Month: February 2026

Shaping the Future of Climate-Responsive Living

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The Future of Desert Living to Take Centre Stage at the 2nd Desert Architecture MENA Forum

Dubai, UAE: Positioning desert architecture at the forefront of climate responsive design, the 2nd Desert Architecture MENA Forum returns on 30–31 March 2026 at the Habtoor Grand Resort, following the success of its inaugural edition last year. Under the theme “Integrating Heritage with Innovation: The Future of Desert Living”, the Forum will bring together global architects, policymakers, developers, sustainability leaders, and technology innovators.

As the region’s only platform dedicated to desert architecture, the Forum addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing the Middle East and arid regions worldwide: how to design cities, buildings, and communities that are resilient, climate-smart, and culturally rooted in desert environments.

The 2026 edition will expand its scope with deeper technical discussions, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies focused on climate-resilient urbanism, low-carbon materials, passive cooling systems, regenerative landscapes, and self-sufficient infrastructure. More than an event, the Forum serves as a marketplace of ideas and partnerships, providing direct access to project owners, regulators, architects, consultants, contractors, and technology providers shaping the next generation of desert cities.

Mark Powell Kyffin, Director of Architecture, Project Management and Engineering, with the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi highlighted the importance of such platforms in shaping future cities, stating: “Desert architecture is not a constraint. It is an opportunity. Rooted in heritage, culture, and innovation, the region is uniquely positioned to lead the world in climate-responsive design. Forums such as this are essential in fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration that translate vision into meaningful, lasting impact.”

Commenting on the Forum’s return, Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner at Great Minds Events, said: “The Desert Architecture MENA Forum was created to move beyond theory and deliver practical, scalable solutions for building in desert climates. The second edition reflects the urgency of the moment, where climate realities demand collaboration, innovation, and a renewed respect for traditional desert wisdom combined with cutting-edge design and technology.”

The Forum aligns closely with the UAE’s broader sustainability, urban development, and cultural preservation agendas. It also reinforces the region’s growing role as a global leader in climate-responsive architecture.

Across two days, the Forum will host 35+ international speakers from leading global and regional firms including Foster + Partners, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, Snohetta, Killa Design, Arup, AECOM, SOM, HKS, and DLR Group, alongside senior representatives from government authorities, municipalities, and academic institutions.

Key objectives of the Forum include strengthening cross-sector collaboration, showcasing smart materials and emerging technologies, blending traditional desert knowledge with contemporary design solutions, and positioning the MENA region as a global hub for climate-responsive architecture.

The event will welcome 300+ delegates from across the region and beyond, including government authorities, project owners, developers, architectural firms, consultancies, EPCs, and senior decision-makers spanning architecture, design, sustainability, engineering, R&D, and construction.

As part of the Forum, the Desert Architecture Recognition Awards 2026 will take place on 31 March, celebrating visionaries redefining excellence in arid-climate design. The Awards will recognise achievements across sustainable materials, façade innovation, regenerative landscapes, digital design, architectural lighting, and emerging talent, concluding with an exclusive reception dinner and networking evening.

With over 20 sessions, and case studies, and participation from over 15 countries, the 2nd Desert Architecture MENA Forum promises to be a defining platform for advancing sustainable, culturally grounded, and future-ready design across desert regions.

For more information, visit https://desertarchitectureforum.com/

Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (UAE) Hosts Social Gathering in Al Rahba

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Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (UAE) marked a significant milestone with its first social club meet, held in the heart of Al Rahba. Designed as an intimate gathering for owners and admirers of the marque, the evening blended classic automotive heritage with authentic Emirati hospitality, setting the tone for what promises to be a distinguished community of enthusiasts in the region.

Founded by Russell Simon Gale and Ali Abdulla Fadhel Almemari, the UAE chapter of the globally respected Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club was established to create a dedicated platform for owners and collectors to connect, share knowledge and celebrate the craftsmanship and legacy of Rolls-Royce motor cars. The event reflected that vision, as members arrived in a stunning display of Rolls-Royce models spanning generations, each vehicle a testament to timeless design and engineering excellence.

The highlight of the evening was an engaging fireside chat featuring the founders, who shared their passion for the brand and their aspirations for building a community rooted in camaraderie and cultural connection. Conversations flowed effortlessly among guests, from restoration stories and rare specifications to the unique experiences of ownership in the UAE.

Beyond the automobiles, the event embraced a distinctly local character. Guests enjoyed traditional Emirati cuisine and immersive touches that celebrated the nation’s heritage, including elegant horse and carriage rides that added a nostalgic charm to the setting. The fusion of British automotive heritage with Emirati tradition underscored the Club’s commitment to creating experiences that are both globally refined and locally meaningful.

