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Shaping the Next Era

of Architecture, Design and Urban Transformation

Brought to you by

Accredited By

Integrating Heritage with Innovation:

The Future of Desert Living.

Brought to you by

Event Partner
Event Participant
Industry Partners
Event Overview

Building on the success of the previous editions in Dubai, the 3rd Desert Architecture MENA Forum returns with a stronger regional focus on advancing climate-responsive, sustainable and resilient architecture across the Middle East and North Africa.

As cities across the region continue to grow, the Forum will bring together government authorities, project owners, developers, leading architects, urban planners, consultants, contractors and technology providers to explore how architecture can respond to extreme climates while supporting sustainability, cultural identity and long-term resilience.

Through high-level discussions, project case studies and technical presentations, the Forum will address passive design and cooling, sustainable materials, resilient façades, adaptive reuse, landscape and public realm, water and energy efficiency, net-zero design and the integration of regional heritage with contemporary architecture.

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Event Objectives

Advance climate-responsive

and resilient architecture across the MENA region.

Strengthen collaboration

between government, developers, architects, consultants and solution providers.

Showcase innovative technologies,

smart materials and sustainable design solutions

Integrate regional heritage

and traditional desert design principles with contemporary architecture.

Promote low-carbon,

resource-efficient and sustainable development.

Position MENA

as a global leader in architecture for hot and arid environments.

Create new business,

project and industry partnerships.

MARKET DRIVERS

The Net-Zero Energy Mosque (Masdar City, Abu Dhabi)

The world’s first mosque designed to operate at net-zero energy, constructed with traditional mud bricks, solar panels, and advanced passive cooling systems.
Designer-Arup

Project Owner: Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company).

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi)

A signature contemporary art museum designed with a series of asymmetric cones and glass bridges, intended to integrate natural ventilation, daylighting, and sustainable features.

Designer- Frank Gehry / Gehry Partners; execution oversight by Adamson Associates International.

Project Owner: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)

King Salman Park
(Riyadh)

A 16.7 sq km urban park and regeneration project, transforming former airport land into green and civic infrastructure, featuring climate-resilient planting and water reuse strategies.

Designer- Gerber Architekten, as lead of the joint venture formed by Gerber, Buro Happold, and Setec. 

Project Owner: King Salman Park Foundation (under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City).

Royal Diriyah Opera House (Diriyah, near Riyadh)

A cultural landmark project integrating heritage and modern design, part of the broader Diriyah redevelopment.

Designed by: Snøhetta.

Project Owner: Diriyah Company (part of the Public Investment Fund – PIF).

Lusail City & Lusail Museum Districts (Qatar)

As part of Lusail’s masterplan, new cultural and museum facilities are being added along the waterfront.

Designer- Foster + Partners and Herzog & de Meuron.

Project Owner: Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company.

Doha Metro & Associated Station Architecture (Qatar)

The metro system with its station architecture is a major urban-architectural undertaking, integrating civic infrastructure and architectural design.

Designer- UNStudio

Project Owner: Qatar Rail.

Madinat Al Hareer
(“City of Silk”) (Kuwait)

A proposed 250 sq km new city development in Subiya, intended as a mixed-use hub with residential, commercial, and tourist elements.

Designer- (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill).

Project Owner: Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works and Silk City Authority.

XZero City
(Kuwait)

A concept for a self-sufficient smart city over 1,600 hectares promoting sustainable living, walkability, and minimal environmental impact.

Designer-URB (Dubai-based sustainable urban design firm).

Project Owner: URB (private developer, backed by Kuwaiti investors).

