The RIBA Gulf Chapter has brought in 8 new members to its working committee to help build a great program of activities for the year. They bring a great breadth and depth of experience to the group as we look forward to a 2021 with more online activities and hopefully in person social events too. We will also be releasing a regular news bulletin of regional activities. Please find more info below on the new members as we welcome them into their roles.

1. NEW RIBA GULF CHAPTER COMMITTEE MEMBERS UPDATE
The RIBA Gulf Chapter has brought in 8 new members to its working committee to help build a great program of activities for
the year. They bring a great breadth and depth of experience to the group as we look forward to a 2021 with more online
activities and hopefully in person social events too. We will also be releasing a regular news bulletin of regional activities.
Please find more info below on the new members as we welcome them into their roles.

2. 1. SHAIKHA AZZAM – UAE Representative (Vice)
Shaikha Azzam studied architecture at the American University Dubai and went on to receive her architectural training at
Nikken Sekkei a leading firm from Tokyo Japan. Shaikha then pursued her Masters degree in International Planning and
Development in the UK where she contributed in setting up Studio DS's office in Dubai. With a keen passion in the real estate
and development sector Shaikha now works for the Dubai Government within their Land Department leading the Buildings
Team in the Survey Department. Shaikha’s experience and knowledge of the region help to make her a valuable member of
the RIBA Gulf Chapter team.
2. FARIHA EHSANULHAQ- Kuwait representative
Fariha Ensanulhaq is an RIBA chartered Architect at Pace architecture and engineering based out of Kuwait. Having graduated
from Pakistan with a Bachelors in Architecture, Fariha with an outlying passion for a balanced built environment then went
on to finish her studies at Birmingham City university, gaining a Masters in Environmental sustainability. Fariha followed this
passion and whilst practicing out of Kuwait gained LEED certification, her passion for sustainable development and climate
concern is highly valued and adds to her virtues within the RIBA Gulf chapter team.
3. JUAN ROLDAN - Education co-ordinator
Juan Roldan is an accomplished Spanish architect and educator. With architecture studies in Madrid (ETSAM MArch 2004)
and at the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL, London 1999). Roldan is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Interior
Design at the College of Architecture, Art, and Design at the (American University of Sharjah). A founding member of the
ACIEAU (Spanish Association of Scientist and Researchers in the UAE) Roldan’s emphasis on education and research remains
an asset to the profession and RIBA Gulf Chapter alike. He curated the first Dubai Architecture Festival with the chapter in d3
in 2020.

3. 4. MATTHEW YINKA – Events
Matthew Yinka Enirayetan is a fully qualified Architect and member of both the ARB and RIBA. Having studied and trained in
the UK, graduating from the University of Westminster, Matthew now continues his work in the Middle East as a senior
architect for BMA Studio’s in Dubai. With a key focus on BIM techniques, concept design and onsite project management he
is quintessentially a modern day architect and represents these aspects within the RIBA Gulf Chapter team making him a
valued asset and member.
5. RYAN SAILSMAN – Marketing
Ryan Sailsman is a fully qualified RIBA architect from the UK based in Dubai. Ryan studied at Westminster university where he
received his undergraduate and masters degree's. He later completed his chartered post graduate degree with the Royal
Institute of British Architects in Dubai. Throughout his career so far he has worked in the UK and the Middle East for large
RIBA associated firms, created his own design and architecture freelance service completing self-generated projects in
Greece, the UAE, and Jamaica. He currently works as head of projects for LIMAH a pioneering wayfinding, signage and
experiential design firm based out of Dubai, his energy and self-motivation are value added aspects
within the RIBA Gulf Chapter.
6. ANOUSHKA KOLAHALU - Chapter Coordinator
Anoushka Kolahalu is a recent graduate of architecture from the architecture school at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. An
ambitious and dedicated individual with centric views around community engagement, sustainable architectural
methodologies and the future of urban design on a global scale. Anoushka is beginning her architectural journey and her
energy, enthusiasm and open-mindedness make her an ideal member of the RIBA Gulf Chapter committee.

4. 7. ALAWIYA ALI – Chapter Coordinator
Having completed her studies at the architecture graduate program of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Alawiya has a keen
interest in the adaptation of Architecture and its many forms of identity within societies new digital age. Her works focuses
on the area of computational design and 3D printing technology which was reflected heavily in her final submission. Alawiya
will look to continue her career focusing on newer digital applications of architecture and where architecture resides as
society develops. She represents the future of the industry and is a valued member of the RIBA Gulf Chapter committee.
8. ROHAN THOTABADUGE – KSA Representative, Riyadh
Rohan is welcomed back to the committee, having been a key member for over 10 years previously in Oman, contributing to
many chapter projects in the region. He is now based in Riyadh as a Director of the giga-project Qiddiya. He brings great
experience to the committee as a designer, leader, communicator and mentor to young professionals.