Dar Al-Hekma to organize first architectural conference

Dar Al-Hekma University is proud to announce its first Architectural Conference under the title “The Future of Architectural Education in the Middle East: Enriching the Discipline through Interdisciplinary Dialogue”, which will be held on March 10thand 11th

Promising a wide-ranging discussion among academics and practitioners on the most up-to-date practices in architectural education, the conference will see keynote talks by Dr. Howayda Al-Harithy, Professor of Architecture at the American University of Beirut, Prof. Shams Eldien Naga, founder and head of NAGA Architects, Designers and Planners, U.A.E and Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, Dean of the College of Design, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, KSA

Joining us also as speakers and to shed light on the local perspective are Dr Adnan Adas, Professor at the College of Environmental Design at King Abdulaziz University, Arch Anas Serafi, President of the Executive Committee, Saudi Umran Society in Jeddah, Mr Nawaf Nassar, Founder of Tasmeem Fair and 3njeddah and Arch. Bayan Hallak, graduate from

 Dar Al-Hekma,founder and member of Ihyaa initiative

The speakers will initiate what promises to be a lively and stimulating discussion about a topic of pressing importance for architecture educators and professionals alike in the Middle East. The conference will act as a platform allowing researchers and practitioners to exchange and share their experiences, in-depth knowledge of architecture and cutting-edge development in the field.  

Commenting on the importance of the conference, Dr. Suhair Al-Qurashi, President of Dar Al Hekma University, said, “The conference comes at the right time during which the Kingdom has been seeing massive developments on all levels, especially architecturally. Architecture can play an important role in shaping cultural, social, and economic landscapes. The conference reflects Dar Al-Hekma’s commitment in preparing young graduates for future educational and professional opportunities and making them play a wider role in contributing to the achievement of Vision 2030 objectives.” 

Dar Al-Hekma University is a premier institution of higher education for women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a model of teaching and learning. The courses at the Architecture Department are designed to deliver cutting-edge technical knowledge and hands-on learning experience. The curriculum was developed in consultation with the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) and is taught by highly qualified and devoted faculty who instill knowledge and promote life-long learning among students. The department focuses also on the development of critical thinking and communication skills, preparing students to assume productive and diverse roles in society.