Planning & Contracts support Section Head - Abu Dhabi City Municipality
Ahmed is the section head of planning and contract support in the municipality of Abu Dhabi with 15 years of experience working in different senior positions in the Department of Municipalities & Transport. His focus is to search for the best plans to implement on projects strategy, moreover looking forward to find new creative methodologies that help our environment.
Akram Al Mahood
Principal Planner - Dewan Architects
With over than 25 years’ experience in architecture and urbanism gained from delivering projects and leading teams in Canada and the Middle East, Akram brings together projects with great attention to human factors, and a sense of place and is extensively focused on sustaining and improving the quality of life.
Akram is passionate about cities and communities and the way they develop and grow within the diverse and evolved economic and social dynamics. Regardless of the scale of his projects, he pays most of his attention to human interaction within the urban space, the expression, and the meaning of this interaction and finally the implementation of these spatial patterns into a place in a real environment.
Akram's belief in having a proper study of the place and the land affects his works and visions. He uses the current technologies in collecting and analyzing information and data which are essential to reveal the potentials of the land and the place and help planners and designers to make an informed decisions in creating, developing, and maintaining communities.
In his current role as a principal planner in Dewan Architects, he acts as a primary point of reference for all matters related to regional planning, master planning and urban design including visioning and planning design processes.
Alanood Saeed Hafeedh Al Mazrouei
Director, Department Of Strategic Planning And Organizational Excellence - Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA)
Alanood Al Mazrouei has more that 19 years of public sector experience, and 8 years is the Abu Dhabi’s Housing Sector. She conceptualized and lead the first National Housing Demand and Supply study for Abu Dhabi setting the foundation for the government capital projects planning as a cornerstone for the process thereafter, which helped ensure integrated planning amongst the different players in the housing ecosystem for the delivery for government housing communities. Alanood also contributed to transforming the award-winning customer journey by leading the digital transformation in customer-centric manner, and facilitating providing neighborhoods with the required services and amenities.
Alexandra Anuchina
Key Account Manager - Punto Design
Alexandra has a degree in economics, a bachelor's degree in management, has been with the company for several years and is a major projects expert, specialising in complex infrastructure projects (municipal projects).
Alina Valcarce
Co-Founder & Design Director - Studio3eight
Alina is a highly talented architect and urban planner with a passion for new architectural forms and buildings that bring something unique and exciting to cities. She brings a wealth of international experience to her work, having lived and worked in the UK, Spain, China, India, Vietnam, and the Middle East. As a founding member of Studio3eight, Alina has been instrumental in building the firm's reputation as a leading international design practice. Her outstanding portfolio of work, which showcases her expertise in landscape design and sustainability, has earned her several design awards and competitions. She is a dedicated team leader and mentor and was recognized as one of Asia's top designers under 40 in 2018.
Amy Lehoczky
Acting Head - Environmental and Sustainability - Abu Dhabi Ports Group
Amy Lehoczky is the Head of the Environmental and Sustainability Department, within the Engineering and Technical Services unit at AD Ports Group, managing a wide portfolio related to environmental affairs, sustainability, decarbonisation, and biodiversity.
Amy joined AD Ports Group in December 2012 and has 18 years of experience in environmental affairs and sustainability. Prior to joining the organisation, Amy worked as an Associate Planner at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities & Transport, where she established and executed the Pearl Rating System for Estidama, the key sustainability policy for the emirate.
She spent her early career as an environmental scientist and consultant in Australia before she moved to the UAE to manage the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for large scale projects through the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
She holds a Master of Environmental Management and Development as well as a Dual Bachelor’s degree in International Finance and Environmental Science from the Australian National University.
