The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) named London-based architect Zaha Hadid as the winner of its 2016 Royal Gold Medal. Awarded annually since 1848 to individuals and groups who have had significant influence on the advancement of architecture, past recipients include Sir George Gilbert Scott (1859), Frank Lloyd Wright (1941), and Frank Gehry (2000).

Hadid is the first woman to win the Royal Gold Medal independent of a partner in the history of the award.