21 May 2026 | Habtoor Grand JBR, Dubai, UAE

Architecture and urban planning can
positively influence human well-being,
productivity and safety

Habtoor Grand JBR, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About the

Summit

Several cities in the Middle East have grown significantly over the past 25 years, and have seen their skylines and urban areas shaped by multiple stakeholders, as well as several macro and micro trends and influences. What this means is, today, some of these cities are a mismash of architectural styles (from ancient/traditional Islamic styles to colonial and hyper-modern), and complex urban landscapes that can make life challenging for residents.

As regional cities age and compete to become the destination of choice for people from around the world, the time is right for public and private developers and assets owners to rethink cities and master plans, so they positively impact human well-being, productivity and safety.

The 2026 Future of Architecture Summit will convene regional experts from the architecture and urban planning disciplines, and academia to discuss how cities can be designed, so they positively influence lives and livelihoods.

Magazine

Big Project ME – JAN / FEB ’26

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Magazine

ME Consultant – NOV / DEC ’25

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The Event

Agenda + Schedule


The Dangers of Artificial Intelligence

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool for architects, however increased use comes with several challenges and risks. AI ‘hallucinations’ are a particularly troublesome issue, where AI models generate outputs that are fabricated or junk, and could lead to major consequences in the absence of risk mitigation strategies.

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Wellness Architecture

Through a multidisciplinary design approach, the physical, mental and emotional health of building occupants can be enhanced by relying on evidence-based-, sustainable- and biophilic-principles. While wellness architecture is widely associated with residential developments, it can also improve the lives of users in offices, education and healthcare facilities.

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Green Cities

Landscape architecture is the key to unlocking enhanced urban resilience, improved human well-begin and environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with increased urbanisation and the growing consequences of climate-change, it’s vital that governments and developers create environments that elevate quality of life and promote sustainable growth and community resilience.

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Urban Mobility

In the Middle East, urban mobility is a multifaceted challenge due to factors including rapid urbanisation, limited public transport networks, and an affinity for private vehicles. Through expansion of public transport networks, investments into sustainable and smart transportation, and a reliance on micromobility and shared mobility solutions, these challenge can be addressed.

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Networking

08:30

Registration and Networking

Registration opens with networking over coffee and breakfast refreshments.

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INTRODUCTION

09:30

Event Introduction

The host opens, introduces the event, outlines the day’s agenda, and welcomes the attendees

+

Jason Saundalkar

09:45

Welcome Address

The Head of Content and producer discusses the agenda and topics, thanks the speakers and sponsors, setting the event’s tone.

+

First Panel Discussion

10:00

Panel Discussion One

Panel discussion featuring key industry speaker, moderated to explore key topics and insights

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First Presentation

11:00

Presentation One

Presentation by a leading player in the key vertical, sharing research findings and key insights.

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Networking

11:20

Coffee & Networking

Coffee, refreshment and networking break.

+

Exclusive Workshop

11:20

Sponsor FOA Workshop

+

Fireside chat

11:35

On Stage Interview

Fireside chat hosted by the head of content, featuring industry expert sharing valuable knowledge

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Second Panel Discussion

12:15

Panel Discussion Two

Panel discussion featuring key industry speaker, moderated to explore key topics and insights

+

Networking

13:00

Lunch

One hour break for buffet lunch and networking.

+

Exclusive Workshop

13:15

Sponsor FOA Workshop

+

Fireside chat

13:45

On Stage Interview Two

Fireside chat hosted by the head of content, featuring industry expert sharing valuable knowledge

+


Third Panel Discussion

14:15

Panel Discussion Three

Panel discussion featuring key industry speaker, moderated to explore key topics and insights

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Event Wrap-up

15:00

MC closing remarks

Closing remarks from the Head of Content and the MC.

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Engage

With Experts and Peers

This event is an ideal platform to network and interact with respected regional stakeholders including government, project owners, operators, infrastructure specialists, consultants, contractors and technology companies. With several breaks scheduled for networking as well as lunch, you’ll be able to get one-on-one time with panellists and presenters, following on from interactive presentations and Q&A sessions.

Empowering

Future Leaders

Empowering future leaders by connecting minds and equipping the industry with essential knowledge, insights, and tools to drive innovation and transform architecture and urban planning.