Angelica Rocha
Senior Design Manager - Landscape - Al Futtaim Group Real Estate
Angelica has 20 years of International experience in Europe, Asia and Middle East. Lived in Portugal, Singapore, Malaysia and, for 7 years, in UAE. Award Winning for Landscape, Masterplanning and Urban Design Projects. Worked in multiple and diverse projects in scale and complexity. Her portfolio includes
extensive Public Realm and Masterplanning projects such as River of Life, Red Sea Project MP and Expo
2020. With extensive experience in teams interaction and in managing all stakeholders, including, public entities, design, marketing and sales teams among others. Currently working with Al Futtaim Group Real Estate in all Landscape MENA projects.
Bassel Omara
Lead Design Architect/BIM Manager - Dorche Gruppe ME
Bassel Omara is a multi-award-winning Egyptian architect, designer, and artist with a humanitarian vision who won numerous accolades and honours both regionally and globally. With over 15 years of experience and a successful record in both the public and private sectors spanning from Egypt to UAE, KSA, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Libya, France, Mali, Iceland and Germany.
Ben Hudson
Chief Executive Officer - Q Properties
As the CEO of Q Properties, Mr. Hudson brings with him more than 26 years of experience as an industry leader in master development, property development and asset management in the United States, Southeast Asia and Gulf Region. During this period, he has successfully delivered to market billions of dollars in new real estate, creating great places to live, work and play around the world. Before joining Q Properties, Mr. Hudson served as founding member and Chief Strategy Officer of ROSHN Real Estate, Saudi Arabia’s newest property development giant, as Chief Operating Officer at Kinan International Real Estate Development, among Saudi Arabia’s larger private developers and with a number of major developers and homebuilders in the United Arab Emirates, Southeast Asia and United States. Mr. Hudson holds degrees in Architecture and City Planning from Yale University and MIT as well as his MBA from the University of Warwick in the UK.
Brian Leung
Associate Director - ICON
Brian Leung is an Associate Director at ICON and Chartered Landscape Architect (CMLI). He has over 15 years of experience in the UK and UAE across a broad range of sectors, and degrees in Landscape Architecture and Landscape Urbanism. He specializes in resort and community planning, hospitality and public realm design, with projects completed in the UK, Middle East, Asia and Africa. Brian believes in a sustainability led design approach, understanding the site to identify and preserve its spirit of place, to craft spaces and experiences which elevate the quality of life.
Chris Smeaton
Associate Principal - Insite (KEO)
As the Digital lead of InSite International, Chris is responsible for transforming the way we design and advise, to help clients become future-ready and working with professionals across the business to enhance the way they design and implement integrated solutions across core digital competencies, including visualization, data analytics, digital modeling, computational design, information management, and solution development.
Chris is a recognized expert in digital technologies and data in the context of cities and urban development. He leads companies Smart City capability across the GCC and Aisa and has extensive experience delivering smart city planning, city infrastructure, and city digital platforms.
David Carlson
Director - Cracknell
David brings more than three decades of international experience to his work in the fields of urban design, landscape architecture and site planning. He has completed projects throughout the world including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
In addition to his design sensibilities, he provides clients with significant commercial and procurement expertise, with a strong corporate governance focus. He leads teams to successfully design and implement complex, mega-projects as well as smaller scale public realm improvements, park designs, and open space revitalizations, transforming spaces across a broad range of scales. David’s LEED accreditation reinforces his keen focus on sustainable design and smart growth.
David Gatward
Chief Engineering and Technical Services Office - Abu Dhabi Ports Group
David Gatward is Chief of the newly formed Engineering and Technical Services Office at AD Ports Group, managing a wide corporate port folio of departments, including Master Planning, Utility and Facility Maintenance departments.
David joi ned AD Ports Group in Feb 2019 bri nging with him over 30 years of international experience in the construction industry including port and rail infrastructure and regional logistic hubs.
Prior to this, David owned his own consultancy business focusing on organisational planning, operational business management and providing asset management advice across di verse proj ects and sectors including Healthcare, TV Film and Broadcasting, Data Centres, Museums and Cultural projects.
Before operating his own consultancy Davi d held seni or positions in development and project management companies within the UAE.
