Abdul Karim Al-Hassan

Oman's first female architect breaking gender barriers in traditional construction

Abdul Karim Al-Hassan (b. 1975) revolutionized Oman's architectural landscape by becoming the first woman licensed as an architect in the Sultanate (1998). Her 2001 project Salalah Salt Works Rehabilitation preserved 19th century evaporative salt pans using sustainable techniques while creating jobs for local women. She pioneered the 'Omani Women's Architecture Collective' in 2005, training 300+ female artisans in traditional building methods. Her 2008 design for Batrah Heritage Village integrated modern facilities with traditional wind tower systems, winning the Arab Architectural Guild Prize. Al-Hassan's 2012 book Women Building Oman's Future became a key text in gender studies programs across the Gulf. Her 2015 initiative Oman Women Architects Network now operates in 5 Gulf countries, with projects like the Muscat Women's Heritage Museum (2018) drawing 150,000 annual visitors. She advises UNESCO on gender-inclusive preservation strategies, influencing policies in 12 Middle Eastern nations.