Program

Welcome desk and badge collection with light breakfast served in the foyer

Sponsored by WSP

8:45 - 9:00 AM
Opening Remarks
A brief welcome and introduction by the CTBUH to open the conference

• Louise Collins, Chair, CTBUH UAE Chapter

• Rodney Seely, Regional Director, CTBUH Middle East

• Shonn Mills, Chairman - Board of Trustees, CTBUH

• Moderator: Shonn Mills, Managing Director, Whitby Wood Mills

• Panelist: Can Buyukcelen, Executive Director of Design & Construction, MERED

• Panelist: Shaun Killa, Design Partner, Killa Design

• Panelist: Yannic Leveque, Vice President Middle East, Acciona Living & Culture

• Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman, Binghatti Holding

Refreshments served in the foyer with time to connect and explore sponsor showcases

Sponsored by Omnium International

Presentation 1
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Redefining Urban Life: A Deep Dive into Deyaar Development’s Transformative Projects

• Patrick Rouse, Chief Development Officer, Deyaar Development

The UAE’s residential market has undergone a remarkable transformation, redefining urban life in a desert environment through innovative, sustainable communities. This presentation will showcase Deyaar Development’s flagship projects, from the wave-inspired Marcasa Tower in Dubai Maritime City and the luxury-focused Regalia in Business Bay, to Rivage on Al Reem Island, Aya Beachfront Residences in Umm Al Quwain, and the newly launched DWTN Residences in Downtown Dubai. Together, these projects illustrate how architecture, cultural context, and environmental stewardship converge to create vibrant lifestyles. Attendees will gain insight into how Deyaar’s developments set new benchmarks for sustainability, luxury, and community in the UAE.

Presentation 2
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Designing for context across multiple scales

• Mustafa Chehabeddine, Principal, KPF

This presentation will consider how architects can design for integration with the urban context across multiple scales and locations. It will span the “urban acupuncture” approach guiding London’s Covent Garden, the creation of new centres such as Gemdale Center in Shenzhen, and the urban condition of the periphery as seen at Atlantis The Royal Dubai. It will also reflect on the design process for Zayed International Airport, a building on a truly urban scale, created to serve as a symbol for Abu Dhabi.

Presentation 3
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
From Neighbourhoods to Streets: Placemaking for Vibrant Urban Life

• Parvathi Nampoothiri, Partner - Middle East Urban Strategies Lead, Buro Happold

Placemaking helps shape urban environments by fostering vibrant, inclusive communities through human-scale design, community engagement, and the integration of buildings with public spaces. This presentation will explore how placemaking can transform neighbourhoods, streets, and open areas into places where people feel welcome and inspired to connect. Emphasizing collaboration across all scales—from city-wide plans to individual spaces—it will highlight strategies that support social interaction, accessibility, and a strong sense of belonging. Attendees will gain insight into how practitioners can work together to create environments that invite people to linger, participate, and thrive.

Panel Discussion 4
12:00 - 12:30 PM
Sustainability Trade-Offs: High-Rise Living vs. Urban Habitats

• Moderator: Louise Collins, Partner & Director, Focal Middle East

• Peter Brannan, Managing Director - Asia Pacific & MENA, Arquitectonica

• Nadia Ibrahim, Regional Sector Lead - Climate Resilience & Waste Systems, SJ Group

• Morné Pienaar, Design Director, Cities & Places, Jacobs

Cities worldwide face the dual challenge of density and sustainability. Tall buildings symbolize progress, yet their environmental footprint raises questions: are skyscrapers more sustainable than the horizontal spread of low- and mid-rise developments? This panel will explore the trade-offs between building up and building out, examining whether vertical communities can replicate the social fabric of traditional neighbourhoods. Discussion will cover emerging strategies such as modular construction, passive systems, and biophilic design, alongside issues of life-cycle carbon, energy efficiency, infrastructure, and cultural context. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives on how vertical and horizontal approaches can complement each other to create inclusive, resilient cities.

