Presentation- Cities of Sand and Systems-Sketching Governance, Livability, and Urban Vitality for Desert Futures
Reimagining governance models to deliver agile, climate-adaptive desert cities at scale
Designing for livability in extreme climates through human-centric planning, cooling strategies, and inclusive public realms
Orchestrating integrated urban systems to drive resilience, economic vitality, and long-term sustainability
Speaker:
Adel B. Alzahrani, Group Executive Director for Community Development Charters, ROSHN Group – A PIF Company
10:30 – 10:50
Keynote Presentation
Speaker:
Olga Bolshanina, Partner, Architect, Herzog & de Meuron
10:40-10:55
Keynote Presentation
Speaker:
Ignacio Gomez, Global Design Principal, Aedas
10:55-11:35
Exhibition Tour and Networking Coffee Break
11:35 – 12:20
Panel Discussion: Reimagining Existing Assets Unlocking Value through Adaptive Reuse and Regeneration
Extending asset life through structural retrofitting, material upgrades, and performance optimization techniques that improve safety, efficiency, and long-term usability
Transforming underutilized and historic buildings into high-value, functional spaces while preserving identity, character, and architectural integrity
Positioning adaptive reuse as a strategic solution that drives economic return, and supports sustainable urban development
Moderator:
Noha Alahmadi, Independent Advisor
Panelists :
Eman Zidan, Director, Red Sea Museum, Ministry of Culture
Abdullatif Al Jasmi, Director of Cultural Heritage Protection, Qatar Museum
Lee Hallman, Chief Development officer, Alula Development Compnay
Markus Pfisterer, Partner, GMP
Fouad Hassanein, Urban Heritage Director, The Royal Commission for AlUla
Eng. Mohamed Fawzy, General Manager, Rowad Morden Engineering
12:20 – 12:50
Industry Innovation Session
*Session comprises of three 10-mins presentations by leading technology and solution providers globally
(Reserved for RIBA)
Speaker:
Jordan D’Gama, Director of Stretegic Market Development MEA, RIBA
Maya Cochrane, RIBA Gulf Chapter Chair - Architect & Health-Centred Design & Ethical AI, Maya Material
Presentation: Cosentino: From Surface to Façade Solution
Speaker:
Majdi Odat, Facade Manager, Cosentino Middle East & India
Presentation: From Map to Mandate-Turning the Saudi Architectural Character Map into enforceable contractual outcomes
Speaker:
Othman Al Akrab, Senior Projects Manager, ECEC
12:50 – 13:10
Presentation: Architecture That Listens to the Desert and Shapes the Future of Gulf Cities
Designing with desert ecology, climate and natural landscapes
Using passive design and local materials to improve performance
Creating resilient Gulf cities rooted in culture and place
Speaker:
Farid Esmaeil, Founding Partner and Principal Architect, X Architects
13:10-13:55
Panel Discussion: Future Facades Balancing Aesthetics, Performance, and Climate Resilience
Enhancing façade performance through energy modelling and passive cooling strategies to achieve both efficiency and cultural relevance in desert environments
Addressing heat, glare, and dust through dynamic shading systems, and sensor-driven façade technologies that adapt to changing conditions
Driving long-term façade performance through lifecycle analysis and data-driven monitoring to ensure durability, efficiency, and cost optimization
Moderator:
Marta Barragan, Marketing Partner, Cosentino Middle East & India
Panelists :
Massimo Mirtolini Mondoni, Director, Site Lead, Snohetta
Marina Kindelan, Façade Director ME / APAC, AESG
Abdullah Alqahtani, Projects Delivery Director, Confidential
Ghina Yamak, Associate Facades, Zutari
13:55-14:55
Lunch and Networking Coffee Break
Landscaping in Desert Architecture Focused Session-Agenda Day 1 | October 2026
14:55:15:40
Panel Discussion: From Harsh Landscapes to Global Innovation Hubs The Rise of the Desert City
Transforming harsh desert conditions through climate-adaptive planning and passive design strategies to create comfortable and livable urban environments
Bridging the gap between rapid urban expansion and the natural desert landscape by integrating local identity and context-driven planning to deliver cities that are both authentic and future-ready
Addressing resource scarcity, particularly water and energy, by implementing circular systems and efficient infrastructure to position desert cities as global leaders in innovative development
Moderator:
Dr. Randa A. Mahmoud, Dean, College of Architecture & Design, Prince Sultan University