David graduated from Croydon College, London gaining a Continued Education Diploma (CED), an HNC & ONC in Building Services, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering. He also holds several Career Development Training qualifications.
Duygu Baslican
Senior Landscape Architect - SALFO & Associates
Ms. BASLICAN is a professional Senior Landscape Architect with over 16 years of experience in landscaping fields, she worked in contracting and consulting companies, coordinate all the disciplines of the design for soft and hard landscape of the project, prepare and coordinate of the IFC submissions for the masterplans, hard landscape, soft landscape (as per the sustainability requirements), levels and grading with the surface water design, exterior lighting, urban street furniture of the Precinct to the client as well covering and updating the design due to DRCT comments. Ms. Duygu is currently responsible for preparation of the public open spaces including Neighborhood, Linear, Family and Palace Parks with Eco Corniche, Barahaat and Sikkas concept design, detail design and construction plans including hard landscape, soft landscape, exterior lighting, irrigation and surface and stormwater projects, 2d rendering and 3d visual and animations.
Farah Naz
Innovation & ESG Lead, MEA - AECOM Middle East
Farah is an award-winning climate change strategist and co-author of the Middle East regions’ first book on net zero cities. She has 20 years’ experience in the built environment gained in the US, UK, Southeast Asia and most recently the UAE.
Since arriving in Dubai in 2015, Farah has been steering sustainability and innovation agenda in the built environment across the Middle East. Her name is synonymous with implementable sustainability and energy strategies, and she has supported several iconic projects, including the Museum of the Future, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Bee’ah HQ in Sharjah and the Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion, to achieve their sustainability goals.
While based in the UK, Farah was heavily involved in creating the energy strategy for the country’s first zero-energy building, Ashmount Primary School, which won the 2015 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Sustainable Buildings Award.
As an innovator, Farah focuses on implementing best practices in the built environment by applying systems related to the Food-Energy-Water Nexus, biomimetics, the Five Capital model of Sustainability, Liveability, and Inclusive Innovation Frameworks, which will build the foundation of the cities and communities of the future.
Farah is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and Chair of CIBSE’s UAE Chapter, LEED and WELL Accredited Professional and Verified Research Expert for the Dubai Future Foundation. Farah is an active advocate of STEM education for future generations.
Born in Sao Paulo in 1974 and raised in Lisbon, where he moved in 1977, João Branco studied Architecture and Town Planning at Lisbon Technical University’s Faculty of Architecture (UTL), Portugal, and Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura del Vallés, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain, as an Erasmus student. He graduated in 2000.
Working as a town planner and urban designer, he discovered the water features theme as a powerful urban design tool to enhance public spaces. So, from an early stage, he started working on integrating the water element into architecture, landscape design and public art projects.
During the last 20 years, he has conceived, developed and supported hundreds of multi-scale water feature projects worldwide, primarily for retail, hospitality, public plazas, roundabouts and theme parks. Also, having worked in international companies, such as GHESA and now OASE, has been crucial to building a solid worldwide experience, allowing him to speak at several professional events, attend multiple international exhibitions and constantly support global partners in the conception of innovative & memorable fountain experiences.
Jesper Elsgaard is the Chief Business Officer (CBO) of Photocat A/S with the overall responsibility for International Markets outside of the Nordics. Jesper is engaged in multiple sustainability discussions with both Governmental and private partners on how to best implement solutions for sustainable ways to reduce toxic NOx pollution in metropolitan areas around the world.
Jesper Elsgaard has extensive experience in strategic optimization, brand/product launching, Life Cycle Management strategies, Governmental Affairs and strategic forecasting. Previously to Photocat, he was Partner in the Strategy and Public Affairs consulting house Szpirt & Company. Prior, Jesper has been the Global Head of Governmental Affairs at Bavarian Nordic for 7 years, Head of the North Europe Consulting team (Benelux, UK, France, Africa and Nordics) at IMS Consulting Group, Managing Director of the digital consulting house Anthill, Global Marketing Director at Novo Nordisk, where he was responsible for launching Levemir in 40+ countries across the world, and Management Consultant at McKinsey & Company.
