


Presented by Property News International, Leaders in Design 2026 celebrates the visionaries, leaders, studios and creative forces shaping the future of design in the Middle East.
From landmark architecture and transformative interiors to landscape, lighting, fit-out and cutting-edge design innovation, the awards spotlight the people and projects redefining how we live, work and experience the built environment.
Leaders in Design 2026 recognises the architects, designers and creative teams whose ideas are pushing boundaries, setting new standards and influencing the evolving architectural landscape around the world.
Bringing together outstanding talent from across the design industry, the awards provide a platform to celebrate creativity, originality and excellence and to recognise the work shaping the next chapter of design in the Middle East.
Honoring an outstanding residential project that demonstrates excellence in architecture, interior design and the quality of contemporary living.
Recognizing an exceptional commercial development distinguished by its architectural vision, functionality and contribution to the surrounding business environment.
Celebrating an exceptional branded residence that translates a distinctive brand identity into refined architecture, bespoke interiors and an elevated residential experience.
Celebrating an exceptional villa that combines distinctive architecture, refined interiors and a thoughtful relationship between indoor and outdoor living.
Honoring an outstanding hospitality project that brings together exceptional design, a distinctive sense of place and a memorable guest experience.
Recognizing an exceptional dining destination whose design, atmosphere and spatial experience bring its culinary identity to life.
Celebrating an outstanding workplace that combines design excellence with flexibility, employee well-being and an inspiring environment for collaboration and productivity.
Honoring an exceptional retail project distinguished by its creative concept, brand expression and engaging customer experience.
Recognizing an outstanding mixed-use development that brings diverse functions together through cohesive design, thoughtful integration and exceptional placemaking.
Celebrating an exceptional cultural project whose architecture and design enrich public experience, express cultural identity and contribute to the life of its community.
Honoring an outstanding landscape project distinguished by its creativity, environmental sensitivity and exceptional relationship with its surroundings.
Recognizing an exceptional project that combines design excellence with environmental responsibility, resource efficiency and a lasting commitment to sustainable development.
Celebrating an original design achievement that advances the use of materials, technology or spatial solutions and demonstrates new possibilities for the built environment.
Honoring an outstanding lighting project that enhances architectural character, creates a distinctive atmosphere and demonstrates excellence in visual comfort and technical execution.
Recognizing an exceptional interior fit-out distinguished by its craftsmanship, precision and faithful realization of the design vision.
Celebrating an outstanding refurbishment that gives an existing building or interior renewed purpose through creative design, sensitive intervention and exceptional execution.
Honoring an exceptional unbuilt or in-progress project distinguished by its design ambition, originality and potential to make a lasting contribution to the built environment.
Recognizing an outstanding masterplan whose vision, spatial planning and integration of infrastructure create the foundations for a connected and enduring urban environment.
Celebrating an exceptional healthcare project that combines design quality with clinical functionality, patient comfort and a supportive environment for care.
Honoring an outstanding wellness project whose design, atmosphere and connection to its setting create an exceptional experience of health, comfort and restoration.
Recognizing an exceptional high-rise project distinguished by its architectural identity, innovation and contribution to both the skyline and the urban environment.
Celebrating an outstanding luxury project that combines distinctive design, exceptional craftsmanship and a refined experience defined by quality and attention to detail.
Honoring an exceptional community-focused project that strengthens connection, encourages inclusion and enriches everyday life through thoughtful design and welcoming shared spaces.
Honoring an outstanding hospitality fit-out whose craftsmanship, material quality and technical execution bring the design vision to life and enhance the guest experience.
Recognizing an exceptional retail fit-out that translates brand identity into a carefully executed environment through quality finishes, precise detailing and effective integration of specialist systems.
Celebrating an outstanding restaurant fit-out that combines exceptional craftsmanship with the careful coordination of dining spaces, kitchen requirements and building services to realize a distinctive dining environment.
Honoring an exceptional project delivered through an integrated design and build approach, demonstrating cohesive planning, creative vision and construction expertise from concept to completion.
Recognizing an outstanding workplace fit-out whose execution, detailing and integration of technology and building services deliver a functional, comfortable and adaptable working environment.
Celebrating an exceptional residential fit-out distinguished by its craftsmanship, bespoke detailing and quality of finishes, translating the design vision into a refined and functional living environment.
Honoring an outstanding architecture firm whose vision, portfolio and execution demonstrate design excellence and a lasting contribution to the built environment.
Recognizing an exceptional interior design firm distinguished by its creative identity, quality of work and ability to deliver spaces with purpose and character.
Celebrating an outstanding landscape design firm whose work combines creative vision, ecological understanding and excellence in the design of outdoor environments.
