How to become an architect in the Middle East: Roles and opportunities

The Middle East is full of opportunity for architects. Home to some of the world’s most ambitious architectural projects and sustainable smart cities, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in urban development. This is creating a wealth of architecture jobs at all levels. 

If you’re passionate about sustainable architecture, it’s a great time to become an architect. Initiatives like KSA’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero Strategy are driving unprecedented demand. Architects in the Middle East have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the region.

At AtkinsRéalis, we’ve been influencing the architectural innovation of the Middle East for over 50 years. Our talented team of architects have a hand in some of the most iconic and important projects in the region. Find out more about the opportunities offered by our architect jobs, here. 

What do architects do in the Middle East?

The responsibilities of an architect often involve collaboration with engineers, urban planners, and even government bodies to bring ambitious projects to life. It’s a dynamic and rewarding role which has real impact. An architect job in the Middle East includes:

• Designing iconic structures - The skyline of the Middle East continues to evolve. From Dubai’s skyscrapers to Saudi Arabia’s visionary smart cities, architects work on world-class construction projects. 

• Sustainable architecture - We’re committed to engineering net zero in everything we do. Our architects prioritise energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly materials to align with global visions for sustainability. 

• Restoration and preservation - While the Middle East is certainly forward-facing, its rich history also needs to be preserved. Architects in the region update heritage buildings to retain the cultural heart of the region. 

• Project management - Architects also run projects from concept to execution, keeping on top of regional regulations and safety standards in the process. 

Are architects in demand in the Middle East?

The demand for architects in the Middle East is surging, largely thanks to government-led development programmes. With so many innovative projects changing the face of the region, there are more architect jobs than ever. 

Our transformative projects are at the forefront of this growth. On ambitious developments like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, the Dubai Metro and many more, our infrastructure projects are backed by extensive architectural expertise. Architects have the chance to work on some of the world’s most talked about projects. 

Do you need a degree to become an architect?

Becoming an architect requires structured education and licensing. In the Middle East, it’s largely expected for architects to have a recognised degree. There are a few different requirements to keep in mind. 

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture - As standard, architects will typically hold a Bachelor of Architecture from an accredited university.

• Accreditation and licensing - After getting your degree, the next step is registering with a professional regulatory body. This varies from country to country and there isn’t a single body that oversees the Middle East as a whole. Architects in Saudi Arabia, for example, would need to register with the Saudi Council of Engineers. 

• Additional qualifications - If you’re looking to get that competitive edge on the competition, certifications in sustainable design, project management or advanced digital tools like Building Information Modeling will stand out on a CV. 

• Graduate programmes - At AtkinsRéalis, we offer Middle East graduate schemes that provide mentorship and hands-on experience to recent graduates on important projects like NEOM. 

Why work as an architect in the Middle East?

A career as an architect in the Middle East is as rewarding as it is impactful. At AtkinsRéalis, we offer the chance to engineer a better future in the region on some of the most transformative projects in the world. 

That’s not all. Our commitment to developing the careers of our professionals means there’s opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Here’s some of the reasons to pursue architecture jobs in the Middle East with us. 

• World-class projects - From NEOM to AlUla, the ongoing mega-projects offer the chance to develop rapidly and get hands-on at the very peak of the industry. 

• Career development - We provide everything from training and mentorship to support with accreditation and global mobility opportunities. 

• Relocation support - Moving to the Middle East as an architect is an exciting step. We help to take the strain out of it with everything from accommodation to VISA support. 

• Attractive rewards - We offer a comprehensive benefits package to our architects. You’ll also be able to keep more of your wages thanks to tax-free income in the region. 

• Supportive workplace - Our global network of professionals work together to find the best solutions. We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has a voice and is welcomed.

Find architect jobs in Dubai and beyond 

If you’re looking for somewhere you can make an impact, look no further than the Middle East. From KSA’s smart cities to the skyline of Dubai, there’s an ever-growing demand for architects who are ready to create, innovate, and transform. 

Sounds like your dream job? Explore architect jobs in the Middle East or join our talent community to stay up to date.