The American Institute of Architects, founded in 1857, now has over 100,000 members globally, making it one of the largest professional societies of architects in the world, with considerable influence in the global design community.
AIA Middle East (AIA ME), a Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, was established in 2010 to serve the professional interests of the growing number of AIA member architects practicing in the Middle East and North African region (MENA). When it was formed it was the fifth international chapter of the AIA, and it has grown to become the largest international chapter, with over 460 members.
The domain of this Chapter includes the following (16) countries in the MENA region: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen.
The administrative headquarters of the chapter are in the UAE capital city, Abu Dhabi, with regional representatives in the member countries.
Sponsor continuing education lectures and talks throughout the region to help architects maintain their licensure.
Set the industry standard in contract documents with more than 100 forms and contracts used in the design and construction industry.
Conduct market research and provides analysis of the economic factors that affect the business of architecture.
Serve as an advocate of the architecture profession.
Promote design excellence and outstanding professional achievement through an awards program.
Host the annual AIA Middle East Year End Conference in a different member country each year. The conference is open to all industry professionals.
What We Do
Signature Events
AIA ME mission statement
AIA ME was established to extend the services of the AIA to its members practicing in the MENA region, and uphold a high standard of design, education, and professional practice among its members. Equally as important, AIA ME will help foster stronger ties between AIA, regional architects, and governments in the MENA region. It will provide a conduit for communication and support from AIA, American associates, and fellow overseas members, as well as offer a means for local recognition of credentials and professional experience.
The Chapter will organize US-trained architects and other interested design professionals who are active in the Middle East, and who have professional ties to the United States. The Chapter seeks to foster an understanding of the differences in professional practices between the US and the Middle East; promote US training and design approaches; facilitate international recognition of US professional architectural credentials; and foster communications between AIA and its members who work and reside in the Middle East.
Our Policies
As part of our compliance with AIA National requirements for individual Chapters, we adopt Policies on various aspects of good governance and professional practice.
AIA International Chapters
As the largest AIA international chapter, AIA Middle East is part of an expanding global community. With chapters established worldwide, we work closely with AIA International and collaborate with fellow chapters on shared programs and events. Learn more about our sister chapters here:
Connect with
400+ members
The AIA Middle East is your platform for new connections, resources, and support.
Expand your network, explore your interests, and engage with the profession through AIA ME Conference, events, member groups, volunteer opportunities, and more.