For the first time in over two decades, Egypt is back in the global spotlight of architectural excellence. The country has won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) for the revitalisation of historic Esna in Luxor, its first big win since the Bibliotheca Alexandrina dazzled the world in 2004. The 16^th AKAA ceremony will take place on the 15th of September at the Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This year’s winners span the globe, with celebrated projects from Palestine, Iran, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh joining Egypt on the honours’ list. Launched in 1977 by His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the award is one of the world’s most influential architectural prizes. It recognises not only architects but also the municipalities, craftsmen, engineers, and communities behind transformative projects. To date, 136 projects have been honoured across 16 cycles, with nearly 10,000 initiatives documented worldwide.