About Our Event
The Design Forum 2025 brings together design professionals for a day of insight, innovation, and inspiration. The forum will explore key topics shaping the future of architecture and design, starting with The 20-Minute City, which focuses on creating connected communities where proximity and accessibility drive better living and working experiences. Another key discussion, Beyond Delivery, examines how suppliers can become true partners in project success, emphasizing collaboration and innovation throughout the design and build process. Attendees will also hear from Fit-Out at the Forefront, a session highlighting cutting-edge approaches that combine speed, sustainability, and innovation to deliver spaces that meet the demands of today’s fast-evolving environment.
In addition to panel discussions, the forum features In the Spotlight – What’s Current and Relevant!, offering a snapshot of emerging trends and solutions in the industry. Beyond knowledge sharing, the Design Forum serves as a vibrant networking hub where designers, architects, and industry stakeholders can exchange ideas, forge meaningful connections, and explore collaboration opportunities. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights, innovative strategies, and inspiration to drive their projects forward, shaping the future of design in the region.
Register Now

Topics
Panel 1
The 20-Minute City: Designing for Proximity and Connection
- How planners, architects, and developers can bring work, life, and leisure closer together.
- How zoning, density strategies, and transit-oriented planning can reshape cities into compact, connected communities.
- Creating mixed-use, flexible buildings that combine living, working, and leisure in one footprint.
- Business models by developers that make proximity-driven communities financially viable while boosting long-term asset value.
- Leveraging AI, digital twins, and smart mobility solutions (EV hubs, autonomous transit, micro-mobility) to enable seamless connectivity.
Panel 2
Beyond Delivery: Suppliers as Partners in Project Success
- How suppliers are contributing expertise from concept to completion.
- Sanitaryware, lighting, and flooring, furniture, etc, suppliers bring innovation, durability, and design alignment.
- Reliable supply chains ensure timely project success and minimize costly delays.
- Close coordination with designers and contractors avoids mismatches and redesigns.
- Suppliers bring added value by introducing cutting-edge materials and technologies that enhance performance and sustainability.
Panel 3
Fit-Out at the Forefront: Innovation, Sustainability, & Speed!
- The growing influence of fit-out in accelerating project timelines and enhancing quality.
- Use of BIM, AI, and automation in fit-out processes for smarter delivery.
- Sustainability at the core: circular materials, waste reduction, and green-certified fit-out practices.
- Collaboration between fit-out experts, architects, and developers to create cohesive, future-ready spaces.
Agenda
9.00 am - 10.00 am
Registration, Followed by coffee and networking
10.00 am - 10.45 am
Panel 1: The 20-Minute City: Designing for Proximity and Connection
10.45 am - 11.30 am
Panel 2: Beyond Delivery: Suppliers as Partners in Project Success
11.30 am - 11.45 am
Presentation: In the Spotlight – What’s Current and Relevant!
11.45 am - 12.30 pm
Panel 3: Fit-Out at the Forefront: Innovation, Sustainability, & Speed!
12:30 pm
Conclusion of Design Forum 2025, followed by lunch
Speakers 2024

Professor Louise Valentine
Professor of Design and Head of the Design School
Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Muhammad Habsah
Design Director | Head of the Concept Design Studio
U+A

Firas Alsahin
Co-Founder & Design Director
4SPACE

Khadije Hamad
Senior Associate
Aedas

Adil Amin
Head of Interior Design
Bluehaus

Kristina Bråteng
CEO & Founder
B8 Architecture & Design Studio

Stefan Schmied
UD Trucks Middle East
East and North Africa President

Morcos Hanna
Operations Manager
Al Shirawi Contracting
U+A

Hamish James
Contracts Manager
Khansaheb

Geetha Nayak
Managing Partner
Design Infinity

Charlie Speechley
VP Business Development
Motif Interiors

Prathish Dev
Head of Residential Projects
Aujan Interiors

Ernest Azzam
Large Format Printing Lead
HP Middle East & Africa

Sara Guinand
Digital Lead Buildings
AtkinsRéalis

Afsal Mohamed
Founder
Light & Lives

Sharon O Keeffe
CEO & Founder
The Design House

Bachar Gebran
Founder & Managing Director
WalkThru Contracting

Sergio Padula
Technical Director
iGuzzini Middle East
Past Events
Available Packages
Design Forum 2025 – Global will shine a spotlight on the visionary developers and impactful Design Forum 2025 businesses that are shaping the industry. This invitation-only gala ceremony brings together the best of the world for an evening of recognition and inspiration. Come onboard as we honor individual and industry achievements that redefine success.
Benefits | Keynote speech | Logo on trophy | Logo on stage | Logo on invites | Logo on menu | Logo on branding | Video on stage | Display area | Handing trophies | Logo on coverage | Video interview | Seating affords | Advertising in DME* |
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Platinum Ally | 4 | 3 full tables |
12 full print pages |
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Gold Ally | 3 | 2 full tables |
6 Full print pages |
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Silver Ally | 2 | 1 full table |
3 Full print pages |
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Category Ally | 1 | Half table |
1 Full print page |
Gallery 2024

November 28, 2025

Hilton Dubai, Al Habtoor City
Contact
For Speaking Opportunities
Roma Arora
For Sponsorship Opportunities

The Design Forum 2025 brings together design professionals for a day of insight, innovation, and inspiration.