Arc Middle East

1-on-1 with the Middle East's Leading Architects

February 6-9, 2026

About
1-on-1 Meetings and Networking with the Middle East's Leading Commercial Architects

Arc Middle East is the event for manufacturers who want an edge in winning high-value construction projects throughout the Middle East.

Since 2010, it’s been chosen by some of the biggest names in the industry as their most effective way to connect with architects throughout the Gulf and beyond.

The pipeline across the Middle East over the next few years is mind-blowing. Saudi Arabia’s construction market alone is valued at $1.7 Trillion, with another $700million of projects in the pipeline across the UAE.

And in the thick of it all, the big architecture and construction firms are coming to Arc Middle East to find the right building product manufacturers who can help them deliver their clients’ visions. And that’s where you come in…

Discover the highlights from Arc Middle East 2024 – read our review!

 

 

Reserve Your Spot – Last Year Sold Out!

Who Attends
The Middle East's Leading Commercial Architects. Guaranteed.

Months of research and prospecting goes into building the guest list for Arc Middle East. Our dedicated search team identify and recruit only the most qualified candidates, following a three stage process:

Step 1) Pinpoint the largest, most high-profile projects in the Middle East in design stages

Step 2) Identify the architectural firms involved and the Principals leading the design and specification

Step 3) Invite those Principals to submit an application outlining their credentials. Accept and enrol pending final QC.

Get the attendee list

Arc Middle East regular attendees include:

Ala Hason

Vice President

HKS

Khaled Al-Doghry

Principal Architect

Saudconsult

Matthew Utley

Principal

Grimshaw

Marc Cerone

Design Director

Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill

Dr. Mustafa Alper Alhan

Director / Principal

Tabanlioglu

Ralf Steinhauser

Director

RSP Architects

Fadi Jabri

Principal

Nikken Sekkei

Arun Puri

Head of Architectural Tech Services

Gulf Consult

How it works
This is NOT a trade show

You know exactly who’s going to be here and you will have a number of guaranteed, pre-scheduled 1-to-1 meetings with the ‘buyers’ of your choice. And this is just the start.

You are all together for 3 days and 3 nights at a luxury resort, so there’s time and space to meet everybody and it’s this abundance of natural networking that opens up a whole world of possibilities. Because there’s a real community feel here and everyone’s more relaxed and open and any number of conversations can light up the commercial project trail right in front of you – you’ll see!

 

 

If you are trying to expand your company’s sales opportunities in the Middle East and you want the most pre-qualified, established and renowned set of design professionals, I don’t know of a better forum that you could get involved in.

Dean Moilanen

Director of Architectural Services

Noble Company

Program

PLEASE NOTE: This is last year’s program. Check back soon for the 2026 schedule.
Seminar timings and/or content may be varied at our discretion.

 

6:30 pm

Welcome Reception Dinner & Registration

7:30 pm

Welcome Speech by Oliver Needs, Owner

6:30 am

Breakfast

7:00 am

Final Meeting Schedule Release

8:20 am

Seminar - The Double-Edged Algorithm: AI’s Impact on Architecture & Innovation

Chantal Matar | Founder, Experiential Design Director, Studio Chantal Matar Ltd.

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Synopsis

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming a transformative force in architecture and the creative industries, prompting both excitement and concern. This presentation explores the dynamic relationship between AI and human creativity, focusing on how AI is revolutionizing architectural design processes, workflow optimization, and idea generation, while also raising questions about the erosion of traditional practices, ethical implications, and the potential for homogenization of creativity.

Through case studies, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking analysis, we will delve into AI’s ability to generate designs, assist in sustainable development, and delve into creative tools for wider audiences. At the same time, we’ll address fears surrounding the loss of artistic integrity, dependence on machine-generated outputs, and the challenges of maintaining originality in an AI-driven world.

Attendees will gain a balanced perspective on whether AI is an ally that empowers architects and creatives to push boundaries—or a disruptive force that threatens to undermine the essence of human creativity. The session aims to equip participants with the insights to navigate AI integration responsibly and strategically in their professional practices.

Biography

Chantal Matar is a multidisciplinary Lebanese-British Architectural and Generative Designer that works at the intersection of mixed media and architecture.

Chantal has worked with various international architecture firms, such as Zaha Hadid Architects, Atelier Des Architectes Associés and Bernard Khoury Architects. Her Generative Design Agenda is highly influenced by art, nature and mixed-media. Chantal has taught Generative Art and Design at various institutes, such as UCL the Bartlett School Of Architecture and Middle East Architecture Lab. She has participated in international exhibitions such as Galerie Fractal in Paris and the Venice Biennale, the Italian Pavilion.

Blending her long experience in architectural design and knowledge of digital tools, Chantal aims her exploration at new emergent technologies, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to create novel and immersive spatial experiences. 