Karim Naja
Senior Landscape Architect - Diamond Developers
Landscape Architect passionate about creating sustainable, inspired outdoor spaces. Over fourteen years of experience developing high profile and complex projects such as residential communities, resorts, airports, and educational facilities across multiple regions including the Gulf, the Middle East and Africa.
Currently leading the landscape team at Diamond Developers, crafting sustainable, community-driven spaces that bring people closer to nature.
Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul
Professor & Chair - United Arab Emirates University
Dr. Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul is a sustainability professional, Architecture and Building Science Professor, and currently Head of the Architectural Engineering Department, at the United Arab Emirates University. She draws from 30 years of international academic and professional experience in USA, North Africa and the Middle East. She is engaged in education and practice-based research focusing on advancing the design and execution of a sustainable, socio-culturally sensitive built environment in hot climatic zones. High Performance buildings, building integration technology and human factors in the built environment are her major areas of expertise and research interest. In 2019, Prof. Tabet Aoul was appointed as Director of ZEMCH Network (www.ZEMCH.org) UAE regional center, and serving as the Chair of ZEMCH 2021 International Conference in UAE. She has a strong record of accomplishment in providing the necessary expertise in Sustainable Design and Green Building Practices, in both professional and educational environments. Outcomes include extensive publications, Editorial roles, successful supervision of Masters and PhDs and leading major interdisciplinary consulting and research projects in UAE and internationally. Kheira holds a PhD in Building Science from Sheffield University (UK). She is a LEED Accredited Professional and Green Advantage Certified (USA).
Lorenzo Zoli
Managing Director - M+ N Architecture
Lorenzo Zoli is an Italian architect and a PhD holder with over 20 years of experience. He was appointed Managing Director of M+N Architecture in 2010 and since then he has been based in Abu Dhabi from where he has led the development of the company in the GCC market. For more than a decade he has been exposed to all sides of the design business, overlooking the growth of the company, which delivered over 250+ projects in the field of education, residential developments, mixed use, governmental buildings and interior design.
Madhav Dhar
Co-founder and COO - ZāZEN Properties
As Chief Operating Officer, Madhav Dhar has built ZāZEN Properties from the ground up and created healthier living environments by developing high-quality, sustainable real estate projects in Dubai. The company’s first project, ZāZEN One, sold out in a few months; Madhav is now spearheading Dubai’s the first LEED Gold and Well-Being Integrated project, ZāZEN Gardens.
Calling the UAE home, and passionate about adding value to its real estate landscape, Madhav prioritizes sustainable-first initiatives and ensures all ZāZEN developments align with key government initiatives like the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan and UAE Net Zero 2050, while positioning the company as a homegrown brand that helps people live better.
Maria Flouda
Founder and Managing Consultant - Sustainability Switch Consultancy
Maria is a passionate Sustainability and Women’s Equality advocate. Solopreneur and Founder of “Sustainability Switch Consultancy“ which helps organizations drive their Sustainability Agenda in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Board Member and Sustainability Chair for the Non Profit Organization “ Lean In Equity and Sustainability” with a mission to empower women in the energy transition.
Maria holds Sustainability Credentials from Cambridge University (CISL) and a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
Maria has 22 years of experience in Corporate Strategy and Project operations for significant large-scale Projects and Government Initiatives. Expert knowledge in the development, implementation and performance monitoring of companywide process workflow framework inclusive of Environmental, Social and Governance objectives.
Maria is a Key Note Speaker in the topics of Sustainability ,ESG and Diversity ,Equity and Inclusion and is invited regularly to participate in international conferences as well as host executive high level workshops on relative Climate Change Subjects.
