Please find attached the December 2016 edition of our Newsletter. We hope that you enjoy it, and look forward to your feedback and participation in our RIBA Gulf Chapter activities in 2016.

1. D ecem ber
20 1 6
New sl et ter

2. The Committee
Members
The committee was elected to serve and would love to hear what you have to say or
what you would like it to address. Contact them on:
riba.gulf@riba.org
The committee members are:
Chloe Sadler, London RIBA Chapters Regional Coordinator
Sumaya Dabbagh, Dubai Honorary Chair
Rasha Al Khatib, Dubai Honorary Secretary
Andrew Mowat, Dubai Honorary Treasurer
William Grime, Dubai Education Coordinator - Part III
Vishal Sawlani, Dubai Social Media Representative
May Al Hinai, Oman Magazine and Media Editor
Fiona Shields, Abu Dhabi, UAE Chapter Representative - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Nezar Ahmadi, Bahrain Chapter Representative - Bahrain
Omar Khattab, Kuwait Chapter Representative - Kuwait
Amy Lam, Jeddah, KSA Chapter Representative - Jeddah, KSA
CT Bien, Riyadh, KSA Chapter Representative - Riyadh, KSA
Rohan Thotabaduge, Oman Chapter Representative - Oman
Dr. Hasim Altan, Dubai Education Representative - AUS
Nigel Eckersall, Dubai
Jonathan Ashmore, Dubai
Mohammed El Arabi, Dubai
Simon Crispe, Dubai

3. Chair’s Note
People: One on One with: Senora D’Mello
Projects: Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Projects: Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre
Events: RIBA President Visit UAE: Cityscape
Events: RIBA president visit: Oman
Events: MEAP Seminar Oman: 12/13 Oct Dubai: 14/15 Oct
Events: Open City: An Exploration of Connectivity within a City
Events: Upcoming Events
Events: Facade Design & Engineering Exchange Middle East
contents

4. Dear Members,
We have had a very busy, eventful
and productive few months since our
last newsletter. I was happy to see
that many of you were able to attend
our recent events, the highlights
of which were our Presidents visit
in September together with RIBA’s
participation in Cityscape. President
Jane Duncan’s 10-day visit to UAE and
Oman, featured in this issue, reflects
the regions importance for The RIBA.
The visit showed a readiness for the
RIBA HQ to understand the region
better, in order to be more relevant in
its support of its existing members
and potential new members. The
RIBA’s commitment is demonstrated
through other tangible means: its
target to be more inclusive through
its introduction earlier this year of
the MEAP ACCESS course which is
gaining popularity and momentum. In
addition, RIBA have been looking into
introducing the Chartered Practice
Membership to the region through a
small pilot scheme. This scheme is
aimed at understanding how the UK
model can be adapted to fit the Gulf
practices best in order to be part of
the regional Chapter’s offering in the
future.
Our second major event, was our
participation at the Dubai Design
Week, a major Design event in the
Middle East. The Exhibition and Talk
held late last month was a product
of an extremely fruitful collaboration
between RIBA, The British Council
and the Department of International
Trade (formerly UKTI). It was very well
received and attended, and as a result,
we are now planning further events
together for 2017.
I am also delighted to share with
you 2 Award Winning Projects
commissioned in Sharjah. The first is
a personal project, The Mleiha Centre
for Archaeology, which was completed
earlier this year by my practice and
won the Cityscape Global and Middle
East Architects Awards for Cultural
and Community Building Award for
2016. The second is Al Hefaiyah
Mountain Conservation Centre. These
are examples of some of the smaller
contextual projects that are emerging
in the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE.
Our One-on-One feature interviews
Senora D’Mello. She is a candidate
of our first MEAP Access course
to be held in the region. Senora is
an exemplary of an outstanding
architect who has directly benefited
from the education provided by RIBA
in the region. At the same time, she
demonstrates the potential value the
RIBA will gain from inclusion of a
broader section of architects to the
Chartership through this new course.
We owe the success of our recent
events to those who helped organize
them and all those who attended.
Particular thanks to our sponsors
Mapei and Arabian Profile and
Interface for their invaluable support
without which many of our events
would not be possible. To add to that,
a big THANK YOU to Militza and
Jonathan Ashmore of Anarchitect, for
their commitment and time in helping
with the Dubai Design Week event set
up.
Feel free to connect with us on our
emails listed on the front cover.
Your feedback, suggestions and
contribution to the chapter are vital for
its continued growth and success.
Wishing you all a fantastic end of year
and I look forward to working together
with you all in 2017.
Warm wishes,
Sumaya Dabbagh
Chair, RIBA Gulf Chapter
sumaya@dabbagharchitects.
Chair’s
Note

5. One on One with:
Senora D’Mello
Will Grime: Senora D’Mello is a graduate architect who
worked in my design group as an intern for a year prior to
qualifying with distinction in May 2016. At that point we
managed to entice her to work with us on a full-time basis.
She’s now engaged in the RIBA MEAP Access Course, as well
as driving forward a number of small projects of her own both
in the design studio and on site. She’s an outstanding young
architect.