Panel Discussion 1
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Building Up Responsibly – The Chemistry of Economics, Design, and Sustainability

• Moderator: Nicky Dobreanu, Branch Director, Omnium International

• Kieran Duckworth, Main Board Director, Omnium International

• Marina Kindelan, Director of Facades, ME / APAC, AESG

• Dr. Yianni Spanos, Vice President – Sustainability, Expo City Dubai

• Maria Yandulova, Senior Design Manager, Dubai Holding

The pursuit of vertical expansion presents a complex balance between economic feasibility, design innovation, and sustainability imperatives. This panel will explore how these domains converge to shape high-rise development, examining drivers such as capital expenditure, life-cycle costing, and operational efficiency within the broader framework of resilience and sustainable growth. The discussion will highlight design approaches that integrate circular economy principles, material efficiency, and adaptive-use strategies to reduce environmental impacts. By framing these dimensions as part of a connected system, the session will identify pathways for responsible vertical growth that align financial viability with ecological accountability and social value.

Presentation 2
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Sustainability, Hospitality and High-Rise

• Shaun Killa, Design Partner, Killa Design

Session details to be announced. Check back soon for more information.

Presentation 3
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
From Fragmentation to Integration - A Strategic Study of End-to-End Real Estate Development

• James Chin, Associate Director, PNCA / Sobha Realty

• James Marvin, Chief Executive Officer, PNCA

The real estate sector has long struggled with inefficiencies created by fragmented delivery models. This session will examine how Sobha Realty has pioneered a vertically integrated approach that unifies the entire development lifecycle—from concept design to long-term community management—within a single organizational structure. Using Sobha Hartland II in Dubai as a case study, the session will show how backward and forward integration can enhance coordination, reduce costs and delays, and ensure consistent quality. Attendees will gain insight into how this model maintains design intent, advances sustainability goals, and offers a scalable framework for resilient, human-centered urban development.

Presentation 4
12:00 - 12:30 PM
Ctrl + Alt + Build: Rebooting the City

• Shonn Mills, Managing Director, Whitby Wood Mills

Session details to be announced. Check back soon for more information.

Presentation 1
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Shaping Icons - The Structural Design Story of Atlantis The Royal

• Andy Veall, Structural Design Director, WSP Middle East

Atlantis The Royal on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah stands as one of the most iconic architectural and engineering achievements in the region. This presentation will highlight the structural innovations that enabled its bold and distinctive form, focusing on key components and assemblies that define the project. The session will explore how advanced analysis, material optimization, and innovative construction methodologies came together to transform an ambitious architectural vision into reality—pushing the boundaries of conventional structural design and delivering a landmark that redefines engineering excellence.

Presentation 2
11:00 - 11:30 AM
The Story of Ciel

• Yahya Jan, President & Design Director, NORR Group

This presentation will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the design process for Ciel, the 373-meter tower in Dubai set to become the world’s tallest hotel. In a city defined by verticality, the project seeks to redefine vertical living by introducing naturally ventilated, landscaped terraces throughout its height. The session will emphasize the collaborative process as much as the product, highlighting the roles of architects, engineers, and interior designers in overcoming contextual, structural, environmental, and programmatic challenges. Attendees will gain insight into how simplicity of vision was achieved amid immense complexity.

Presentation 3
11:30 - 12:00 PM
A quarter century of wind engineering in the Middle East: lessons learned and where next?

• Dr. Roy Denoon, Wind Engineering Consultant, Denoon Consulting

The presentation will provide historical context on the development and adoption of design approaches, and how these have shaped building performance. Topics will include wind loading, stack effect, outdoor wind comfort, and lessons learned from field experience. Looking ahead, the session will outline future needs as cities densify, including the integration of new approaches to urban mobility and the potential role of AI technologies in urban planning and design.