Mohamed Ali Abu Shariah
Sustainability Consultant - Mustadam Limited
Mohamed comes from Engineering background with holistic experience in sustainable design development & sustainable construction management. With a collective experience of more than 13 years, Mohamed has been taking integral role in delivering green buildings, providing design solutions towards sustainable green urbanism & Masterplans, integrating long term life cycle carbon assessment with life cycle costing, and collectively putting on all these KPIs in the context of climate change and sustainability.
Mohamed had the privilege to provide services to well-known mega developers in the MENA region supporting their corporates/ projects objectives towards the triple bottom line [people, planet, profit].
Mohamed has successfully won several regional & international awards last year pertinent to sustainable public realms and human centric urban designs.
Mohamed holds Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the American University of Sharjah, and is consistently developing his academic capacity being LEED AP, PQP, WELL AP, PMP, RMP, CEM, CMVP, LFA, & Urban GHG specialist to deliver the best value to his clients.
Nabyl Chenaf
Professor and Dean of Architecture, Art and Design - American University in Dubai
Dr. M. Nabyl Chenaf is a professor of Architecture and Dean of the School of Architecture, Art, and Design at the American University in Dubai. Prior to that, he worked as the Editor of the Arabic/English edition of l’ARCA magazine of Architecture, Design, and Visual Communication.
He is regularly involved in research supervision and juries for Architecture and Urban Design international competitions.
Dr. Chenaf designed several buildings and urban settlements including new neighborhoods, rehabilitation of squatters, and restoration.
Finally, Dr. Chenaf delivers training workshops in town management and planning to senior decision-makers and operators in the field in several countries.
Paolo Caratelli
Associate Professor of Architecture - Abu Dhabi University
Paolo Caratelli is a Licensed Architect in Italy (OAPPC, Florence Chapter), and currently Associate Professor of Architecture at Abu Dhabi University since 2011. He holds a M.Arch. magna cum laude, and a Ph.D. in Architectural and Urban Design from the University of Florence, Italy.
He collaborated on several projects as design manager, architect, and planner for private developers and public institutions as well.
Paolo is an active researcher on architectural and urban sustainability, and investigator about social and cultural changes in architectural design. He published in several international peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, serving also as guest editor and reviewer.
Saif Mohamed Al Ali
Acting Section Head - Planning Guidelines - Urban Policies Division - Department of Municipalities and Transport
Urban and Regional Planner who has graduated from Arizona State University, also on the founding members of Emirates Planning Association. Have been working on various urban policies, manuals, and guidelines that contributes to achieving the urban vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Shameel Muhammed
Associate Professor - Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Shameel Muhammed is an architect and an educator with a research focus on Computation Architecture, Digital Fabrication and Robotic Construction. He holds an M.Arch degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the Design Research Laboratory (DRL) of the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London -U.K. His collaborative master thesis at the DRL - ‘W.A.V.E’, addresses the regeneration of the disappearing coastline along the Thames estuary using algorithmic symbiotic systems.
Following his postgraduate studies, he has worked with world-renowned architecture practice - Zaha Hadid Architects, London. He has worked on several winning architectural projects, including the Morpheus Hotel in Macau – China. Shameel’s practice ‘Studio 7’ is a progressive studio with a key focus on residential and retail design. In the recent past, he has collaborated on several projects with a Dubai-based design collective – ‘Caravan’, where his expertise on
digital platforms and fabrication methodologies actively contributed to design outcomes.
Shameel has extensive experience in academia. His contributions have been pivotal in the development and success of the undergraduate architecture programme at Herriot Watt University – Dubai. He has been associated with various design workshops at regional and international. His works have been exhibited at various forums in the Middle East and the U.K.
Currently, Shameel is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, leading the secondyear
B. A (Hons) architecture programme. Shameel is a member of the Council of Architects -
India and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy – U.K.
Stephen Goldie
City Planning Advisor, Al Ain Region - Department of Municipalities and Transport
Stephen Goldie is the City Planning Advisor at Al Ain Municipality.
