We opened our office in the Gulf in December 2019. This was the first RIBA office outside of the UK, across our four international regions. With a growing membership of over 400 members, we have hosted a number of events and seminars, including RIBA and Geberit seminar series and RIBA Gulf live lunch talks
A presence in the Gulf for the past 15 years, the RIBA Gulf chapter is managed by our members. The chapter provides a range of activities for members and non-members, including events, discussion forums and networking opportunities.
In 2021, we signed an agreement with the American University in Dubai and the American University of Sharjah in 2022, to host joint programmes for the architectural community in the United Arab Emirates. This is in order to align with, and expand our growing international network, allowing RIBA to continue to support architectural students in the UAE. In 2019, we agreed a five year memorandum of understanding with the Dubai Land Department. This agreement involves collaboration on areas including professional standards and support as well as opportunities for architects working in Dubai.
In 2024, RIBA agrees a new partnership with The Society of Engineers in the UAE. This MoU will provide the vehicle for both institutes to share knowledge, expertise, memberships and offer training and development opportunities for architects and engineers, as well as establish UAE and Gulf-contextualised CPD to appeal to regional architects.
Across the region, Abu Dhabi University, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai are the only RIBA validated schools with Part 1 architecture degree programmes in the Gulf.
