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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 °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ 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 °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ members in the Gulf :

Andy Shaw - AMA – °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ Gulf Chapter Chair

Mercedes Gargallo - Arup – °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ Gulf Chapter Treasurer

Jonathan Ashmore - ANARCHITECT - °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ Chartered Practice

Sumaya Dabbagh – Dabbagh Architects - °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ Chartered Practice

Curator: Juan Roldan (American University of Sharjah) – °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ Gulf Chapter Education Co-ordinator