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)
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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

In an age of globalised aesthetics and infinite digital reference, this discussion explores how context, materiality, and craft can transform design into something emotionally, culturally, and environmentally resonant. How can grounding creativity in local soil cultivate originality, integrity, and lasting relevance? How are local narratives and artisanal collaboration redefining the future of luxury? 

Speakers:  Marco Maximus (Keane), Bidisha Sinha (Zaha Hadid Architects), Svetlana Samardzic (Meyer Davis), Angelica Romanazzi (PNC Architects-Sobha Realty), and Michael Seum (Kohler)

Moderator: Max Fraser, Dezeen

This panel explores how design should nurture wellbeing and vitality in everyday life, as a necessity. Through subtle gestures, thoughtful spaces and sensory touch points, bespoke spaces are crafted to support harmony, comfort, and elegance, creating environments that foster balance, a discerning sense of luxury living.

‍Speakers: Simone Camposeranio (Technogym), Laila Al-Yousuf (SAY Studio), Tom Rutt (TR Studio), Monica Armani (Monica Armani), and Pallavi Dean (Roar Design)

‍Moderator: Zen Bahar, Commercial Interior Design

Translating a century-old legacy of artistry into an environment that speaks to contemporary design sensibilities is an art and an act of storytelling. Buccellati and design duo david/nicolas discuss the creative journey behind their collaboration, where Italian heritage meets regional sensibility through texture, tones, and light, exploring the dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Speakers:  David Raffoul (david/nicolas) and Nicolas Moussallem (david/nicolas), Maria Cristina Buccellati (Buccellati) and Nicolas Luchsinger (Buccellati)

Moderator: Myrna Ayad

Institutions, initiatives and cultural platforms across the region are working to strengthen creative networks to strengthen creative industries and support emerging talent and . This conversation explores how collaboration and cultural exchange are shaping an interconnected ecosystem that nurtures innovation, sustainability, and creative growth across diverse design disciplines.

Speakers: Salim Ahmed (Tashkeel), Shahad Alwazani (Ithra), Noor Suhail (1971 - Design Space), and Yasmeen Sami (d3)

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 the region’s design market evolves at unprecedented speed, so do its values, aesthetics, and expectations. Structured around multifaceted profiles, this discussion explores how Italian design excellence continues to resonate across the Middle East, blending craftsmanship, innovation, and adaptability to meet the demands of an ever-evolving creative landscape.

Speakers: Stefania Digregorio (Etereo), PJ Natuzzi (Natuzzi Italia), Simone Micheli (Simone Micheli Architectural Hero), Valerio Soldani (ITA Trade Commissioner)

‍Moderator: Giulia Guzzini, IFDM

What makes a space truly livable? The design spaces that we occupy shape how we move, think, and feel, even physically - often in ways we barely notice. This conversation unpacks the impact of design, revealing how light, texture, proportion, and atmosphere can transform interiors from beautiful backdrops into spaces that quietly enhance our wellbeing and connection in daily life.

Speakers: Nico Yiannikkou (1508 London), Dunia Khaleel (Aldar Properties), Luca Mazza (HMA Living) and Kristina Bråteng (B8 Architecture and Design Studio)

Moderator: Aneesha Rai, Identity

Design in the region is both connected and constantly in flux. This conversation looks at how shared influences, individual expression, and cultural context intersect - and where they diverge. Through lived experience and creative exchange, the panel questions what truly defines a regional design language today.

Speakers: Asmaa Said and Mentalla Said (Doodle & The Gang), Nada Debs (Studio Nada Debs), Omar al Gurg (MODU Method) and Yousaf Shabaz (STRATA)

‍Moderator: Bader AlSaad

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

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

This RIBA-led panel will highlight how emerging architects can navigate the Gulf's rapid urban growth and development while honouring cultural heritage and embracing global design trends. It will emphasise the role of young architects in shaping innovative, sustainable, and culturally relevant architecture, ensuring that the region's built environment evolves with creativity, responsibility, and a forward-thinking perspective.

Speakers: Savannah Williams (RSP), Ryan Sailsman (SHOA), Tommaso Calistri (Killa Design) and Ann Thomas  (LWK + Partners)

‍Moderator: Maryam Al-Iryahim, AECOM