6. Q1: What drives you in your work?
A1: Architecture as a profession is very dynamic. There are
constantly evolving materials and construction methods out there.
For me, the curiosity to learn more so as to keep up with this
dynamism is what drives me. Besides, every day at an architecture
studio is buzzing, with something new to look forward to in the form
of design challenges, team work and so on. I enjoy the different
experiences that my work offers me each day and that keeps me
going.
Q2: How would you label your design approach?
A2: I would describe it as very rational and straightforward. I like
simple, functional design solutions, without having to compromise on
the aesthetics and innovation. In my little experience, I have realised
that simple, logical designs in fact create classier and more effective
user experiences.
Q3: Who are your Architectural heroes?
A3: I have my favourites among different eras and styles. Mies
Van Der Rohe’s work never fails to inspire. I was first introduced
to his projects in university while working on a physical model of
the Farnsworth House. I like his minimalist approach that gives his
structures the illusion of floating in air. For traditional architecture, it
would have to be Laurie Baker. Apart from his sustainable approach,
I don’t think any other architect has so indigenously explored the use
of earth brick. Among the contemporaries, I think Moshe Safdie’s
work is pretty intriguing, after my recent visit to the Marina Bay
Sands in Singapore.
Q4: What makes a project most rewarding for you?
A4: The best part about a creative profession such as architecture is
that there are tangible results. Seeing your ideas and hours of effort
come to life, being able to point at your work to say ‘I did this’, and
feel a sense of belonging to your project, is a reward in itself.
Q5: What is your greatest architectural achievement to date?
A5: One of my recent assignments was the interior design of an
entrance lobby to a luxurious high-rise residential building on an
artificial island. It was quite a challenge as the client was very
specific about providing a ‘coastal’ yet luxurious experience. After
numerous design attempts, we were finally able to produce some
successful designs within the stipulated timeframe. It was all worth
it at the end especially because I had attempted something never
done before.
Q6: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? What do you wish
for in the future?
A6: Since I am at the start of my career, I have a steep learning
curve ahead of me. I am excited about the projects I am currently
working on, but at the same time want to take on new challenges so
as to explore my strengths and specific interests. In five years’ time,
I’d like to assume more management responsibilities, be able to lead
a team, and hopefully inspire them in some way or the other.

7. By: Dabbagh Architects
What was the concept behind the form
of the building?
Context and settings are the starting
points for any project at Dabbagh
Architects. The settings’ most striking
elements were the Bronze Age Tomb and
the spectacular setting of the Fossil Rock
mountains. These inspired the design and
generated the architects’ objectives which
were;
Firstly, the building must respect the
existing Bronze Age Tomb and not over-
power it. The earlier existing setting of the
Tomb within the municipal park created
an un-ceremonial and flat experience.
Dabbagh Architects felt that the building
must celebrate the Tomb and give it back
its dignity and value as well as enhance
the Visitors’ experience. The geometry
and form of the building were carefully
generated with the Tomb at its centre.
This resulted in a rich experience and
approach to the Tomb as well as to the
building.
Secondly, the Landscape and site setting
of Fossil Rock is spectacular. particularly
with the changes of colours in the
sand with the light throughout the day.
Dabbagh Architects felt that the building
must not take away from that natural
splendor, but must enhance it.
Projects:
MLEIHA ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTRE
Winner for Best Cultural and Community
Project 2016, for Cityscape Emerging
Markets Award and Middle East
Architects Awards.
A Visitor’s Centre by definition, offers its
audience the “live” attraction rather then
fragments or replicas as in a Museum.
For the MLEIHA ARCHAEOLOGICAL
CENTRE the surroundings are rich
with many archeological findings. This
provided an opportunity to design the
building in a way that would enhance this
relationship and maximize the interaction
between the Visitor and the attraction,
which is in this case a Bronze Age Tomb.
The building is sensitively placed
respecting the historic nature of the
site as well as its setting into a potential
World Heritage Site.
The building grows out of the ground
organically and subtly, with a ramp that
allows visitors to view the Tomb and the
surroundings from a roof terrace.
The form of the building, generated
from the circular Tomb, is a series of
concentric sandstone walls that blend
into the red sands landscape, lead the
visitor to the Tomb as well as into the
building’s entrance.
Internally, the fluid layout and curved
walls, guide the visitor through the three
main spaces, the Lobby, the Exhibition
hall and the Café. These spaces offer
connection and glimpses into the
surroundings thus maintaining a constant
reference to place and time.

