Bahia has been recognized with numerous honors and awards. She views recognition as a strong incentive and inspiration for younger women. Seeing someone like her recognized opens doors for them and makes them believe in themselves, their ability to create change and the possibility of being on the same stage as anyone in the world. This recognition enables them and gives hope to anyone who is dreaming of accomplishing that, while encouraging them to try their best.
2019
The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency Program offers academics, artists, policymakers, and practitioners a serene setting for focused, goal-oriented work, and the unparalleled opportunity to establish new connections with residents from a wide array of backgrounds, disciplines, and geographies
2019
The Skoll World Forum Fellowship supports leaders to advance community-driven impact. The program brings together leaders in order to cultivate connections with the Skoll network in Oxford - UK.
2017
UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture
Bahia is the first Arab woman to receive the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture for her use of historical Arabic calligraphic scripts in the streets in a modern political context. She received this prize alongside another Arab calligraffiti artist icon, El Seed.
2016
Jameel Prize 4, London.
Jameel Prize 4
Bahia was shortlisted for the Jameel Prize 4 award from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London for her work on the “A Thousand Times No” project.
2016
Prince Claus Award, Netherlands.
Prince Claus Award
Bahia's work on the development of the Arabic script has culminated in her becoming a laureate of the Prince Claus Award in the Netherlands.
“Shehab uses the past to shed new light on the present and inspires the next generation of academics and graphic designers.”
– Prince Claus Fund, The Netherlands
2015
American University of Beirut Distinguished Alumna
2014
BBC 100 Women
Bahia Shehab was chosen to be One of BBC's 100 Women Initiating Change in 2014.
2012
TED fellow
Bahia Shehab became a TED fellow and gave a TED talk about her project “A Thousand Times No”