Panel Discussion 4
12:00 - 12:30 PM
Addressing Risk of Fire in Building Envelopes

• Sreenivas Narayanan, Global Partnerships Director, Siderise Group

• Arvind Kumar, Commercial Director, Technal - Hydro

• Susan Lamont, Director - Fire Safety, Arup (TBC)

TBC

Buffet lunch served in the foyer with time to connect and explore sponsor showcases

Sponsored by Robert Bird Group | SJ Group

Presentation 1
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Urban fabric: Repair – Reveal - Reposition

• Chris Jones, Chairman, 10 Design

This presentation will examine the urban morphology of destinations through regional and international case studies that have successfully advanced liveability, sustainability, and connectivity. It will highlight a strategic and holistic approach to urban development that responds to context, climate, and culture, unlocking each site’s potential while creating a renewed sense of place. By reimagining spaces for the future, the session will show how thoughtful design can enhance quality of life, foster community, and promote economic growth in cities adapting to rapid change.

Presentation 2
2:00 - 2:30 PM
Title to be Announced

• Malak Abu-Qaoud, Director - Arts & Events, Brookfield Properties

• Ill Sam Park, Partner Architect, Foster + Partners

Additional session details to be announced. Check back soon.

Presentation 3
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Urban Wellness – Thriving in Vertical Communities

• Laura Dianu, Head of Design, Select Group

• Priya Mrinal, Principal, Woods Bagot

This presentation will explore the vision and journey behind the creation of Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina, a project that redefines urban living through an emphasis on wellness. It will highlight the spirit of collaboration that brought together diverse expertise to embed wellness principles throughout the design process. The session will cover how wellness was integrated into architecture and community planning, the challenges encountered, and the innovative solutions that helped overcome them. Attendees will gain insight into how vertical communities can evolve into thriving, holistic environments that support both individual well-being and collective resilience.

Presentation 4
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Title to be announced

• Juho Löytönen, Expert in High-Rise Vertical Transportation, KONE

Additional session details to be announced. Check back soon.

2:00 - 2:30 PM
Presentation: Title to be Announced

• Speaker Name, Title, Company

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2:00 - 2:30 PM
Presentation: Role of Protective Design and Security in the Middle East: From Master Planning to Construction

• Kevin Mueller, Vice President, Thornton Tomasetti

The Middle East’s history, shaped by ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, continues to influence the region’s complex security environment. Today, threats to the built environment range from vehicle-borne explosives and hostile vehicles to active shooters and drones. Architects and engineers must collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders to design safe, resilient buildings and infrastructure. This presentation will address how protective design can be implemented throughout the design process, including determining design-basis threats and establishing acceptable levels of post-event building performance. Attendees will gain insight into balancing evolving security needs with architectural and urban ambitions.

Panel Discussion 2
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Delivering a Residential Tower with Low Carbon Steel

• Hala Yousef, Director, Sustainability Engineering, JLL Project & Development Services

• Mansour Ghosheh, Senior Manager - Business Development Reinforcing Products | Sales, Emirates Steel Industries

• Nihal Karagöz, Director - ESG, Dubai Holding Real Estate

• Mohamed Shahtout, Head of Product and Market Development, Emirates Steel

Additional session details to be announced. Check back soon.

Presentation 3
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Exploring the Nuances of Wind Load Calculations on Tall Buildings

• Dr. K. Suresh Kumar, Principal & Vice President - Global Consulting, RWDI Group

Wind load is one of the primary lateral forces acting on tall buildings, significantly influencing structural design. This presentation will explore the complexities involved in assessing wind-induced responses, including parameters such as return period, wind speed, aerodynamic coefficients, structural dynamics, and damping ratio. A particular focus will be the ambiguity in selecting key factors such as return period, damping ratio, minimum load limits, and diaphragm configurations in complex structures. The session will discuss how pragmatic engineering judgment, guided by established practice and emerging research, can balance structural integrity with sustainability by avoiding unnecessary conservatism and reducing material use.

Presentation 4
3:00 - 3:30 PM
SpeedCore: Game Changer!

• Ron Klemencic, Chairman & CEO, Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA)

The Rainier Square development in Seattle introduced the Concrete-Filled Composite Plate Shear Wall (CF-CPSW) system—known as SpeedCore—a breakthrough structural system for tall buildings. Designed to shorten the 32-month schedule by eight months, the tower was completed in just 22 months, 10 months ahead of schedule. A second SpeedCore project, 200 Park Avenue in San Jose, realized cost savings of USD 10 million and a three-month schedule reduction. With new projects now underway in Boston and New York, this presentation will share how SpeedCore was developed, key lessons learned, supporting research, and the prospects for its global application.

