Dubai is set to take center stage in the global sustainability conversation as it plays host to the highly anticipated Desert Architecture Forum 2025.
Scheduled for February 26–27 at the prestigious Al Habtoor Grand Resort, this landmark event will bring together world-renowned architects, urban planners, and policymakers to redefine the future of architecture in extreme climates.
Shaping the Future of Desert Architecture
As climate change accelerates, arid regions face unprecedented challenges in sustainable urban development. The Desert Architecture Forum 2025, organized by Great Minds Event Management, aims to tackle these challenges head-on by providing a platform for industry leaders to explore and implement innovative, climate-responsive architectural solutions.
By blending traditional design principles with cutting-edge technology, the forum seeks to transform desert environments into sustainable, livable spaces.
This year’s event will feature high-profile partnerships with some of the most influential players in desert architecture, including:
- Masdar City
- Zaha Hadid Architects
- Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (Saudi Arabia)
- KEO International Consultants
- LWK + Partners
- Dabbagh Architects
These organizations are at the forefront of reshaping the architectural landscape of the Middle East and beyond, championing solutions that merge aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
An Esteemed Line-up of Industry Experts
The forum boasts an impressive roster of renowned experts who have been instrumental in driving the evolution of sustainable design. Some of the key speakers include:
- Fabian Hecker, Associate Director, Zaha Hadid Architects
- Jawaher AlAmir, Architectural Manager, DEWA
- Ala Hason, Principal & Director of the MENA Region, HKS
- Paolo Testolini, Principal & Global Sector Leader, Woods Bagot
These thought leaders will delve into pressing topics such as:
- Integrating sustainable materials in desert architecture
- Harnessing digital design technologies for climate adaptation
- Incorporating vernacular architecture into contemporary frameworks
With an emphasis on real-world applications, the forum will showcase case studies demonstrating how desert architecture can balance energy efficiency, resilience, and aesthetic appeal.
A Rare Opportunity for Industry Professionals
With an agenda designed to educate, inspire, and empower, the Desert Architecture Forum 2025 presents a unique opportunity for professionals in architecture, urban planning, engineering, and sustainable development to gain exclusive insights into the latest innovations in desert design.
Attendees will have the chance to:
✅ Engage with top industry leaders and decision-makers
✅ Explore state-of-the-art architectural strategies
✅ Network with key players in sustainability and urban development
✅ Discover cutting-edge materials and technologies shaping the future of arid region design
About the Event
The Desert Architecture Forum is a must-attend gathering for professionals seeking to address the urgent challenges of building in arid environments.
As extreme climates, water scarcity, and sustainability become critical concerns in the Middle East, this forum serves as a pivotal platform for project owners to explore:
- Eco-friendly, energy-efficient building practices
- Renewable energy integration, including solar solutions
- Cultural and heritage-based design principles
- Advanced water conservation techniques
- Climate resilience strategies
- Policy and vision alignment with sustainability goals like Vision 2030
Thought Leaders & Featured Speakers
The event will host an elite panel of experts from some of the most prestigious architectural and design firms, including:
- Hamza Moshrif, Architect, Taibah University
- Lutz Wilgen, Head of Design & Sustainable Development, Masdar City
- Steven Velegrinis, Design Director, Gensler
- Maher Sayed, Director of Operations & Architecture, KEO International Consultants
- Sumaya Dabbagh, Owner & Architect, Dabbagh Architects
- Vladimir Jovanovic, Director of Architecture, AECOM
- Ahmed Fahmy, Studio Director – MENA, LWK & Partners
- Abdullatif Albitawi, CEO, Emirates Green Building Council
Join the Conversation on the Future of Desert Architecture
As Dubai continues to position itself as a global leader in sustainable development, the Desert Architecture Forum 2025 will be a groundbreaking event that sets the stage for a future where innovation and tradition come together to create resilient and environmentally conscious urban landscapes.