Architecture Forums Network
Global Advisors
Tobias Wallisser
01

Tobias Wallisser

Co-Founder
LAVA – Laboratory for Visionary Architecture Germany
Andrea D'Antrassi
02

Andrea D'Antrassi

Associate Partner
MAD Architects Italy
Kim Quazi
03

Kim Quazi

Director
Arup United Kingdom
Markus Pfisterer
04

Markus Pfisterer

Partner
GMP Germany
Filippo Innocenti
05

Filippo Innocenti

Director
ZHA Architects United Kingdom
Viggo Haremst
06

Viggo Haremst

Design Director, International Projects, Head of Middle East & APAC Markets
Henning Larsen Denmark
Forum Advisors

Dr. Sławomir Ledwoń

Deputy Head of Design Studies Unit
Ministry of Municipality Qatar

Arthi  Balasubramanian

Senior Architect
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)

Shawn Meyers

Middle East Masterplanning Director | Associate
DLR Group Middle East

Jawaher Hassan Hamad Al Amir

Mgr – Architectural
DEWA
Speakers

Dr. Sławomir Ledwoń

Deputy Head of Design Studies Unit
Ministry of Municipality Qatar

Arthi  Balasubramanian

Senior Architect
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)

Shawn Meyers

Middle East Masterplanning Director | Associate
DLR Group Middle East

Jawaher Hassan Hamad Al Amir

Mgr – Architectural
DEWA

Mark Powell Kyffin

Director of Architecture
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)

Ben Gonzalez

Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa and Principal
HKS

Filippo Innocenti

Director
ZHA Architect

Markus Pfisterer

Partner
gmp
Germany
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EVENT IN NUMBERS 

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Testimonials

"The Desert Architecture MENA Forum continues to be one of the most inspiring industry gatherings I attend. It provides a unique opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities and engage with new ideas, innovative projects, and thought-provoking discussions. What stands out most is the meaningful interaction between government entities, developers, architects, planners, and suppliers. These conversations rarely happen in such an open and collaborative environment. The forum encourages knowledge exchange, sparks creativity, and helps professionals broaden their perspectives, making it an invaluable experience for anyone involved in shaping the built environment."

    Aarti Balasubramanian
    Aarti Balasubramanian

    Senior Architect, Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi

    "The forum plays an important role in bringing together heritage professionals, architects, urban planners, designers, and placemakers under one roof. In our industry, many disciplines often work independently, creating unintentional silos. This platform successfully breaks those barriers and creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue. The discussions around cultural identity, sustainability, and human-centric design are particularly valuable, helping us better understand how architecture can respond to both local heritage and future aspirations. It is a forum that genuinely contributes to shaping the future of our cities and communities."

      Abdulatif Jasmi
      Abdulatif Jasmi

      Director of Cultural Heritage Protection, Qatar Museums

      Event Highlights
      2025 POST SHOW REPORT

      Discover the success of the debut edition of Desert Architecture Forum and how it can accelerate your commercial goals across the MENA’s growing climate-smart cities, resilient infrastructures and self-sufficient communities.​

      Event in Pictures
      Conference Speakers

      Shawn Meyers

      Middle East Masterplanning Director | Associate
      DLR Group Middle East

      Jawaher Hassan Hamad Al Amir

      Mgr – Architectural
      DEWA

      Gokul Vasudevan

      Senior Project Architect / Head of Sustainability | Associate
      Killa Design

      Abdullatif Al Jasmi

      Director of Cultural Heritage Protection
      Qatar Museum
      Why Attend?

      Exposure to Innovative Ideas

      The conferences provide a platform to explore new concepts, materials, and techniques tailored to building in hot, dry climates

      Specialized Knowledge

      Participants gain insights into the best practices and latest research on designing for desert climates, including passive cooling techniques and sustainable building materials

      Networking Opportunities

      Desert architecture conference gathers a diverse group of professionals, including architects, engineers, researchers, and policymakers.

      Focus on Sustainability

      Emphasis on sustainability, exploring how architecture can contribute to environmental stewardship and resilience in desert environments.

      Case Studies and Real-World Examples

      Learning from case studies and real-world examples of successful desert architecture projects that can provide practical insights and actionable strategies for future projects.
      WHO WILL ATTEND?

