Award winning centre celebrate community focused design, Empowering Muslim women through faith, dialogue and modern purpose

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Qatar Foundation’s Al-Mujadilah Center & Mosque for Women has been honored with Fast Company’s 2025 Innovation by Design Award in the Architectural Design category.

Al-Mujadilah, located in Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Education City, was founded by Chairperson of Qatar Foundation HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

This recognition highlights Al-Mujadilah’s community-centred architecture which provides a welcoming space to support Muslim women as they deepen their faith and live with purpose in the modern world.

“This award is especially meaningful for the Al-Mujadilah team as it affirms our efforts over the past months to support Muslim women’s personal, religious, and communal development,” said Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, Executive Director at Al-Mujadilah.

“To be recognized by Fast Company is a testament to our commitment to this vision, and to the vital role Muslim women continue to play in fostering dialogue and driving societal progression.”

“The architecture of Al-Mujadilah reflects our story – a space that encourages innovation while staying deeply grounded in the values of our Islamic faith and heritage,” said Fatima Al-Dosari, Director of Communications at Al-Mujadilah.

“Designed as a dedicated space for Muslim women to connect with their faith and one another, this recognition by Fast Company strengthens our ability to inspire, engage, and support women across diverse communities.”

The establishment of Al-Mujadilah was inspired by the role of the mosque as the axis of society as a vibrant community hub, with classrooms, a library, gathering spaces, a café, and gardens that foster connection, learning, and reflection for women.

The Center hosts various activities in Arabic and English that explore topics like Islamic history and law, as well as religious, mental, and social well-being.

At its heart, Al-Mujadilah’s 9,400 square foot iconic Musallah (prayer hall) can accommodate 750 worshippers. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Musallah’s capacity is extended to accommodate 1,300 people.

The Musullah connects to the Center’s striking Qiblah wall in the direction of Makkah. Its intentional asymmetrical curvature carves out Al-Mujadilah’s Mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of prayer) and Minbar (the Imam’s pulpit for sermons).

The Center’s roof illuminates the interior with over 5,000 light wells, which filter sunlight into a diffuse glow and extends beyond the building to shade outdoor areas.

Other features include a large indoor open-air ablution space with volcanic stone finishes, and a reimagined minaret with speaker clusters that ascend and descend a 39-meter steel-mesh tower for the daily calls to prayer.

Source: The peninsula