8. The experience culminates at the Café
where the space opens out, like a desert
rose, into the magnificent view of “Fossil
Rock” and the desert beyond.
The result is a design that is
environmentally, and historically sensitive
to its setting, it is elegantly designed and
promises the visitors and community a
rewarding and rich experience.
What are the materials used for the
building and why?
The building’s careful choice of materials:
the sandstone which blends with the
colours of the sand and the copper
that reflected the ancient copper use at
the time of the Tomb, were all selected
to further add to the cohesion of the
building, so that it truly belongs to its
setting.
Has the building been designed to
be sustainable in terms of location,
orientation, material selection, form
etc.? If so, kindly explain.
Sustainability was a main consideration
for this site. Given the context of a 3500
yr. old monument, the building needed to
be sustainable and durable. Orientation,
form and material selections were all
carefully considered from the outset.
Materials: Environmentally responsible
Materials were selected for the building,
these are as follows:
Exterior finishs:
Recyclable Copper for roof cladding: A
natural copper is used where the material
will weather organically. Transforming
from bronzed coloured copper to aged
copper colour with time, thus enhancing
the materials’ natural beauty.
Sandstone: Contextual use of regionally
sourced Sandstone cladding. These
materials also take into consideration
the harsh desert environment and are
durable and low maintenance
Interior Finishes: Recyclable Linoleum
flooring with low VO. Reduced noise
pollution is achieved by having the MEP
services in a standalone service block
adjacent to the main building.
Energy:
Passive Solar Shading: Shaded
mechanism employed for south west
facing glazing to reduce external heat
gain on the building translating to lower
cooling loads.
Passive Cooling: Correct building
orientation with respect to sun and wind
direction greatly reduces the internal
and external heat gain on the building
translating to lower energy consumption.
Small window openings placed where
natural light is needed reduces heat gain
and translates to lower cooling loads.
LED Lighting: provided in all areas,
to reduce heat gain and energy
consumption.
Energy Saving through Solar panel
powered water heaters installed over
service block roof.
Water: Water efficient systems in all wet
areas to reduce water consumption.
Underground Water Tank to avoid heat
gain if water tank was exposed on roof or
above ground.
Landscaping: Indigenous plants used in
landscaping require less watering and are
more suited to this desert environment.
Nature Sensitive Design: respects existing
plant life: trees transplanted or retained
or even accommodated within the
building as in the Courtyard.
How do you think the building has
impacted the Mlieha area?
The project was born out of a vision by
HH the Ruler of Sharjah to showcase
the wealth of the ancient archeological
sites in the Emirate of Sharjah which
were uncovered, as a result of years of
investigation by the Sharjah Department
of Antiquities. It is part of a large master
plan and an Eco Tourism project which
aims at protecting the Archaeology, the
environment and wildlife in the Mleiha
region.
Since its opening in January 2016 it has
attracted a lot of interest and attention
regionally. It is still early days and the full
impact of the larger project is yet to be
realized.
Since its completion, the project has
won The Cityscape Global Award for
Community and Cultural Building of
the year, as well as being finalists for
Identity Design Awards and Middle East
Architects Awards.
Client: Shurooq / HH Rulers Office
Main Consultant: Dabbagh Architects
Quantity Surveyors: Blair Anderson
Exhibition Design: Shaboury& Associates
Landscape Design: Waho Design
Main Contractor: Al Dhaid Contracting
Steel Contractor: Kelly Steel
Copper Roof Supplier: Arabin Profile
Total Built up Area: 2500m2

