Khashoggi’s Widow Urges UK Architects to Confront Saudi Leaders

The tragic and unresolved murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi continues to reverberate across industries, including the fields of architecture and engineering. Hanan Khashoggi, Jamal’s widow, recently made an impassioned appeal to British architects. She urged them to leverage their influence to seek justice for her late husband.

In particular, she highlighted the responsibility of architects involved in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious mega-projects. This includes figures like Norman Foster, to advocate for accountability while contributing to the country’s development. This post delves into her plea, the complexities of moral responsibility in large-scale projects, and the broader implications for the architecture community.

The Intersection of Architecture and Advocacy

Architecture is a field that blends creativity, technical skill, and societal impact. Yet, Hanan Khashoggi’s message underscores an often-overlooked dimension of the profession: its moral and ethical responsibilities. When architects engage in projects in politically sensitive regions, their work no longer exists in a vacuum. It becomes interconnected with the socio-political landscape of the host country.

Hanan Khashoggi’s recent interview with the Architects’ Journal is a poignant reminder of this responsibility. She specifically named British architect Norman Foster, a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects, urging him to use his platform to remind the Saudi royal family of the unresolved “unfinished business” surrounding Jamal’s death.

A Tragic Crime Without Closure

The murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 remains a global point of contention. Designated as an “extrajudicial execution” by UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard, the crime prompted an international outcry. Official Saudi narratives claimed the murder was orchestrated by a rogue team leader without the crown prince’s involvement. Yet, this explanation has done little to quell speculation or bring closure to Hanan Khashoggi and many others seeking justice.

Hanan’s call to action reflects her belief that figures like Foster—who temporarily left Neom’s advisory board following Jamal’s death—can influence Saudi leadership to address this unresolved injustice. She values his initial stance as evidence of his ability to hold sway over key decision-makers and hopes others in the architecture and engineering community will follow suit.

Norman Foster and Saudi Arabia’s Mega-Projects

Norman Foster’s name has become synonymous with groundbreaking architectural feats, and his involvement in Saudi Arabia is no exception. From constructing the world’s tallest building to designing a state-of-the-art airport, Foster is deeply intertwined with the nation’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. His projects symbolize progress and modernity, aligning with the kingdom’s vision of economic overhaul.

However, this modernization comes with its own set of ethical dilemmas. Human rights groups have raised red flags about Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects, including Neom—a futuristic city planned to redefine urban living. Critics cite concerns ranging from environmental sustainability to displacement of indigenous communities. To add another layer of complexity, Khashoggi’s murder casts a shadow over these efforts, sparking debates about balancing professional opportunities with ethical principles in geopolitically charged regions.

Responsibility Beyond Design

Hanan Khashoggi’s plea is not a denunciation of architects working in Saudi Arabia. Instead, it’s a call for them to embrace their roles as influencers on a global stage. “Jamal wanted progress for Saudi Arabia,” she said, indicating that her late husband supported the idea of growth and modernization. But progress, she emphasized, must be aligned with democratic values and accountability for past wrongs.

British architects, many of whom are at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, are uniquely positioned to use their proximity to the royal family and other stakeholders to advocate for justice. This raises a critical question: Can the architecture and engineering professions be both collaborators in development and catalysts for socio-political change?

The Bigger Picture: A Moral Imperative

Hanan Khashoggi’s appeal is as much about her personal quest for justice as it is about holding powerful institutions accountable. It forces the architecture and engineering communities to reflect on their responsibilities in the face of complex geopolitical realities. While Saudi Arabia’s ambitions offer unparalleled opportunities for groundbreaking design and innovation, they also present ethical challenges that cannot—and should not—be ignored.

For architects working in the region, striking a balance between progress and principle is no small task. However, as history has shown, professionals who leverage their influence for justice can drive meaningful change. Whether through quiet diplomacy or public advocacy, figures like Norman Foster have an opportunity to use their unique positions to champion human rights and ethical accountability.

The Way Forward

Hanan Khashoggi’s call serves as a reminder that architecture and engineering impact more than just the built environment—they shape societies, economies, and even political discourse.

As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid transformation, the onus is on the global design community to ensure their work is not only about scaffolding and blueprints but also about values and ethics.

In doing so, they can help create not just awe-inspiring skylines but also a world where justice and accountability remain at the forefront.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Khashoggi’s widow asks UK architects to raise murder with Saudi rulers