Panelist :
Mira al Bitar, Design Landscape Manager, Omrania
Ala Hason, MENA Regional Director, WATG
Stefan du Toit, Design Director Landscape, DLR Group Middle East
Fabian Hecker, Associate Director, ZHA Architects
15:40-16:00
Presentation: Bridging the Gap: From Design Vision to Built Reality in the Middle East
Translating ambitious design concepts into practical, buildable solutions
Balancing design intent with local climate, materials and construction realities
Strengthening collaboration between designers, consultants and contractors from concept to delivery
Speaker:
Giuseppe Fanciullo, Director of Landscape Architecture, Red Sea Global
16:00-16:05
Closing Remarks by Conference Chairman
Dr. Randa A. Mahmoud, Dean, College of Architecture & Design, Prince Sultan University
16:05
Networking and Close Day 1 of 2nd Desert Architecture KSA Forum
09:00 – 09:30
Registration and Networking
09:30 – 09:35
Opening Remarks by Conference Chairman
Dr. Randa A. Mahmoud, Dean, College of Architecture & Design, Prince Sultan University
09:35 – 10:20
Panel Discussion: Beyond the Horizon Architecture Leading the Evolution of Desert Cities
Reimagining how cities in extreme environments can evolve through climate intelligence and forward-looking urban strategies to create resilient and future-ready ecosystems
Positioning desert cities as global benchmarks by balancing innovation, livability, and cultural relevance at a city-wide scale
Driving the transformation of desert regions into innovation hubs through integrated planning, policy alignment, and long-term urban vision
Moderator:
Nicolas Turchi, Assistant Professor of Architecture , American University in Dubai
Panlists:
Taha Alandejani, Senior Director, Madinah Region Development Authority
Dr. Fahad Saud Allahaim, Chairman of technical Committee for Saudi Residential Buildings Code, Saudi Building Code Centre (SBCC)
Davide Padoa, CEO, Design International
Yara Aljebreen, Chief Representative KSA,GMP
Samer Charara, Principal and Studio Executive Chair, Woods Bagot
10:20 – 10:40
Presentation: Regenerative Tourism Through Immersing Architecture
Designing immersive tourism destinations that regenerate ecosystems, culture, and local identity
Integrating architecture with landscapes, heritage, and community-driven experiences to create meaningful visitor engagement
Leveraging sustainable materials, low-impact infrastructure, and regenerative design strategies to enhance long-term tourism resilience
Speaker:
Yahya Alghamdi, Design Management – Manager, Red Sea Global
10:40-10:55
Presentation: Designed to Belong, Built to Last
Designing buildings that respond to local context, culture, and community needs while maintaining a contemporary architectural identity
Integrating durability, resilience, and sustainable construction practices to create assets that perform over the long term
Bridging the gap between architectural vision and construction delivery, ensuring design quality is maintained from concept through to completion
Speaker:
Ali Jalal AlAali, Marketing and Business Development Lead, Evolve Concrete, Bahrain
10:55-11:10
Presentation-UMBAU Nonstop Transformation Rethinking Existing Architecture for a Sustainable Future
Extending the life of existing buildings through adaptive reuse while responding to changing social and functional needs
Reusing structures, materials and components to reduce waste, conserve resources and retain the embodied energy of existing buildings
Exploring how ageing buildings can be sensitively transformed for contemporary use while preserving their architectural identity and cultural value
Speaker:
Markus Pfisterer, Partner, GMP
11:10-11:50
Exhibition Tour and Networking Coffee Break
11:50-12:35
Panel Discussion: The New Public Realm Designing Walkable and Climate Responsive Cities
Transforming streets and plazas into shaded environments that encourage walking and social activity
Integrating landscape systems and cooling corridors into urban development strategies
Creating public spaces that support wellbeing, community interaction, and urban vitality
Moderator:
Dr. Randa A. Mahmoud, Dean, College of Architecture & Design, Prince Sultan University
Panelist:
Abdulmohsen Almulhem, Director of Regional Initiatives, Sharqia Development Authority
Jon Clokie, Head of the Landscape Department, Omrania
Sima Mounla, Associate, RMJM
Naif Almohaya , Master Plan Director, King Salman Park Foundation
