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.
between government, developers, architects, consultants and solution providers.
smart materials and sustainable design solutions
and traditional desert design principles with contemporary architecture.
resource-efficient and sustainable development.
as a global leader in architecture for hot and arid environments.
project and industry partnerships.
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).
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)
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).

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."

Director of Cultural Heritage Protection, Qatar Museums
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.
*Reserved for leading innovative solution provider in desert architecture
*Session comprises of Two10-mins presentations by leading technology and solution providers globally
*Session comprises of Two10-mins presentations by leading technology and solution providers globally
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.
"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."