9:25 am

One-to-One Meetings

12:20 pm

Group Photograph

12:30 pm

Lunch

1:25 pm

Seminar - Introduction to the Global WELL Healthy Building Movement

Tekha Selim | Executive Vice President & Head of MENA Region, Delos / IWBI

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Synopsis

The “Introduction to the Global WELL Healthy Building Movement” seminar provides an in-depth understanding of how the WELL Building Standard is transforming the built environment to enhance human health, well-being, longevity, and productivity. Covering its global impact in over 140 countries, the seminar explores the intersection of human sustainability, ESG reporting, and the future of healthy buildings. Participants will gain insights into how WELL principles align with sustainability frameworks such as LEED and BREEAM, contributing to corporate ESG strategies. Through case studies of successful WELL implementations, the session will highlight measurable health and well-being outcomes. Finally, the seminar will discuss the evolving role of healthy buildings in shaping businesses, governments, and communities.

Biography

Tekha Selim is an international leader at the forefront of health, well-being, and the built environment. As Executive Vice President & Head of the MENA Region at Delos, he has been instrumental in driving the WELL Healthy Building movement across the region. Since introducing WELL to MENA in 2019, Tekha has led the enrollment of over 1 billion square feet of projects in various WELL programs, working alongside governments, multinational corporations, and leading developers. His collaborations include The UAE Prime Minister’s Office, Dubai Police, Majid Al Futtaim, Misk Foundation, ADNOC, Mubadala, Emaar, Nakheel, and many others.

A key advocate for knowledge sharing, Tekha has spearheaded over 75 governmental events and training sessions, fostering a regional dialogue on the impact of healthy buildings. On December 12, 2022, he successfully organized the Future of Health, Wellness & Innovation Forum at the iconic Museum of the Future in partnership with the Dubai Government, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and global organizations to shape the future of wellness and innovation.

2:30 pm

One-to-One Meetings

5:45 pm

Free Time

7:00 pm

Dinner & Drinks

6:30 am

Breakfast

8:20 am

Seminar - Digital Innovation in the MENA Region

Herbert Fuchs | Owner, BYD+ Consulting LLC

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Biography

Herbert is a versatile and highly accomplished CIO/CDO level executive, executive partner and business owner with a career track in enabling companies to be successful in their digitization and digital transformation ambitions while applying a holistic approach from vision, strategy, operating model, organization, processes to identifying the most relevant, innovative technologies as appropriate in the respective business.

 Herbert’s professional career over the past +25 years is with landmark name corporations across various industries and geographies where he had the opportunity of being instrumental in significant transformation and optimization initiatives with global footprint and scope.

Throughout his career, Herbert established himself as an innovator, achiever and thought leader across the “build”, “run”, “transform” and “secure” spectrum of IT and the business.

Herbert holds an MSc as well as an Executive MBA as well as conclusion of post-grad programs at well reputed US business schools.

9:25 am

One-to-One Meetings

12:15 pm

Lunch

1:10 pm

Seminar - The Future of Luxury: Experience in Place

Robin Torres-Gouzerh | Senior Futures Advisor, Soon Futures

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Synopsis

This presentation explores the transformative trends reshaping the luxury sector, with a particular focus on how design plays a pivotal role in the evolving landscapes of hospitality, travel, and experiential industries. As discerning travellers shift their expectations, the essence of luxury is being redefined—not by opulence and materiality, but by intentionality, emotional resonance, and curated moments that create lasting meaning. For architects, interior designers, and hotel visionaries, this evolution represents both a challenge and an opportunity to craft environments that capture the heart of this new luxury ethos. The design elements explored in this presentation will emphasize how spaces can evoke a sense of place, connection, and meaning, laying the foundation for experiences that resonate deeply with guests and users.

Biography

Robin is a cultural researcher, ethnographer, and insights analyst with a background in public policy, trend forecasting, and communication strategy. With a decade of experience in consumer research, future trends, and marketing analysis, Robin specializes in advising organizations with cultural intelligence and qualitative analysis. Robin has an academic background in political science, and was previously an assistant professor at the University of Texas in Austin. More recently, he has worked for the likes of the UK Government's Defra futures team, Protein, Pearson, and WGSN, and currently holds the position of Senior Futures Advisor at SOON Future Studies.

2:15 pm

One-to-One Meetings

5:30 pm

Free Time

6:40 pm

Meet for Transport to Dinner Location

7:00 pm

Farewell Dinner & Drinks

6:30 am

Breakfast

8:00 am

Delegate Departures

Arc Middle East was fruitful, excellent, concise, productive, yielding positive results and further collaboration. After thorough and fruitful meetings, many are newly integrated in specs.

Hisham Dalleh

Architect-Senior Specification Writer

Dar Al-Handasah, Shair and Partners

Venue

Your luxury venue will be announced soon.

Apply to Attend