Dubai – Masaader News
Cairo hosted the Arab Architects Awards Festival, which saw wide participation from leading engineers and architects from across the Arab world. The event addressed the future of Arab architecture, the impact of digital transformations, and the challenges posed by the economic and political landscape to the engineering sector. It also emphasized the importance of Arab cooperation in formulating a unified urban model that reflects the region’s architectural identity.
Dr. Joseph Al-Hourani, President of the Arab Architects Awards Festival, affirmed that the current era necessitates a reassessment of the roles of architects and creative professionals in light of the complex economic and political challenges.
Al-Hourani stressed the need to revitalize authentic Arab architecture, which stretches from Algeria to Cairo, Beirut, and Amman. He noted that the festival, which launched in Beirut in 2018, has passed through pivotal stages, most notably the 2022 edition in Jordan, which was held amidst the challenges of corruption and its impact on the sector.
He added, “We are here in Cairo to affirm that the voice of the Arab architect cannot be silenced, and that our identity is stronger than the circumstances,” calling for a review of financial and organizational practices. For his part, Dr. Adel Al-Hadithi, President of the Federation of Arab Engineers, stated that the achievements realized are the result of collective efforts exerted under difficult financial and administrative circumstances. He pointed out that the Federation was built on the shoulders of pioneers who overcame the most challenging conditions, and despite limited support from some countries, it has been able to persevere and develop.
Al-Hadithi emphasized that the Arab meetings represent a continuation of long-standing efforts to build effective engineering cooperation among Arab countries, adding: “We are here to complete what we started; everything discussed in the sessions and accomplished within the Executive Committee contributes to a single goal: supporting Arab engineering work and developing its future prospects.”
In turn, Engineer Tariq Al-Nabrawi, President of the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate, welcomed the Arab delegations, saying: “Cairo welcomes you all… and your visit is an opportunity to learn about the latest achievements in urban development in Egypt.”
Al-Nabrawi affirmed that Egypt is continuing to implement major development projects and develop its governorates, stressing that the next phase requires intensified Arab engineering cooperation, and that all Arabs are called upon to work together to support development in all countries of the region.
For his part, Engineer Mahmoud Arafat, Secretary-General of the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate, affirmed that the meeting represents a clear vision for the future of Arab engineering, one based on innovation and creativity without abandoning the authenticity of Arab architecture.
Arafat stated, “We bear a great responsibility to develop our tools, exchange our expertise, and strengthen cooperation among our engineering institutions.” He emphasized that the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate supports every effort that elevates Arab engineering and strives to enhance the engineer’s civilizational role in the region.
Dr. Mohamed Hesham Saudi, Deputy Head of the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate, affirmed that Arab identity has been and remains a fundamental pillar in the development of architecture throughout history. He pointed out that this identity has granted our region the ability to build, develop, share expertise, and refine engineering tools, and that Arab cooperation is the path to a shared civilizational future.
Dr. Ahmed El-Zayat, Head of the Architectural Engineering Division of the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate, welcomed the Arab attendees, emphasizing that Arab architecture has become a globally influential force and that the festival or competition serves as a showcase for our architectural identity and a means of its development.
He stressed the importance of organizing regular meetings for Arab architects to develop building models that more effectively express Arab identity. For his part, Mohamed El-Saidi, CEO of Brandit, the event organizer, concluded by emphasizing that the festival’s success was a result of close cooperation between government institutions and the private sector.
El-Saidi said, “I extend my gratitude to the Prime Minister’s office, the League of Arab States, the Ministries of Culture, Agriculture, Higher Education, and Local Development, and everyone who supported this event.”
El-Saidi affirmed that the festival embodies a vision to empower Arab youth and showcase their talents, and that it was built with a youthful spirit, with young people being the true architects of its success.