He has over forty years’ experience in urban planning and design, mostly at executive level.
His urban planning and design experience ranges from regional and metropolitan strategy to complex inner-city design, from high-level policy and legislation to seemingly intractable local disputes, and from detailed urban design to complex management issues, including:
An urban expansion for a third of a million people,
A high density transit oriented development; and
100 km of metro rail in three different projects.
Earlier this year Stephen received a 2023 UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure Research & Innovation Award for groundbreaking work on Artificial Intelligence Supporting Urban Planning.
Tamara Bajic
Associate Director - Net Zero Advisory - AESG
Tamara is an Associate Director – Net Zero Advisory at AESG. She holds a Masters’ degree in Environmental Engineering with specialization in the fields of Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions and Decarbonisation. Her sustainability journey in the UAE started with a 6-year engagement with Dubai Government, as part of the DSM PMO office, implementing the Energy Efficiency (DSM) Strategy in Dubai across 11 programmes and more than 10 key government sector stakeholders and private sector market players.
She has led and supported with the design and execution of key activities: DSM PMO office establishment (institutional mechanisms & procedures, organisational objectives, priorities, budget requirements), implementation of operational plans and roadmaps, DSM savings monitoring and evaluation (via data collection, modelling, top management presentations), Capacity and Awareness Programmes.
As part of the AESG Strategy & Advisory team, she has expanded her expertise to accompany government and private sector to plan and implement their Net Zero/Decarbonisation, ESG and Sustainability Journey as it evolves over time. She supports clients to understand their key Net Zero drivers, reporting requirements, following with the design of a tailored Net Zero strategies, roadmaps, action plans, timelines, budget requirements and supporting tools to successfully implement their decarbonisation initiatives and achieve Net Zero goals.
Vikita Shahani
Architect - Love That Design
Vikita Shahani is an architect with a passion for sustainable, human-centric design. Her career spanning over a decade has given her the opportunity to work with both public and private sector entities across projects to include master plan communities, mixed-use and urban scale developments.
A project very close to her heart is the Expo 2020 Dubai where she worked from its inception to delivery on various facets to include strategy, public realm and visitor experience planning, site operations, smart mobility, design and project management for special initiatives of varying scale and typologies.
Currently, she works with Love That Design (LTD), a Dubai-based digital intelligence and global platform for the design and construction community. She was brought on board to oversee strategic growth, industry partnerships and development both regionally and internationally.
In addition, she speaks at universities to aspiring architects and mentoring young women pursuing a career in architecture and design.
Will Bennett
Founder & Chief Nature Nerd - WILDEN
Will's mission is to bring contemporary, sustainable landscape design to one million homes across the globe.
He is advocating the benefits of a life lived closer to nature; empowering people to engage with climate, ecology, and biodiversity for healthier and happier lives.
WILDEN, his next-generation landscape studio based in Dubai, uses innovative systems and online design to deliver visually stunning gardens. WILDEN connects clients with local expert landscape architects and contractors, specialising in native plants and local materials.
A UK Chartered Landscape Architect practicing in the United Arab Emirates since 2014, his portfolio is varied, bold, award-winning. It includes prestigious multi-disciplinary projects in previous roles including the Sustainability Pavilion for the Dubai Expo and has won several awards including Young Talent of the Year at the Design Middle East Awards.
Will is the Founder and Chief Nature Nerd at WILDEN!
Zouheir Chami
Construction Director - Lead Developers
Zouheir is a seasoned construction professional with 34 years of experience and a diverse portfolio, including residential towers, hotels, and malls. With a reputation for efficiency and reliability, he holds a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, an MBA, and is pursuing a DBA. Zouheir is certified as a PMP, PgMP, and PfMP, showcasing his expertise in managing projects across sectors. Known for effective communication and stakeholder collaboration, he is a valuable asset dedicated to delivering high-quality projects while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and quality.