Day 1: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 – Online Conference Co-organized with Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
The first day of EDMSET 2026 commenced with online registration and networking, followed by opening speeches delivered by distinguished representatives from IEREK and Abu Dhabi University. Welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Mourad Amer, CEO and Founder of IEREK and ASTI Series Editor by Springer, alongside an introductory address by the IEREK team. Additional opening words were presented by Prof. Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), and Dr. Mohamed El-Kaftangui, EDMSET Chair and Associate Professor at Abu Dhabi University.
The conference then introduced a series of internationally recognized keynote speakers whose presentations addressed architecture, urbanism, branding, sustainability, and design innovation.
Keynote Speakers:
- Dr. Mark David Major (Associate Professor of Architecture, Abu Dhabi University)
Speech Title: “The Syntax of GCC City Space”
- Dr. Susanna Iacona Salafia (Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi)
Institutional greetings in light of the Italian Design Day.
- Ar. Alessandro Colombo (Lecturer, Politecnico di Milano, Italy)
Speech Title: “Architecture between Design and Branding”
- Ar. Giovanni de Niederhäusern (Senior Vice President of Architecture & Product Design, Pininfarina)
Speech Title: “Pininfarina: Italian Design for Branded Real Estate”
- Mr. Shawn Meyers (Associate and Middle East Masterplanning Director, DLR Group)
Speech Title: “More City, Less Diagram”
- Ar. Nuno Fontarra (Architect/Partner at Mecanoo Architects)
Speech Title: “Architecture of Belonging: Place, Identity, and Meaning”
The day also featured a specialized panel discussion titled “Branding, Architecture & Modern Heritage”, moderated by Dr. Ahmed Agiel. The discussion explored the intersection between cultural heritage, architecture, and branding practices, featuring contributions from Ms. Fatima AlSuwaidi, Ar. Giovanni de Niederhäusern, and Ar. Alessandro Colombo.
Parallel Sessions:
The remainder of Day 1 included a series of parallel sessions addressing emerging themes in sustainability, digital transformation, urban systems, and environmental performance.
Session 1: Digital Transformation in Engineering
Moderated by: Dr. Mark David Major and Ms. Anamika Mishra
Topics explored included AI in architectural education, AI-assisted climate interpretation frameworks, computational semiotics, digital fabrication ethics, and deep learning applications in architectural review processes.
Session 2: Social Sustainability, Urban Livability, and Human-Centered Design
Moderated by: Dr. Mohamed El Amrousi and Ms. Fida Isam
Presentations discussed neurodivergent-inclusive transit hubs, human-centered mobility, collective housing, urban wellbeing, industrial zone regeneration, and climate-responsive urban strategies.
Session 3: Sustainable Urban Systems, Policy, and Environmental Performance
Moderated by: Dr. Rim Meziani
This session examined sustainable housing policies, climate resilience, urban green infrastructure, net-zero campuses, GIS-based environmental analysis, and sustainable construction governance.
Each session concluded with interactive discussions and Q&A sessions, encouraging knowledge exchange among participants and presenters.
Day 2: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – Online Conference Co-organized with Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
The second day continued with a diverse range of interdisciplinary sessions focused on sustainability, health, heritage conservation, urban development, and geospatial innovation.
Session 4: Sustainable Urban Systems, Policy, and Environmental Performance
Moderated by: Dr. Ahmed Agiel
Topics included transport mode classification using GIS-derived mapping, thermal performance analysis, ecological urbanism, sustainable campus design, and sustainable construction materials.
Session 5: Social Sustainability, Urban Livability, and Human-Centered Design
Moderated by: Dr. Nadia Mounajjed
Discussions centered on children’s outdoor play environments, urban renewal and rehousing, quality of life in the built environment, multicultural urban belonging, therapeutic equestrian facilities, and governance dynamics within gated communities.
