Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre has been officially shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Middle East Awards 2025 under the RIBA Member category.
The development marks a major international recognition of architectural distinction and cultural identity for the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Designed by SL Architects, the renowned open-air venue was recognised by RIBA for its striking blend of innovation, creativity, and contextual relevance to the Bahraini landscape. As one of the most prestigious honours in the field, the RIBA Awards spotlight exemplary architecture that demonstrates design excellence and lasting social impact. The winners will be announced on November 7 during Dubai Design Week.
Reflecting on the shortlisting, Ebrahim Al Sairafi, Senior Manager of Facilities at Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre, stated: “We are delighted to see Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre on the RIBA Middle East shortlist. From its inception, this venue was envisioned as a space that elevates Bahrain’s cultural and creative presence on the world stage. This recognition is a testament to the vision and talent of Marwan Lockman and the SL Architects team, and to Bahrain’s growing prominence as a hub for world-class architecture and design.”
Marwan Lockman, Founder and Director of SL Architects, added: “All of us at SL Architects are very grateful and incredibly honoured to be shortlisted by RIBA for consideration of this prestigious award. Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre is the culmination of many years in the pursuit of design aspirations, stemming from musical passion, cultural and climatic awareness, and sustainability goals. Every successful performance thus far gives us a sense of immense pride and exhilaration, in witnessing audiences and artists interact and engage in the space with merriment and cheer.”
The RIBA Middle East Awards celebrate projects that push the boundaries of architectural possibility across the region. Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre stands among a distinguished list of contenders, with each project assessed on design integrity, environmental performance, and contribution to the community.
Strategically located in Sakhir, the 10,000-seat amphitheatre has quickly become a national landmark and a world-class destination for live entertainment. It is designed to accommodate large-scale acts through an enhanced audience experience.
The shortlisting affirms Bahrain’s growing role in shaping architectural discourse across the region, and underscores the Kingdom’s ability to deliver innovative, design-led projects that resonate with audiences across the globe. - TradeArabia News Service