The opening day of the Desert Architecture MENA Forum 2026 held in Dubai brought together leading international experts, architects, urban planners, government representatives, developers and sustainability specialists from across the region to explore how desert cities can evolve while maintaining cultural identity, preserving heritage and advancing environmental responsibility.
Held under the theme ‘Integrating Heritage with Innovation: The Future of Desert Living’, the forum highlighted practical solutions for designing resilient and adaptive communities in some of the world’s most challenging climatic environments.
Discussions throughout the day focused on the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, regenerative urban development, climate-responsive architecture, high-performance façades, sustainable hospitality design, and the role of natural landscapes in enhancing biodiversity and improving urban liveability.
Climate challenges
“Desert architecture is entering a new era where sustainability, cultural identity and human wellbeing must be considered together. The future of desert living is not simply about adapting to climate challenges, but about designing places where people and nature can thrive together,” stated Ala Hason, Principal & Director of the MENA Region, HKS.
“By integrating heritage into contemporary planning, we can ensure that future generations remain connected to the stories, knowledge and values that shaped our region,” commented Abdullatif Al Jasmi, Director of Cultural Heritage Protection, Qatar Museums.
“The challenge is not simply to conserve the past, but to ensure that heritage continues to evolve as a living part of our cities, contributing to community identity, economic vitality and long-term sustainability,” added Arthi Balasubramanian, Senior Architect, Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The forum featured high-level panel discussions, expert presentations and industry innovation sessions dedicated to shaping the future of desert architecture across the Middle East and beyond.
