The Forum

Uncovering an iconic designer’s bold ideas and visionary approaches, from innovative materials to global influence, this keynote offers an insider view of the creative thinking of Tom Dixon.

Tom Dixon 

‍In conversation with Max Fraser, Dezeen

Globally celebrated, Marcel Wanders shares his imaginative design approach, blending artistry and storytelling, and sheds light on how creativity and vision shape experiences that are both playful and profoundly memorable.

Marcel Wanders 

‍In conversation with Khemena Ahmad, The Kurator

The opening panel of the week explores how contemporary designers navigate identity, innovation, and cultural context. From global influences to regional roots, visionary designers are united in a discussion to delve into creative processes that challenge conventions, push boundaries, and redefine what high-end, contemporary design can achieve today.

Speakers: Lee Broom (Lee Broom), Draga & Aurel (Draga&Aurel), and Rabah Saeid (Styled Habitat)

‍Moderator: Paolo Bleve, IFDM

From interiors to gastronomy, elegance emerges through intuition, context, and craft. This dialogue brings together distinct creative voices to explore how subtle gestures, material harmony, and cultural nuance shape experiences that are immersive, refined and redefines a sense of luxury that resonates across disciplines and geographies.

Speakers: Roula Salamoun (Roula Salamoun Studio), Vera Dieckmann (XO Atelier), David Hicks (David Hicks), and Karen Howes (Taylor Howes)
‍
Moderator: Ismail Tazi, TRAME

How are architects shaping sustainable infrastructure across the Gulf, integrating cultural identity and environmental stewardship? The discussion will spotlight innovative strategies for resilient urban development, tackling climate challenges and responding to community needs; demonstrating how architecture can drive a sustainable, future-ready, and culturally grounded built environment in the region.

‍Speakers: Matthew Utley (Grimshaw), Janus Rostock (AECOM), Sandra Woodall (Tangram Gulf) and Daria Jones (ATKINSREALIS)

Moderator: Andy Shaw, RIBA Gulf Chapter

As the definition of luxury evolves, so too do the clients shaping it; each with distinct lifestyles and values. From tech entrepreneurs to global collectors, today’s high-net-worth individuals challenge designers to balance heritage with innovation, understatement with spectacle, and individuality with timelessness - This discussion explores what bespoke design means in a changing world.

Speakers:  Aparna Kaushik (Aparna Kaushik Design Group), Karine Obegi (Obegi Home), Stephanie Coutas (SC Edition) and Mauricio Clavero Kozlowski (MCK Creative Studio)

‍Moderator: Rue Kothari, DESIGNEAST

The discussion looks at how to integrate nature-based solutions for sustainability (green infrastructure, energy efficiency) while preserving cultural identity. The panel will discuss the trade-offs involved and what design innovations are being used to address the issues.

Speakers: Dr Bhakti More (MAHE), Sameer Grover (Rove Hotels), Kenneth Tracey (AUS) and Sonny Sanjari (Surbana Jurong)

Moderator: Lisa Teo, AIA

Designing responsibly goes beyond materials or manufacturing - it is about longevity, value, and purpose. This discussion explores how creative practitioners are rethinking what it means to build and make for the future, balancing innovation with integrity and designing for lasting impact across disciplines.

‍Speakers: Abdalla Almulla (Mula), Azza Aboualam (UAE National Pavilion), Laura Kohler (Kohler), Suzanne Gaballa (Universal Design Studio) and Gitte Nyhus Holm (Kvadart)

‍Moderator: William Knight, Material Matters

As Dubai continues its rapid evolution, what will shape the city’s next chapter? Leaders in architecture, real estate, green building, and materials innovation share insights on aligning community aspirations with market realities, and on how design can help define a more connected, sustainable urban future.

Speakers: Lana Abu Qulbain (Emirates GBC), Ajo Thomas (Technal), Jason Carlow (AUS) and Cheryl Chan (Abu Dhabi Airports)

‍Moderator: Lisa Teo, AIA

From concept to craft, design comes alive through material and detail. This panel brings together designers and makers whose work is defined by texture, tactility, and process — exploring how intuition, experimentation, and a deep respect for materials shape the creative journey from idea to object.

Speakers: Natalie Mahakian & Achraf Mzily  (Bone Studio), Thomas Trad (Thomas Trad), Lina Ghalib (PlyPalm) and Fanny Grisinelli (The Invisible Collection)

‍Moderator: Miriam Llano, Amphora

Editions, whether in art or design, create space for creativity. Through practices that are constantly evolving and never confined to one form, editions allow concepts and ideas to take shape unexpectedly. They embody innovation born from paradoxes, existing between accessibility and scarcity, collectible and democratic, innovative and traditional. Through these tensions, this talk will specifically pose the question of: what does the act of editioning enable, how does it democratise the market, and in what ways does it celebrate cultural heritage in a contemporary world? 

Speakers: Arica Hilton (Hilton Contemporary), Sam Henley (Bureau of Innovation) and Ila Colombo (Artist), Suha Lallas (Wadi Finan Gallery)

‍Moderator: Suzy Sikorski, Bonhams