, further solidify Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global center for transformative and meaningful architecture. These projects not only showcase innovative design but also highlight the emirate’s commitment to bridging the past with the future through culture and sustainability.

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in the city's selection, stating, “This recognition reflects our status as a cultural center. Hosting this prestigious event provides a platform for dialogue that will shape our cities for the future.” Al Mubarak emphasized the emirate's long-term vision that prioritizes creativity, dialogue, and sustainability as essential components of development. It's clear that Abu Dhabi understands the crucial role that architecture plays in enhancing communities and enriching lives.

The Pritzker Prize ceremony tradition often features venues of historical and architectural significance. The UAE's blossoming presence in the global arts scene and its openness to international architects adds a layer of contemporary relevance to the occasion. Tom Pritzker, Chairman of The Hyatt Foundation, commented on the event's significance, stating, “Abu Dhabi, with its skyline redefined by the works of Pritzker Laureates, is a natural extension for our program.”

To further enrich the experience surrounding the award ceremony, a public panel discussion will occur at the Cultural Foundation on May 3, 2025. This session will feature Liu Jiakun, the 2025 Pritzker Prize Laureate, alongside past laureates, including Riken Yamamoto (2024), David Chipperfield (2023), and Francis Kéré (2022). Together, these esteemed architects will explore the integral role of architecture in embodying cultural expression and envisioning the future of the built environment.

This historic occasion for Abu Dhabi will not only draw attention to the region's architectural prowess but also contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of architecture's transformative power worldwide. The Pritzker Prize, with its rich history and commitment to recognizing excellence in architectural design, is set to leave an enduring impact on Abu Dhabi and the global architectural community.

For more insights on the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi's initiatives, visit dct.gov.ae.

Abu Dhabi is poised to take the spotlight in the world of architecture, ensuring that the 2025 Pritzker Prize not only celebrates outstanding achievements in design but also invigorates the dialogue on the future of our cities on a global scale.