The Gulf Chapter, together with our Gulf team, has arranged a series of activities taking place during Dubai Design Week (4 to 9 November, 2025). RIBA Members are invited to all the events, which include exhibition openings, panel talks, and workshops.
Location: Building 6 Atrium, d3 (Dubai Design District). Free and open to the public.
When: 10am to 10pm, from 4 to 9 November, 2025
Exhibition highlights
RIBA Middle East Awards Exhibition
Discover a curated display of shortlisted and winning projects from the inaugural RIBA Middle East Awards 2025, showcasing architectural excellence and innovation from across the region.
The winner of the inaugural RIBA Middle East Awards will be officially announced during Dubai Design Week on 5 November 2025. To mark this milestone, an award celebration will take place on 7 November 2025, 7PM at Atrium 6, Dubai Design District (d3). This event will bring together students, leading architects, industry professionals, and design enthusiasts to celebrate architectural excellence and innovation across the region.
RIBA Future Architects and student awards exhibition
Be inspired by the creativity of the next generation of architects. The exhibition highlights student projects from three RIBA-validated universities: Abu Dhabi University, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai Campus, as well as two partner universities: American University of Sharjah and American University in Dubai. The Gulf student awards ceremony will take place on 7 November 2025, 7PM at Atrium 6, Dubai Design District (d3)
RIBA Chartered Practices and Members Showcase
Explore work from our Chartered Practices and Members, with a special spotlight on architecture firms based in Dubai Design District (d3). Curated by our Gulf Chapter committee, this showcase celebrates the diverse practice of architecture across the region.
Panel talks at Downtown Design Dubai
We have curated two RIBA-led panel talks taking place in the Downtown Design Dubai FORUM space, fostering dialogue and connections within the regional community.
The panel talks incorporate RIBA's 2030 Climate Challenge, which supports architects in designing within a climate conscious trajectory. The challenge sets out a stepped approach towards achieving net zero, providing clear targets to reduce operational energy, embodied carbon, and water use, while driving innovation in sustainable and resilient design across the built environment.
Panel talk: Designing resilient cities: Sustainable infrastructure in the Gulf
(6 November, 2pm to 3pm), Downtown Design Dubai, d3
Topic: How architects are shaping infrastructure that balances design excellence, cultural identity, and sustainability in the region.
Speakers:
- Matthew Utley, Principal, Grimshaw
- Janus Rostock, Regional Managing Director, AECOM
- Sandra Woodall, Design Principal, TangramMENA
- Daria Jones, Principal Lead Landscape Architect, ATKINSREALIS
- Moderator: Andy Shaw, Managing Partner at AMA, RIBA Gulf Chapter chair
Panel talk: Shaping tomorrow: The next generation of architects in the Gulf
(9 November, 2pm to 3pm), Downtown Design Dubai, d3
Topic: How future generations of architects can respond to the region’s rapid urban growth, cultural heritage, and global design trends.
Speakers:
- Tommaso Calistri, Senior Principal Architect, Killa Design
- Ann Elizabeth Thomas, Associate Architect, LWK and Partners
- Savannah Williams, Project Architect, RSP
- Ryan Sailsman, Founder and Managing Director, SHOA
- Moderator: Maryam Al-Iryahim, Vice president for Students and Associates, RIBA Council
Note: These panel talks are free to attend, attendees will need to register for Downtown Design Dubai in advance to get visitor passes. Register for your free passes
Programmes at Dubai Design Week
This year we, along with our Gulf Chapter, will be curating a week-long programme of events during Dubai Design Week and we invite you to join us and participate in this year’s event in the theme of “Courtyard, Connections and Community,” as we celebrate the role of architecture and design in fostering meaningful human connections and resilient urban communities.
Workshops and activities
- Dubai Design Week 2025 UAE-UK-China Forum: Converging diverse forces to explore new frontiers in construction (6 November, 1pm to 3.30pm)
Location: Building 6 Atrium, Dubai Design District
Organisers: ArAsia Cooperation, RIBA
Supporting organisation: American Institute of Architects (AIA) Middle East Chapter
Watch this space for more info on workshops and activities brought to you by RIBA and the Gulf Chapter.