      Government Authorities and Ministries

      Architecture
      Companies

      Project Owners

      Developers

      Consultancies

      EPCs

      CEOs, VPs, Directors, Heads and Specialists of

      EVENT SCHEDULE

      AGENDA

      Landscaping in Desert Architecture Focused Session Agenda Day 1 | 30th March 2026

      14:15-14:45

      Panel Discussion: Landscapes of the Future Beyond Aesthetics and Ecology in Desert Design

      14:45-15:00

      Keynote Presentation

      *Reserved for leading innovative solution provider in desert architecture

      15:00-15:20

      Presentation: Greening the Desert Designing Sustainable Landscapes for Arid Cities

      15:20-15:40

      Industry Innovation Session

      *Session comprises of Two10-mins presentations by leading technology and solution providers globally

      15:40-16:00

      Presentation: Living with the Sand Designing Resilient Landscapes against Erosion

      16:00-16:05

      Closing Remarks by Conference Chairman

      16:05

      Networking and Close Day 1 of Desert Architecture Forum

      Lighting Focused Session in Desert Architecture -Agenda Day 2 | 31st March 2026

      14:20-14:50

      Panel Discussion: From Sunlight to Starlight Illuminating the Future of Sustainable Desert Design

      14:50-15:05

      Keynote Presentation

      *Reserved for leading innovative solution provider in desert architecture

      15:05-15:25

      Presentation: Smart Lighting Systems Integrating AI, Sensors, and Solar Power

      15:25-15:45

      Industry Innovation Session

      *Session comprises of Two10-mins presentations by leading technology and solution providers globally

      15:45-16:05

      Presentation: The Future of Light Materials Innovation for Harsh Climates

      16:05-16:10

      Closing Remarks by Conference Chairman

      16:10

      Networking and Close of Desert Architecture Forum

      Why you should partner?
      1

      Raise Your Brand Awareness

      Opportunity to position your brand as one of the leading companies in the sector to help stakeholders and project owners achieve their targets.
      2

      Gain Project Insights

      Get first-hand details on timelines and requirements of current projects from across the MENA region and spot opportunities.
      3

      Get In Front Of Your Target Market

      Get access to key stakeholders involved with projects in the region and get insight into their plans to invest in new cutting – edge designs and technologies and spot opportunities.  
      4

      Increase Your Competitiveness

      Learn about the challenges faced by the MENA region’s key project owners, architects, consultants and developers and identify how you can provide them with customized solutions to help them overcome them. 
      SPONSORs & PARTNERs
      Media PARTNERs
      OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE

      We only work with the best to offer the best to our customers. Our conferences are a great platform to get your message across to your target audience. Whether you are looking to educate your target market, launch a new product or increase your branding and visibility, our team will work closely with you to develop a package that suits your requirements and helps you stand out in this space.

      Please contact us on partnerships@gmevents.ae to find out more about sponsorship packages and opportunities.
      FLOOR PLAN

      Floor Plan

      EVENT VENUE

      Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Dubai, UAE

      EVENT VENUE

      Habtoor Grand Resort, Dubai, UAE

      FLOOR PLAN
      EVENT VENUE

      Venue

      Habtoor Grand Resort, Dubai, UAE

      accommodation

      accommodation

      Please make sure you secure your room booking at Al Habtoor Grand Resort at the earliest as we have negotiated a very special discounted rate of 1320 AED (single occupancy), inclusive of breakfast and taxes. The rate is inclusive of Buffet Breakfast, 7% municipality Fee, 5% VAT, 10% service charges, and 20 AED municipality room fee per room per night. The hotel’s check-in time is: 3:00 pm and check-out time is 12:00 pm Early check-in / Late check-out charges might apply. Room bookings are non-refundable, due to special rates, however, changes for the names are accepted till 2 days prior to the check-in date. Important: Please note that room rates and/or categories are subject to availability according to the hotel’s occupancy. Great Minds Event is not responsible in case of rate increase or unavailability of a room category as this is beyond our control. For Bookings with the special rate: Kindly send the below details to Moamen.tawfeek@gmevents.ae Full Guest Name: Room Type: Single or Double: Check-in date and time: Check-out date and time: Method of payment: Bank transfer or Payment link

      **Please note that payment link charges might apply

      Registration closed

      Online event registrations are now closed. You may purchase your ticket at the event registration counter on the 1st day of the event. Please refer to the agenda for timings.

      Primary Delegate

      $25

      +VAT

      Vendor Delegate

      $2,799

      +VAT

      Industry Partner

      $4,000

      +VAT

      Benefit