9. Concept Sketch

10. By: Peter Jackson
Client: Sharjah Environment & Protected Areas Authority
(EPAA)
Opened: March 2016
Design Architect & Client Representative: Peter Jackson
RIBA, HH Ruler’s Office Sharjah
Architects & Structural Engineers: URS, later Arbema Design
MEP Engineers: Mott MacDonald
Quantity Surveyors: Blair Anderson
Exhibition Design: Sophy Cave Design
Civil Contractors: Hardco Building Contracting LLC
MEP Contractors: GECO Mechanical & Electrical Ltd
Copper Roofs: Arabian Profile Company Ltd
Reed Beds: Reed Bed Contracting LLC
Landscaping: Desert Landscape LLC
Fenced animal enclosures: 10 Ha.
GAF enclosed area: 4,725 sq.m.
GAF animal holdings: 1,725 sq.m.
GAF viewing hides: 775 sq.m.
The idea for the conservation and education centre was
conceived by the Ruler of Sharjah, HH Dr Sheikh Sultan
bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, for the recently established Al
Hefaiyah Protected Area at Kalba, as one of three interpretive
centres within the Protected Area, including the Birds of Prey
Centre opened in 2014, and a centre for mangroves and
turtles due for completion in 2018. The project has won the
Educational category in the 2016 the Middle East Architect
Awards.
The Ruler’s brief was to provide a natural setting for a
number of carnivore species originally indigenous to the
region, in particular the Arabian Leopard, Caracal, Arabian
Wolf, and Striped Hyena, as well as Mountain Gazelle and
the endangered Arabian Tahr. These are all now being bred
successfully at the Sharjah Breeding Centre for Endangered
Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW). The project also includes internal
nocturnal displays of reptiles and fish, foxes, wildcats and
mongooses, with outdoor aviaries for owls and ravens. Other
accommodation includes EPAA’s administrative offices,
BCEAW animal management facilities, workshops and a full
veterinary and surgical suite.
These complex animal facilities are designed to operate
effectively in the background, largely invisible and without
disruption to the visitor experience, with the exception of
animal food preparation, which can be viewed by the public.
For the visitor, whether tourist or a school party, there are
prayer rooms, an education room/lecture theatre, a coffee
bar at the entrance, and shop by the exit. A cafeteria exploits
a beautiful view to the Gulf of Oman, with gazelle at their
watering hole and across acacia woodland. A series of
externally accessible viewing hides allows visitors to enjoy the
animals from close quarters. The design sought to sensitively
blend into and celebrate its place within the dramatic natural
environment of the coastal gravel plain, where it intersects the
dramatic foothills of the Hajar Mountains. It is an architecture
dominated by simply rendered walls, with colours carefully
selected from the rocks and mountains around.
Aerial view of the centre from the west
Projects:
Al Hefaiyah Mountain
Conservation Centre

11. An unorthodox plan of long-curving circulation offers
extensive clear views of animals in 10 enclosed hectares
of natural habitat, from within a safe and comfortable air-
conditioned exhibition environment. This wraps the visitor
experience between and around two hilly outcrops, one high,
one lower. It respects the irregular natural contours with
minimum excavation or modification of the Protected Area.
The floor rises and falls with the land. The buildings therefore
touch the ground as lightly as possible (and with minimal
scaring of natural surfaces in constructing its high animal
fences across sometimes very steep terrain).
Curved copper roofs and cladding highlight the main entrance
and exit to the building. Copper is of special significance in
this, the ancient land of Magan, from where copper was mined
and shipped to Mesopotamia. A few kilometers away at Wadi
Al Helo, workshops, furnaces, copper slag, and an ingot of raw
copper have all been found, over 4,000 years old.
Internally, floating and undulating plaster ceilings in key public
areas reflect the irregular mountain skyline. Through the
circulation areas, ceilings are omitted, with services and fabric
air ducts exposed against a black soffit, to provide robust
exhibition areas from which to view animals against their
harsh natural environment. Fibonacci-sequenced diagonal
patterns to the linoleum floors provide scale to the 300m
long visitor walk-through.
The landscaping of external public areas subtly integrates the
man-made world with its natural environment, with different
grasses planted in rows between naturally patinated gravels,
following the line of paths. Electric buggies transport visitors
around the external enclosures, where pergola’d viewing hides
support shading creepers, with detailed information on the
individual species.
The buildings accord with Government of Sharjah & EPAA
policies for sustainable building. Reed-beds recycle all foul
Aerial view of the centre from the westTypical shaded animal viewing hide Top-lit main entrance & coffee bar
water from low consumption sanitary fittings for irrigation.
The use of natural daylight has been maximised, through
courtyard and perimeter glazing. Solar tubes provide natural
light to deep interior spaces, significantly reducing the need
for artificial lighting. High levels of insulation in cavity walls
and roofs reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in
summer. Projecting overhangs shade low-emission glazing
in the extensive viewing windows, while their sloped glazing
reduces the chance of fatal bird strikes.
The exhibition is bright and lively, illustrated with fine drawings
and species data, and integrating contemporary fine artworks
from local and foreign artists, to impart a strong public
message of the importance of wildlife conservation.
This design is entirely of its place, and integral with its
environment.

