Doha, September 13 (QNA) - The Qatar Society of Engineers has launched the inaugural Qatar Architecture Award 2026, establishing a national platform to promote architectural excellence and innovation, empower local talent and advance sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of Qatari families.

The inaugural edition focuses on the design of a residential villa that meets the modern requirements of the Qatari family, taking into account the State's latest building regulations and seeking innovative, practical designs that can be realistically implemented.

The announcement was made at a press conference, where the Society said the competition is open to two main categories. The first is for individual architects, engineers and designers who are Qatari nationals or residents of Qatar, while the second is reserved for officially licensed and accredited Qatari architectural consulting firms.

Eng. Amna Mohammed Al Naama, Chairperson of the Qatar Society of Engineers, said the launch reflects the Society's commitment, together with its partners, to supporting initiatives that contribute to Qatar's urban and development landscape.

She said the initiative builds on national efforts to enhance the quality and sustainability of the built environment and support the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.

"Architecture is not merely buildings and static designs; it is an expression of national identity and a reflection of society's culture and needs," Al Naama said, stressing that the theme of the inaugural edition -- designing a Qatari residential villa -- was chosen because of its direct relevance to the lives of Qatari families and citizens.

She said the award seeks to generate innovative and practical architectural and engineering solutions that can be implemented on the ground, while taking into account modern building requirements and striking a balance between Qatar's architectural identity, sustainability standards and economic efficiency.

The designs must also remain within the QR 1.2 million ceiling of the government housing loan, she added.

The award offers total prize money of QR 180,000, to be distributed among the winners. Outstanding entries will also be published and showcased during Qatari Engineers Day on January 25, with the possibility of developing selected designs in cooperation with relevant authorities.

Al Naama called on engineering professionals, national firms and designers to take part in the competition and contribute their ideas and expertise to enriching Qatar's architectural landscape.

Eng. Mubarak Mahboob Al Nuaimi, Director of Licensing and Training Affairs at the Real Estate Regulatory Authority - Aqarat, said the launch reflects growing interest in developing Qatar's architectural and urban landscape and fostering a culture of creativity and innovation in the sector.

He described the Qatar Architecture Award as a platform that celebrates architectural and engineering excellence, highlights talent and expertise, and encourages designs and urban solutions that combine authenticity, innovation and sustainability.

Al Nuaimi announced Aqarat's official sponsorship of the award, reaffirming the Authority's role in regulating and developing Qatar's real estate sector and supporting initiatives aimed at raising the quality of real estate projects and promoting professional standards, sustainability and innovation.

He said the partnership would encourage professionals and specialists to put forward innovative ideas that enrich Qatar's architectural landscape while reflecting the country's identity, values and future aspirations.

Noura Al Qubaisi, Director of Communications and Public Relations at Msheireb Properties, said advancing the architectural sector requires broad cooperation among government entities, consulting firms and academia, as well as an environment that encourages the exchange of expertise.

Against this backdrop, she said Msheireb Properties and Doha Design District were participating as strategic partners, reflecting their commitment to sustainable architecture, quality of life and national identity.

In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Eng. Saud Abdullah Al Dulaimi, a board member and secretary of the Qatar Society of Engineers, said the award's primary objective was to generate innovative architectural ideas from engineers and accredited consulting firms in Qatar and create a pool of designs that could expand the options available to citizens planning to build their homes.

He described the initiative as a strategic step toward supporting national talent in innovative architecture, noting that the choice of a residential villa for the Qatari family as the theme of the inaugural edition was driven by its direct connection to the lives of Qatari citizens.

The competition, he said, is intended to produce practical engineering and architectural solutions that combine Qatar's architectural heritage with the requirements of contemporary life and can be implemented in real-world residential projects.

Applications will remain open to eligible participants until early January 2027, with the winners to be announced and honored during the Qatari Engineer's Day celebrations, he said.

All entries will be assessed under a robust governance framework designed to ensure integrity, transparency and equal opportunity, with an independent judging panel comprising leading academic and professional experts. (QNA)