For the 13th year, AIA Middle East hosts the prestigious Year-End Conference and Design Awards in Cairo, Egypt.
The annual event will take place in the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt, between the 11th and 14th of November, 2026.
This November, AIA Middle East, in collaboration with AIA International, invites you to a global gathering at a true crossroads of civilizations, each of which left its mark on the city. Few cities can boast a unique, rich history to rival Cairo.
Join eminent architects, designers, and thought leaders for inspiring talks, panel discussions, and curated tours. We will be exploring Cairo's many layers - its Pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic, and contemporary urban heritage - all set along the timeless Nile.
We are excited to announce the AIA International Conference 2026, in collaboration with AIA Middle East, will be hosted in Cairo, Egypt this year! This year’s AIA Middle East Year-End Conference will be part of the AIA International Conference 2026, creating a unique opportunity to connect with the global AIA community.
When: Wednesday 11 November - Saturday 14 November 2026 (Optional extension tours: 15 November onwards)
Where: The American University in Cairo Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt
Event Description
Join architects, designers, and thought leaders for inspiring talks, discussions, and curated tours exploring Cairo’s Pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic, and contemporary urban heritage - all set along the timeless Nile.
Speakers to be announced soon.
AIA Middle East Year-End conference, the architecture event of the year!
This year in collaboration with AIA International.
Program Summary
11 November
The conference will welcome everyone to Cairo on the evening of Wednesday 11 November with a Welcome Reception.
12 November
Day 1 will open with a morning of talks. The afternoon tour will take us to Ancient Cairo - first we will head to the Giza Plateau, to see the monumental Great Pyramids and Sphinx, followed by a visit to The Grand Egyptian Museum.
13 November
Day 2 will likewise start with a morning of talks and panel discussions. This time the tour will focus on Coptic Cairo. Looking at sacred architecture within the Fortress of Babylon, we will be visiting sights including the Hanging Church, Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus and the Church of the Holy Family Dwelling.
14 November
Saturday 14 November will be a full day of tours taking in the sights of Islamic Cairo. From the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, to the Gayer-Anderson Museum, the Citadel of Saladin to Al-Muizz Street, we will explore many aspects of historic Cairo architecture, from the religious and monumental to the domestic, and how historic buildings have been adapted for contemporary use.
The conference will close that evening with the Design Awards and the Gala Dinner.
15 - 20 November - Optional Extension Tours
Alexandria Tour, Sunday 15 November - a full day extension to Alexandria.
Upper Egypt Nile Cruise, Monday 16 - Friday 20 November - 5 day, 4 night extension tour, travelling from Aswan to Luxor.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation requests received on or before 12 October 2026 will receive a full refund, less Eventbrite processing fees.
Cancellation requests on or after 13 October 2026 will not receive a refund.
This event is organised by AIA Middle East and AIA International. We reserve the right based on reasonable assessment of the circumstances to exclude individuals who display unprofessional or disruptive behaviour. AIA Middle East, AIA International, its programmers and moderators can and will select those questions and comments they deem pertinent to the talk and program.
By registering for this event, you consent to the use of your name and image (in any format) for AIA Middle East and AIA International advertising, promotional, and public relations purposes (including newsletters, web pages, social media, brochures, and recordings). To waive your consent, you must inform AIA International in writing at administrativedirector@aiainternational.org no later than 5 days after the event.
View all the AIA ME Year-End Conference
A flagship annual event, the Year-End Conference offers a platform for learning, dialogue, and networking, bringing together leading voices shaping the future of the architecture practice.
Explore Past Award Winning Projects
The AIA Middle East Design Awards recognise exceptional projects that advance architectural practice and design thinking. Browse past winners whose work reflects innovation, leadership, and excellence across the region.