On 24 August, the RIBA hosted the RIBA Gulf Network session to connect architects across all seven countries and to keep peer members informed on topical initiatives throughout the year.
Architects and industry experts across the 7 GCC countries (the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman) came together through a regulated peer-to-peer discussion held online. The session was led by Kerem Cengiz, Managing Director – MENA, at LWK + PARTNERS and discussed Kingdom Rules in Urban Development.
The session explored the interesting development parallels between one of the region's powerhouses and China’s 20-year transformative evolution and what lessons can be employed towards achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and beyond. The event was moderated by Azlina Bulmer, RIBA Director of International.
This event was carefully curated to facilitate open and candid discussions led by design principles, managing directors, and emerging talent to share thinking on innovative strategies, new design initiatives, and market insights on Gulf activities. Agendas covered critical issues on the industry across the GCC. This initiative allows members to hear from current, influential industry architects.
Speaker: Kerem Cengiz RIBA, Managing Director - MENA at LWK + PARTNERS
With a strong design-led background and technical and commercial aptitude, Kerem has over 25 years of international experience across all aspects of design and real estate development. Kerem aims to create developments that combine high urban design quality with assured commercial success through thought, innovation, strong leadership and effective management. He has addressed and participated in multiple international conferences, such as MIPIM, Cityscapes and The Big5 Dubai. Kerem also presents at universities and institutions and has led the formation of national architectural guideline and regulatory publications.
Kerem’s outstanding work and leadership have helped secure many high-profile projects in the UAE, GCC, and broader MENA Region as well as internationally - competing with globally recognised international design practices. His ethos has earned him and the teams he manages the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award for Innovation in 2017 and The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in 2009. He is a Chartered Member of the RIBA.