Co-Founder Ali Abdulla Fadhel Almemari added, “The UAE has a vibrant community of collectors and enthusiasts who deeply appreciate heritage and excellence. Through the Club, we want to bring people together not only around the cars, but around shared values of tradition, refinement and friendship. Hosting our gathering in Shahama with an authentic Emirati touch was a meaningful way to begin this journey.”

“Rolls-Royce has always represented more than just a motor car; it represents craftsmanship, legacy and shared passion,” said Russell Simon Gale, Co-Founder of Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (UAE). “Our goal is to create a welcoming platform in the UAE where owners and admirers can connect, exchange knowledge and celebrate these extraordinary vehicles in a setting that reflects the culture and hospitality of this country.”

The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (UAE) aims to curate regular social meets, heritage drives, technical workshops and lifestyle experiences that honour the spirit of the marque while fostering a close-knit community across the Emirates. As the evening concluded under the open skies of Shahama, it was clear that the Club’s debut social gathering had laid the foundation for a new chapter in the UAE’s luxury automotive landscape, one that is defined by elegance, heritage and genuine connection.

Polo, Couture & Championship Glory: Emaar Polo Cup 2026 Closes in Spectacular Style

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Bin Drai Triumphs 7–6.5 over Jehangiri in a final that celebrated Polo and Prestige

The grand finale of the Emaar Polo Cup 2026 unfolded as a dazzling fusion of elite sport and elevated lifestyle at the iconic Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, where championship intensity met curated luxury in every detail.

On the field, Bin Drai narrowly defeated Jehangiri in a thrilling 7–6.5 victory, delivering a gripping display of precision, pace and horsemanship. The match showcased the very best of medium-goal polo, keeping a packed audience of VIPs, families and polo aficionados on edge until the final chukker. Yet finals day extended far beyond the scoreboard.

Guests arrived to an impressive showcase of modern luxury vehicles alongside impeccably restored vintage classics, transforming the club grounds into an open-air automotive gallery. Inside the hospitality lounges, freshly shucked oysters, premium caviar selections and exotic drinks set a refined culinary tone, while live musical performances created a vibrant social rhythm throughout the afternoon.

An elegant exhibition of luxury watches attracted collectors and connoisseurs, while contemporary fashion activations, including beautifully crafted abayas blended heritage with modern design. The event, powered by The Luxury Network, radiated exclusivity and effortless glamour, reinforcing its position as one of the most anticipated fixtures on the UAE’s social calendar.

“The Championship Final between Bin Drai and Jehangiri truly reflected the elevated standard of polo we continue to witness in the UAE,” said Shokry Abouelsoud, General Manager of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. “Beyond the sport itself, finals day has evolved into a complete lifestyle experience, bringing together elegance, community and world-class entertainment in one extraordinary setting.”

Khalid Essa Alyassi, Director of Emaar Leisure Club, added, “Emaar is proud to support an event that seamlessly blends sporting excellence with luxury and heritage. The atmosphere during the final was exceptional, from the curated hospitality to the vibrant showcases and performances. This is exactly the kind of world-class experience we are committed to creating for the community.”

The 2026 edition was proudly supported by title sponsor Emaar, alongside Legend Motors and its 212 vehicle brand, CMC Hospital as medical partner, and Dubai Sports Council as media partner, underscoring the tournament’s strong commercial and community foundation.

With a prize pool that included AED 120,000 and a 212 vehicle for the champions, AED 75,000 for the runners-up, and a AED 5,000 MVP award, the championship delivered both prestige and performance. The Emaar Polo Cup 2026 concluded not merely as a sporting triumph, but as a celebration of refined living, tradition and the glamour that defines polo in the UAE.

Where Italian Artistry Met the Open Sea

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FABianaMARe brought a refined touch of Italian craftsmanship recently to Yas Rendezvous 2025, joining the region’s first immersive yachting destination experience as a Luxury Lifestyle Supporting Partner. From Yas Marina to the wild beauty of Sir Bani Yas Island, the journey unfolded as a celebration of freedom, discovery, and elevated living.

Across salt-kissed mornings, sunset gatherings, and moments spent between sea, desert, and sky, FABianaMARe Dubai’s presence felt perfectly at home, reflecting a shared love for the ocean, artisanal design, and meaningful experiences. Rooted in Italian heritage and shaped by the UAE’s modern luxury spirit, the brand added depth, elegance, and soul to an extraordinary voyage.

More than a sailing experience, Yas Rendezvous became a story of craftsmanship, connection, and lifestyle, one where every detail mattered, and every moment was worth remembering.