12. Cafeteria with long views across acacia woodland to the seaTypical viewing corridor with exhibition & artwork
Shop at the exit
Nocturnal species viewing & exhibition
Exit & shaded electric buggy waiting area High leopard viewing hide

13. Recent Events:
RIBA president
visit UAE:
Cityscape
By: Chloe Sadler
As part of the RIBA’s increased engagement with
members in the Gulf region, RIBA President Jane
Duncan attended Cityscape Global Dubai in September
together with a team from RIBA membership and RIBA
International. The RIBA team negotiated a stand at the
event to promote and raise awareness about the RIBA
which attracted a steady stream of visitors including local
and international practices and developers.
Participation at Cityscape was the focal point for a series
of events that took place during the RIBA President’s visit
to Dubai and the RIBA’s representation at this prestigious
real estate trade show provided a fantastic opportunity to
put the Institute firmly in the spotlight.
Cityscape Global Conference 2016
As part of Cityscape Global, the programme included a
Conference aimed at construction industry professionals
and with a strong emphasis on architecture. RIBA
President Jane Duncan gave a keynote address at
the Cityscape Global conference, Looking Back to
Design Tomorrow: How the past can inform the future
of Architecture in the Dubai. She spoke about how by
looking back into Dubai’s history we can help design
better buildings in the future by adapting to new
technologies and innovative thinking Dubai can become
a better more livable, sustainable and efficient city for the
21st century. The Conference was aimed at construction
industry professionals with a strong emphasis on
architecture. The subject matter and content was well
received by the audience as evidenced by the panel
discussion that followed referencing many parts of her
talk with questions from the audience.
Cityscape Talks
In addition to the Conference the RIBA participated in
‘Cityscape talks’ and included the following speakers:
Lynne Sullivan, RIBA Ambassador for Climate Change,
Richard Waterhouse, Chief Executive, RIBA Enterprises, on
Management Information-BIM, and John Avery, Director,
LOM Architecture and Design, whose talk was entitled
‘Landmarks with Value maximising Return On Investment
through good design’.
Richard Waterhouse, Chief
Executive, RIBA Enterprises,
‘Management Information-BIM’

14. By: May Al Hinai
The president of the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects’
(RIBA) has visited Oman for the first time in the organisation’s history.
Jane Duncan’s visit to Oman comes as the Sultanate recorded the
highest number of local nationals participating in the RIBA Part 3
course in the Middle East. Due to the high uptake the RIBA course has
been running permanently in Oman since January 2016
There are currently 15 Omani students undergoing the RIBA
examination process in Oman. A total of ten of the students are
from the Atkins Oman office, which this year saw its first student
successfully complete the RIBA examination – May Al Hinai, a design
architect at Atkins Oman and editor of the RIBA Gulf Magazine.
During Jane’s visit she awarded May with her professional certificate.
“I am extremely honoured to be the first Omani to be able to take the
exam in Oman, and I look forward to mentoring the future generation
of young Omani architects to be part of this prestigious organisation,”
said May Al Hinai.
Recent Events:
RIBA president
visit: Oman
The President’s visit was organised by Rohan Thotabaduge, RIBA
Oman Representative and Associate Architect at Atkins Oman.
The first night saw the British Ambassador in Muscat, Jon Wilks,
hosting a dinner reception in the honour of the RIBA President’s visit
and this was attended by former and current RIBA students of Oman,
Marcus Deeley (Head of RIBA International) and Chloe Sadler (Head
of International Chapters).
The following day, Rohan escorted the president and the RIBA team
to different ministries and educational institutions to discuss RIBA’s
prospects in Oman.
“RIBA has a strong presence in Oman because of the strong Anglo-
Omani relationship, and as the Oman Representative of the Gulf
Chapter I look forward to seeing this continuous growth over the next
couple of years when we will have over 20 RIBA Chartered Omani
Architects,” said Mr Thotabaduge.
Jane Duncan and the RIBA International team also visited the Atkins
Oman architectural department and discussed the RIBA with future
Atkins RIBA candidates.

