The American Institute of Architects, Middle East Chapter, hosted its 11th Year-End Conference and Design Awards, that took place in the vibrant city of Doha, Qatar, between the 22nd and 23rd of November, 2024. This prestigious event gathered thought leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts to explore the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in the design field with a focus on Qatar's remarkable development.

Day 01: Friday Nov 22

Speakers and members and distinguished guests came together on Friday November 22, at AIA Middle East Year End Conference in Doha Qatar at Park Hyatt Doha to share the engage in architectural discussions on How the Urban Fabric of the Qatar sets a bold and daring example of Unity and Diversity.

The opening address was delivered by Stefanie Altman-Winans, Deputy Chief of Mission from U.S. Embassy in Doha. Followed by Li Chung Pei, a founding partner of PEI Architects who then gave the keynote address before the rest of the speakers took the stage.

The first day of the conference hosted amazing architects, professionals and leaders from the Middle East and abroad and brought them together under one roof, such as Hu Qian from ISOZAKI+HuQian Partners, Curtis Clay Director of Architecture at the U.S. Department of State, James Richärd, FAIA partner and architect at Richärd Kennedy Architects. and Tomasz Wozny partner and architect at Foster + Partners,

The day also included group panel discussions by Dr. Hameda Al Janahi (Qatar University), Nur Alah Abdelzayed Valdeolmillos (Qatar Foundation), Fatima Mohamed Fawzy M A Hassan (Msheireb Properties), Stephanie Kinnick (AIA ME), Carla Abou Arraj (KEO). The first day also included a presentation by our sponsor Technal., a worldwide provider of facade solutions and glazing systems.

By the end of the first day, everyone enjoyed a tour to Al Thumama Stadium, The Al Thumama Stadium is one of eight stadiums, which have been built, renovated, or reconstructed for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. It is located near Hamad International Airport. A joint venture between Al Jaber Engineering of Qatar and Tekfen Construction of Turkey is significantly involved in the construction work. The architectural design, by the Chief Architect of Arab Engineering Bureau Ibrahim Jaidah, takes its inspiration from the traditional taqiyah hat, a traditional cap which is worn by men and boys across the Middle East.

Day 02: Saturday Nov 23

Second day of the conference was on Sunday November 23rd, The day started with a great presentation by Jim Heverin Director at Zaha Hadid Architects. Followed by panel discussion “Craftsmanship in the Digital Age: What's Changed, What Hasn't" discussed by Salman Al-Sulaiti (Qatar Armed Forces), Leo Li (Pei Architects), Ryan Waltke (AIA ME, Gensler), Hassan Al-Sulaiti (Hamad International Airport) and Abdul Rahman Hamad Al-Mana (Ministry of Municipality- Urban Planning Department).

During day 2, Jotun, AIA sponsors and speaker, presented the latest cutting-edge technologies and sustainability solutions in the Middle East.

Tarek Farid principal at Perkins and Eastman followed the Jotun speak, as well as Chief Architect of Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah Chief Architect of AEB/Ibrahim Jaidah Architects & Engineers.

The tour of the day was the most exceptional, everyone enjoyed a tour to one of the most unique and architectural iconic buildings in Qatar, National Museum of Qatar - NMOQ.

The day ended with Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony was in Sanad Member Club at Msheireb Downtown Doha.

Stefanie Altman-Winans: Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy in Doha at aia middle east 2024 year end conference

Stefanie Altman-Winans: Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy in Doha and a career member of the Senior Foreign Service.

Distinguished Guest Speaker

As a distinguished guest speaker, Stefanie highlighted Qatar’s transformation that tells a remarkable story of vision and mission in the architectural world.

“This weekend offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into Qatar’s and the Middle East transformation. It underscores a growing relationship between Americans and Qatari institutions and people”

Stefanie also mentioned that the future of architecture is growing, a future that is collaborative innovative with deep cultural understanding.

The diversity of perspectives is remarkable, as people in this conference come together from 16 different countries with different traditions and different schools of thoughts, yet here united by this two-day conference by a common purpose “Create space that inspire, Protect and Serve our community”.

At the end of her speech, she thanked The AIA Middle East organizers and Event Sponsors for bringing together the extraordinary assembly of creative minds from across the region and around the world to explore and celebrate this remarkable journey.