Contractors

Industrial

Consultants

Government

Developers

Manufacturers

Others
Previous

Speakers

Our speakers play a vital role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the event, positioning it as a benchmark for the regional market. These industry experts provide valuable knowledge, insights, and address key challenges facing the sector.

If you are interested in contributing to the discussions and sharing your expertise, please reach out to jason.s@cpitrademedia.com to get involved and be part.


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KEO

Delvene Lee

Head of Interior Design
KEO

Delvene Lee

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Ajman University

Dr. Dalia Hafiz

Assistant Professor
Ajman University

Dr. Dalia Hafiz




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OBM International

Drew Gilbert

Lead Design Architect
OBM International

Drew Gilbert

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Summertown Interiors

Nicola Trivett

General Manager
Summertown Interiors

Nicola Trivett

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Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai

Dr Bhakti More

Chairperson & Professor, School of Design & Architecture
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai

Dr Bhakti More

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AtkinsRéalis

Maxwell Connop

Design Director
AtkinsRéalis

Maxwell Connop




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AtkinsRéalis

Ed McIntosh

Design Director
AtkinsRéalis

Ed McIntosh

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The Visual Poetry

Dipali Shirsat

Founder
The Visual Poetry

Dipali Shirsat

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HLB Lighting Design FZ-LLC

Maria B. Dautant

Senior Associate
HLB Lighting Design FZ-LLC

Maria B. Dautant

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Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Dr. Rana El-Dabaa

Assistant Professor at the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS)
Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Dr. Rana El-Dabaa




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U+A, part of Egis Group

Sam Kumar

Principal Studio Operations
U+A, part of Egis Group

Sam Kumar

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U+A, part of Egis Group

Tiago Sampaio

Design Principal
U+A, part of Egis Group

Tiago Sampaio

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HKR

Jerry Ryan

Founder and Executive Chairman
HKR

Jerry Ryan

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Stellar Amenities

Anastasia Prosina

Space Architect, Founder & CEO
Stellar Amenities

Anastasia Prosina




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Thin Line Architects & Interiors

Mustafa M. Sherif

Design manager
Thin Line Architects & Interiors

Mustafa M. Sherif

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Graphite

Kevin Offin

Founding Principal
Graphite

Kevin Offin

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STUDIOI

Nima Shoja

Senior Director – Technical Design
STUDIOI

Nima Shoja

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TBH

Anil Ipekci

Principal
TBH

Anil Ipekci




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ARUP Gulf Limited

Ayah Rahmoun

Graduate Engineer
ARUP Gulf Limited

Ayah Rahmoun


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    Select the event and industry sector


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    Fill in your correct details


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    Sponsors & Partners



    PRESENTED BY

    Big Project ME




    PRESENTED BY

    ME Consultant




    PRESENTED BY

    ME Construction News




    ORGANISED BY

    CPI Trade Media



    How to

    Participate

    Participate in this conference through exhibiting, workshops, panel discussions, or presentations; a prime platform to connect with future business potential and more. Engage with industry leaders shaping purchasing and specification decisions and explore tailored sponsorship opportunities to your KPIs and business objectives.

    Contact us to learn more about all the possibilities.


    Free

    Entry

    Entrance is free of charge for industry professionals.

    Summit

    Date & Time

    21 May 2026, 9am – 3pm

    Summit

    Venue

    Habtoor Grand JBR, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Get In Touch

    Contact us


    Content

    Jason Saundalkar
    Editorial Director
    +971 4 375 5475
    jason.s@cpitrademedia.com

    Clayton Aldo Vallabhan
    Deputy Editor
    +971 4 375 5498
    clayton.aldo@cpitrademedia.com


    Sponsorship

    Arif Bari
    Sales Director
    +971 4 375 5714
    arif.bari@cpitrademedia.com

    Jas Kaur
    Global Account Manager
    +44 7927 450 337
    jas.kaur@cpitrademedia.com


    Marketing

    Phinson Mathew George
    Director of Marketing & Media Operations
    +971 4 375 5476
    phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com

    Lakshmy Manoj
    Marketing Executive
    +971 4 375 5476
    lakshmy.manoj@cpitrademedia.com