Session 6: Health and Safety in Engineering Practices
Moderated by: Prof. Ioannis Zuburtikudis and Prof. Omar Chaalal
The session included a special speech titled:
“The Biological Foundation of Industrial Resilience: Integrating Natural Bio-Innovations with Occupational Safety in Modern Engineering” by Prof. Ioannis Zuburtikudis.
Additional presentations addressed natural compounds, antimicrobial food additives, bioactive materials, and occupational health applications for engineering personnel.
Session 7: Geospatial Engineering and Digital Innovation for Climate Adaptation
Moderated by: Dr. Fatmaelzahraa Hussein
Topics explored included geodetic networks, climate adaptation strategies, GIS-based flash flood susceptibility mapping, data analytics for climate resilience planning, and AI-enhanced agricultural prediction systems.
Session 8: Preservation and Conservation of Architectural Heritage
Moderated by: Dr. Fehmi Dogan
Presentations examined digital heritage preservation, cultural heritage mapping, inclusive heritage design, AI-assisted digital twin frameworks, earthen architecture in post-conflict reconstruction, and urban art as a catalyst for community development.
Session 9: Sustainable Interior Design
Moderated by: Ms. Zeina Bashnak
The session focused on biophilic design, indoor environmental quality, sustainable workspaces, lighting retrofit systems, human-centered educational environments, and healthcare-oriented interior design.
Throughout Day 2, participants engaged in extensive discussions and collaborative exchanges, reinforcing the conference’s interdisciplinary and international nature.
Day 3: Thursday, May 14, 2026
The final day of EDMSET 2026 focused on environmental policy, renewable energy technologies, resource engineering, and sustainable innovation.
Session 10: Environmental Policy, Innovation, and Resource Engineering
Moderated by: Prof. Osama Mohamed
The session opened with a special speech titled:
“The Influence of Graphene Derivatives on the Durability and Mechanical Performance of Sustainable Concrete: A Path Toward Reducing the Environmental Footprint of the Construction Industry” by Prof. Osama Mohamed.
Research topics included environmental legislation, circular material innovation, CO₂ capture technologies, sustainable desalination frameworks, wastewater treatment, greenwashing risk analysis, and pathways toward Net-Zero 2050 in the UAE construction sector.
Session 11: Renewable Energy Solutions and Innovations
Moderated by: Prof. Sharul Sham Dol
The session began with a special speech titled:
“Application of Vortex Bladeless Turbines at the Offshore Platform for Sustainable Energy” by Prof. Sharul Sham Dol.
Presentations addressed hydrogen production systems, photovoltaic technologies, thermal energy storage, power system forecasting, PCM-integrated heat sinks, bio-insulation materials, building-integrated photovoltaics, and energy-efficient façade systems.
The conference concluded with official closing remarks summarizing the achievements and collaborative discussions of EDMSET 2026.
EDMSET 2026 Workshop
Following the conference sessions, EDMSET 2026 hosted a specialized online workshop titled:
“AI Generative Design for Modern Architectural Heritage: Reimagining Identity Through Technology”
The workshop was organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture (UAE) in collaboration with:
- EDMSET 2026 & IEREK
- Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
- BRANDHAUS Design & Architectural Engineering Consultancy
- Italian Design Day 2026
Workshop Presenters:
- Dr. Ahmed Agiel
- Alessandro Colombo
- Fatima Al Suwaidi
The workshop explored the integration of AI generative design tools in reinterpreting modern heritage architecture while balancing innovation and cultural identity. Participants engaged in interactive exercises, AI-assisted visualization tools, collaborative design activities, and guided discussions focused on heritage preservation and technological advancement.
Conclusion
EDMSET 2026 successfully continued its mission of fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and international collaboration across architecture, engineering, sustainability, environmental technologies, urbanism, and heritage preservation. Through its comprehensive program of keynote speeches, panel discussions, technical sessions, and specialized workshops, the conference highlighted innovative research and emerging technologies addressing contemporary global challenges. The event reinforced the importance of integrating sustainability, digital innovation, and human-centered approaches in shaping resilient and future-ready communities.