Sustainability key for future architecture

The Dubai Forum, a premier platform for discussions on sustainable development, was held to explore ways for achieving sustainability in the region's construction industry.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the forum reviewed 'Architecture for Sustainable Societies'.

More than 40 speakers, panelists, and more than 400 delegates from 15 countries attended the event, which was organised by Brand Dubai.

Mona Al Marri, Chief Executive Officer of Brand Dubai, said: "The UAE has the resources required for creating sustainable communities and The Dubai Forum provides a channel to gather inputs in the architectural, design, and planning areas.

"Taking forward the vision of Sheikh Mohammed, The Dubai Forum will publish an annual anthology on sustainability and environmental development in Dubai and across the UAE. Our objective is to create a body of work that will benefit professionals, scholars, students, educators and the general public in the Arab World."

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said Burj Khalifa is a landmark and sends out an emphatic message to the world.

He said: "It is a new accomplishment that has crowned the list of Dubai's great achievements.

"Burj Khalifa is not just a symbol of the UAE, but of the entire Arab World. The UAE is reinvigorating the spirit of the Arab renaissance, when our forefathers led the rest of the world in the sciences, mathematics and even architecture," said Alabbar.

Describing the Burj Khalifa as a monument to human creativity, Alabbar said it has brought a whiff of fresh optimism to the region.

"The 12,000 people who worked on the project have equipped themselves to take up a daunting task in the construction sector anywhere in the world. When wise leaders stand by their people and inspire them to push the boundaries, the impossible becomes possible. Burj Khalifa proves just that," he said.

The opening session of The Dubai Forum focused on 'Architecture and Rapid Urbanisation' and was moderated by Tayeb A Kamali, Vice-Chancellor of Higher Colleges of Technology (UAE).

"Sustainability is the key to a better future. Today we need to learn more about diversities in the architectural sector and discover ways in which industry professionals can implement learnings to make improved changes for a better future," said Kamali.

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