Panel Discussion 1
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Concept to Craft: Converging Theory and Professional Practice

• Moderator: Kourosh Salehi, LWK & Partners, Global Design Principal

• Panelist: Jason Carlow, Head of Department of Architecture, American University of Sharjah

• Panelist: Roberto Fabbri, Associate Professor and Chair of Design, Zayed University

• Panelist: Massimo Imparato, Dean - School of Architecture and Interior Design, Canadian University Dubai

The enduring tension between academic inquiry and professional practice in architecture often creates a perceived divide between critical thought and the pragmatic realities of building. This panel will explore that divide, examining how architectural theory and professional practice can converge to create a more integrated and impactful approach to design and delivery.

Presentation 2
2:00 - 2:30 PM
AI-Powered Knowledge in the AEC industry: Connecting Teams, Projects and Expertise

• Alexander Drachenberg, Design Lead, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

In today’s fast-paced architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, knowledge is often fragmented and dispersed across teams, offices, and individual expertise. This presentation explores how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to capture, analyse, and share critical project and practice knowledge, enabling a seamless flow of information across international teams and complex projects.

Panel Discussion 3
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Generative Futures: AI in Architecture and Design

• Yahya Kaddoura, Associate Principle, Atkinsrealis

• Marija Krsmanovic, Senior Architect, LWK & Partners

• Mithun Varghese, Director, LWK & Partners

This presentation will explore how generative artificial intelligence is reshaping the way architectural design is conceived, translated, and delivered, with a focus on tall buildings. It will examine practical applications across the design process—from early-stage concept generation to design optimisation—showing how machine learning can enhance creativity, accelerate workflows, and advance sustainability and efficiency goals. The session will also address the balance between human intuition and algorithmic intelligence, offering insights into the evolving role of architects in an AI-augmented future.

Presentation 4
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Beauty = Value: Transforming the Value of Material Through the Power of Design

• Benjamin Piper, Architectural Design Director, INTEGRITY

The beauty of natural forms is the product of evolution, where form follows survival and efficiency. This presentation will explore how architecture can mirror this principle, transforming material into value through design. Using Como Residences as a case study, it will demonstrate how a site-specific, logical response generated a fluid form that harmonises with its context. The outcome was not only aesthetic beauty but also extraordinary market value, culminating in Dubai’s highest penthouse sale at AED 500 million. The session will reframe beauty as an economic driver, showing how responsive design can unlock unprecedented value.

Afternoon refreshments with time to connect and explore sponsor showcases

Sponsored by Siderise

Andreas Klok Pedersen
Partner & Design Director
BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group

This presentation will outline a global plan for achieving a carbon-neutral planet while addressing the fundamental challenges of energy, transport, industry, biodiversity, resources, pollution, water, and food security. The session will consider what it would actually take to stop the net emission of greenhouse gases and the practical implications of this ultimate goal. By framing the steps required for a 100% sustainable human presence on Earth—capable of supporting up to 10 billion people—the project aims to highlight the scale, urgency, and opportunities of building a truly sustainable future.

Ollie Wildman
Head of Design, High Rise & Complex Buildings
Ramboll

In an era where sustainability must move beyond aspiration into action, this presentation will explore how the Middle East—particularly Dubai—can lead by example in delivering meaningful progress in the built environment. The session will challenge conventional approaches to sustainable design, urging stakeholders to embrace responsibility not only in concept but on-site, where execution often falls short. Drawing on global lessons and local realities, it will highlight the need for performance-based frameworks such as NABERS, emphasize the value of education and skills development in transforming delivery practices, and call for a culture of performance, equity, and resilience over checklist-driven sustainability.

A reflection on the day’s discussions and a look ahead at what’s to come for the CTBUH

• Louise Collins, Co-Chair, CTBUH Dubai Chapter

• Rodney Seely, Regional Director, CTBUH Middle East

• Jen Hall, Global Development Director, CTBUH