Honoring an exceptional fit-out firm whose craftsmanship, technical expertise and delivery consistently achieve an outstanding standard of interior execution.
Recognizing an outstanding design and build firm that unites creative vision with construction expertise to deliver projects of exceptional quality.
Celebrating an exceptional boutique studio distinguished by its individual design voice, personal approach and carefully crafted portfolio.
Honoring an emerging design studio whose originality, early achievements and creative ambition demonstrate exceptional promise within the industry.
Recognizing an outstanding lighting firm whose creative vision and technical expertise deliver distinctive, efficient and expertly integrated lighting solutions.
Honoring an outstanding consultancy firm whose specialist expertise, strategic guidance and collaborative approach contribute to design quality, effective project delivery and lasting value for clients.
Honoring an exceptional architect whose design vision, body of work and professional contribution demonstrate excellence in architecture and a lasting influence on the built environment.
Recognizing an outstanding leader whose vision, direction and ability to inspire others have advanced design excellence and created a meaningful impact on the industry.
Celebrating an exceptional interior designer whose creativity, spatial understanding and attention to detail produce distinctive environments of outstanding quality.
Honoring an outstanding landscape architect whose vision and expertise create meaningful connections between people, nature and the built environment.
Recognizing an exceptional creative director whose leadership, artistic direction and ability to guide talent have shaped a distinctive and accomplished body of design work.
Celebrating an outstanding design leader whose work and influence advance environmental responsibility, resource-conscious design and lasting improvements in the built environment.
Honoring an exceptional individual whose original thinking and application of new ideas, methods or technologies have advanced design practice and inspired industry progress.
Honoring an exceptional individual whose career, influential body of work and enduring contribution have shaped the design industry and inspired generations of creative professionals.
Recognizing an outstanding individual whose leadership, technical expertise and commitment to craftsmanship have guided successful fit-out delivery and advanced standards of quality across the industry.
Click Submit Nominations below or under the relevant award category to open the official nomination form. Complete all required fields and provide accurate information relating to the selected category.
Individuals, companies and projects may enter more than one category. A separate nomination is required for each.
Each nomination includes a statement of no more than 1,000 words explaining why the individual, organization or project should receive the award.
Project nominations should include relevant project details and high-quality images or visual materials showing the work.
Supporting documents are welcome. Combine all materials into one PDF of no more than 10MB and send it to the designated awards email address.
You will receive a confirmation once your nomination has been received. For assistance, contact [email protected].
Leaders In Design 2026 gives brands direct visibility among architects, designers, firms and organizations working across the international design and built environment industries.
Partnership packages include branding before the event, during the ceremony and through post-event awards coverage.
Includes selected branding across the event and Leaders In Design 2026 communications.
Connect your brand with one Leaders In Design 2026 award category through category recognition and event branding.
Includes prominent branding across the awards program, event materials, communications and coverage.
The highest partnership level, with prominent brand positioning throughout the awards program and event.
Includes selected branding across the event and Leaders In Design 2026 communications.
Connect your brand with one Leaders In Design 2026 award category through category recognition and event branding.
Includes prominent branding across the awards program, event materials, communications and coverage.
The highest partnership level, with prominent brand positioning throughout the awards program and event.
Eligible individuals, firms, companies and projects working across architecture, interior design, landscape, fit-out and other areas of design and the built environment may enter. Individual categories may have additional requirements.
Click the Submit Nominations button and complete the official nomination form. You must complete all required fields and submit a statement of no more than 1,000 words explaining why the nominee should receive the award.
Yes. Self-nominations are accepted, along with nominations submitted on behalf of eligible individuals, organizations and projects.
Yes. Individuals, companies and projects may enter multiple relevant categories. You must submit a separate nomination for each category.
Yes, provided the project is relevant to each selected category. A separate nomination is required for every entry.
No. There is no fee to submit a nomination for Leaders In Design 2026.
Explain why the nominee should receive the award. Include relevant achievements, examples of design quality, creativity, innovation, leadership, industry contributions and any other information connected to the selected category.
Include clear information about the project, its design concept and its main achievements. You should also provide high-quality images, visualizations or other supporting materials.
Yes. Projects that have not been completed may be entered in relevant categories, subject to the requirements of the nomination form.
Each nomination is assessed against the requirements of its category. The evaluation may consider design quality, creativity, innovation, execution, leadership, industry impact and overall achievement.
The Leaders In Design 2026 finalists will be announced on November 10, 2026.
The winners will be revealed during the Leaders In Design 2026 Awards Ceremony on November 13, 2026 in Dubai.