15. RIBA ROUTES TO MEMBERSHIP – MEAP ACCESS COURSE
Following RIBA Council’s approval of new routes to RIBA
Chartered Membership in March, the RIBA has delivered the
start of their new MEAP Access Course in both Oman and
Dubai.
The course is aimed primarily for young graduates who have
completed five years of architectural education and who want
to expand their knowledge of professional practice and work
towards Chartered Membership of the RIBA.
The new course has attracted 9 candidates in Oman and
a further 7 in Dubai and it is to be hoped that they will all
be awarded the RIBA Certificate in Professional Practice in
Architecture, once they have completed the course in October
and successfully submitted their assignments.
The RIBA intend to run the course annually and anyone
wishing to receive further information or find out if they are
eligible should email meapaccess@riba.org
Further information on the RIBA Routes to Membership can
be found at www.architecture.com/MEAP
Recent Events:
MEAP SEMINAR
Oman: 12/13 Oct
DUBAI: 14/15 OCT

16. Recent Events
OPEN City:
An Exploration
of Connectivity
within a city
A great panel discussion was held on Monday 24th October,
between our panelists and guests . The themes of Expo 2020
was discussed with a focus on The Open City exhibition,
showcasing the work produced by The Unlimited Doha Prize
Competition held earlier in the year with the same name.
The event was co - hosted by RIBA, The British Council and
The Department of International Trade, and supported by
Allies and Morrison, and Anarchitect.
The event was very well received, thanks to all who attended
and contributed to its success
Panelists included:
• Sultan Al Qassimi : Columnist and Co-founder of Barjeel
Art Foundation
• Sumaya Dabbagh: Principal Dabbagh Architects and
Chair of RIBA Gulf
• Alex Scott Whitby: Director Scott Whitby Studio
• Waseem Khotoub: Head of Arts and Creativity British
Council, Qatar

17. UPCOMING EVENTS
Partner Event: Design MENA Summit
Dubai 7 December
CPD Event – Hosted by Mapei ‘Sustainable Architecture - Mapei is Green’
Dubai 1 March 2017
President’s Medals Touring Exhibition
Riyadh Al Faisal University, Riyadh, KSA 5-26 Mar 2017
Dar Al Hekma Women University, Jeddah, KSA 22-26 Jan 2017
Effat University, Jeddah, KSA TBC
King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, KSA TBC
Al Faisal University, Riyadh KSA 5-26 Mar 2017
King Fahd University, Dhahran, KSA TBC
American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE TBC
German University of Technology, Muscat, Oman TBC
RIBA Part 3
Dubai 21-24 April 2017
19 -21 May 2017
MEAP
Dubai 21 and 22 April 2017
Muscat 5 and 6 May and 22 May 2017

18. Prospectus:
Facade Design & Engineering Exchange
Middle East Series
Advancing specifications through exchanging ideas,
solutions and best practice to develop more sustainable,
smart and culturally relevant façades
Facade Design & Engineering Exchange Bahrain
5 December 2016, Manama, Bahrain
Facade Design & Engineering Exchange Qatar
27 March 2017, Doha, Qatar
Facade Design & Engineering Egypt
22 May, Cairo, Egypt
Facade Design & Engineering Exchange UAE
18 September, Dubai, UAE
Facade Design & Engineering Exchange Middle East Series
What is it all about?
An industry first, the Facade Design & Engineering Exchange series is a series of one day events designed
and setup to maximise the exchange of ideas, the exchange of business cards and the exchange of best
practice. With a one day agenda built around the ‘need of the hour’, each forum will hear from only the
most influential architects, consultants and developers on their latest ideas and innovation. This will be
coupled with interactive panel discussions and increased networking time.
What sets the event apart is not only the content but the dedicated business exchange sessions and
specifications sessions.
Business exchange session – What is it and how does it work?
Use this session to meet and exchange cards and ideas in a setting that encourages maximum networking.
Set in the conference room, sponsors will have an opportunity to meet delegates one-to-one to exchange
cards and make introductions. The room will rotate every 10 minutes to enable you to meet as many of the
participants as possible.
Specifications sessions – What is it and how does it work?
Each forum will dedicate one hour in the afternoon where selected suppliers will have 10minutes to present
their latest developments to a group of architects who are currently specifying for their upcoming projects.

19. Thank You
RIBA Gulf wishes to thank our sponsors for
their support.
Greetings from the RIBA Gulf Chapter for
the festive season - Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year.