Launched to steer the industry towards a more sustainable future, the multi-day event was held under the theme ‘Identity, Context and Placemaking in the Gulf’ and featured a mix of physical and digital events.
It celebrated the role architecture has played in shaping Dubai’s iconic skyline and the UAE's diversified economy in which real estate and construction’s contribution has increased exponentially.
The festival was curated with Juan Roldan, Associate Professor in the College of Architecture, Art & Design at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and member of the RIBA Gulf Chapter committee. It included live-streamed talks, as well as a physical exhibition showcasing works from 39 shortlisted entries across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The exhibition featured works from international companies such as Foster and Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects and UN Studio as well as boutique local firms such as Verform, ANARCHITECT, Binchy & Binchy and AMA. Student works from AUS and Heriot-Watt University Dubai were also included.
The five panel talks covered urban design, circular economy, cultural infrastructure, and education in the GCC and featured esteemed panellists from the exhibition, government bodies, developers and academics.
To watch back the recordings of the Panel Talks
The festival was organised by RIBA members in the Gulf :
Andy Shaw - AMA – RIBA Gulf Chapter Chair
Mercedes Gargallo - Arup – RIBA Gulf Chapter Treasurer
Jonathan Ashmore - ANARCHITECT - RIBA Chartered Practice
Sumaya Dabbagh – Dabbagh Architects - RIBA Chartered Practice
Curator: Juan Roldan (American University of Sharjah) – RIBA Gulf Chapter Education Co-ordinator
