214th Edition – Zak World of Façades UAE

This will be the 214th edition globally and the 11th edition in UAE which will showcase sustainable innovations and challenges in the construction industry pertaining to the building envelope and will also display latest technological solutions.

Speakers & Panelists
Business/Technical Manager – Façade & Insulation Systems, Styro Insulation
Group Sales Director, Guthrie Douglas
Lead Principal Architect, Atkins Réalis
Alejandro is a Lead Principal Architect at AtkinsRealis, specializing in the design and development of landmark projects in the Middle East. Currently focused on the Mukaab, the world’s largest building set for completion in 2030, his design approach integrates innovation and...
Team Leader & Department Design Director, gad Architects
Yu Si is a Team Leader and Department Design Director at gad. Known for his rigorous approach to design realization and spatial storytelling, Yu Si excels at navigating the complexities of diverse architectural typologies. His philosophy anchors on “Constructed Narrative,”...
Partner & Design Director, gad Architects
Tan Cai is a Senior Partner and Design Director at gad, and a RIBA Chartered Architect. With a portfolio bridging serene cultural resorts and iconic supertall skyscrapers, As a core design leader at gad, Tan Cai possesses a visionary global...
Managing Partner, MZ Architects
Tony Abi Gebrayel is a partner at MZ Architects. He is the Projects Director of MZ Architects LLC, Abu Dhabi, UAE, and a chief contributor to the company’s design vision. He has been managing the company for 18 years and...
Technical Director, Meinhardt Façade Technology
Celeste joined Meinhardt Façade Technology (MFT) – Dubai in 2008 and is now MFT’s Technical Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in façade engineering across the Middle East and Central Asia. She holds a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering...
Founder, Anometal Aluminum
Mr. Fan Lee is the founder of Anometal Aluminum Co., Ltd. who has profound expertise in the industry of pre-treated aluminium. Anometal masters the core technology of continuous anodising and has three automatic continuous pre-anodising lines nowadays. With 28 years’...
Director - Sales Operations AME, Guardian Glass
Maher is a motivated and enthusiastic Glass and Façade Passionate, a Leader with a wide experience in Management, Projects and Sales operations. 18 years with Guardian Glass during which, great wealth of experience and expertise gained, started in Guardian RAK...
Operations Manager, Climate Ready Engineering
Oliver first discovered his passion for unique and challenging projects in 2008 when he first joined the window shading industry as an installer. After graduating from university with a degree in project management, he delved into managing and successfully delivering...
Regional Design Director (Middle East + Africa), Atkins Réalis
Ed McIntosh is a British-Ecuadorean architect.  He is a Fulbright Scholar and Graduate of Columbia University. Ed has more than 25 years of professional experience with a long standing trajectory in the design of sport & event venues, stadia, arenas...
Managing Director, seele Middle East
Since graduating in civil engineering Oliver is involved in the execution of prestigious construction and façade projects mainly in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. For over 18 years in UAE, he gained an appropriate market experience and developed a...
Partner - Middle East Director, Maffeis Engineering
Giovanni has honed his ability to lead complex multidisciplinary projects, coordinating efforts between structural, architectural and technical teams to deliver cohesive and high-quality solutions. As Partner and Middle East Director for Maffeis Engineering, he oversees engineering deliverables and timelines, ensuring...
Global Segment Director - Architectural, Axalta
Franck Derouen is Business Director – General Industrial Middle East, Africa, Russia, Turkey. In addition to this role Mr Derouen is Axalta’s Global Architectural Segment Director. Mr Derouen has 30 years of experience in the industrial coating industry. Prior to...
Conference Agenda
  • More than shelter: The historical importance of building façades as a cultural mediator between public and private space
  • Crafting narratives through the conception of the building envelope
  • Bringing vision’s to life, how the human sketch becomes standardized and detailed for construction through the use of parametric and AI Tools
  • Facilitating architectural ambitions: Balancing energy performance and design vision at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
  • Global expertise, local impact: Supporting high-performance façades and environmental certifications
  • From vision to specification: How digital tools help simplify glass selection for architectural projects
  • Insight on shading & shading automation control systems with a focus on comfort, intelligent design, energy efficiency and seamless integration
  • Case study of the curved façade shading solution at One Elizabeth Tower, Sydney; highlighting challenges related to complex geometry, glare mitigation, shading performance and live project outcomes
  • Immersive architecture through organic lines
  • Complexity of design & material selection
  • Future vision & solutions for immersive architecture
  • Wind, drift and accumulated movement: Façade behavior in a 750m tower (Burj Azzizi, Dubai)
  • Thermal expansion, geometry & interface movement: Façade engineering in a waterfront pavillion (AMAALA Triple Bay Yacht Club, Yanbu)
  • Designing for movement, not against it: Lessons from the tallest and the lowest
  • Unveiling a new, next-generation anodized aluminium cladding with an anodic oxide layer that harnesses sunlight to continuously break down pollutants, keeping façades cleaner for over 25 years with minimal maintenance
  • How its ultra-hydrophilic surface (WCA = 8.9°) helps with any remaining particles to effortlessly wash away with rain or wind, ensuring the façade stays brighter, fresher, and visually pristine year-round
  • Sustainable powder coatings to protect aluminium and steel substrates: Durability, metallic finishes and corrosion protection
  • Bio based powder coatings
  • Sustainable powder coatings to provide aesthetic finishes & latest colour trends in architecture
  • Advancements in lightweight façade insulation technologies and their role in improving thermal performance, reducing thermal bridging, and enhancing overall envelope efficiency
  • Integration of hybrid insulation systems combining EPS with mineral-based layers to achieve improved fire performance and compliance with modern façade safety requirements
  • Regional case studies demonstrating the application of modern lightweight insulated façade systems, installation methodologies, and long-term durability outcomes in hot and humid climates
Event Details
  • 214th Edition – Zak World of Façades UAE, April 23, 2026
  • Start Date
    April 23, 2026 8:00 am
  • End Date
    April 23, 2026 5:00 pm
  • Status
    Upcoming
  • Location
  • Category
  • Sponsors