The RIBA Gulf Chapter has welcomed eight new members to its committee and is planning a year of online and in-person activities, including a sustainability series with webinars in March. Additionally, Sharjah's House of Wisdom has opened, featuring various resources and facilities, while construction on Kuwait's new Palace of Justice is nearing completion. RIBA's presence is expanding with new offices in Dubai, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai has opened a new campus to enhance student learning experiences.

1. RIBA Gulf Chapter Committee Welcomes New Members
The RIBA Gulf Chapter has brought in 8 new members to its working committee to
help build a great program of activities for the year. They bring a great breadth and
depth of experience to the group as we look forward to a 2021 with more online
activities and hopefully in person social events too.
Link - https://www.architecture.com/my-local-riba/riba-gulf-chapter
Upcoming Chapter Events - SUSTAINABILITY SERIES
There will be an online Sustainability Series focusing on the appropriate regional
approach, with two webinars taking place on March 15 and 17. The first one will
focus on initiatives from institutions like RIBA and the UN, the second will be a
presentation and discussion of regional case studies featuring Allies & Morrison,
ZHA, Arup, Buro Happold and more.
Links - https://www.architecture.com/whats-on/riba-gulf-chapter-route-to-net-
zero-regional-case-studies
htt ps:// www.a rchitecture.com/ whats-on/ ri ba-guIf-chapter-route-to-net-zero-
the-un-and-riba

2. House of Wisdom in Sharjah open to the public
The House of Wisdom (HoW) is Sharjah's new cultural edifice and iconic architectural
marvel, built to commemorate the emirate's yearlong tenure as UNESCO World
Book Capital 2019.
Developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and
designed by Foster + Partners, HoW offers access to a new way of knowledge
exploration with books in varied languages and formats, vast digital resources, a
fabrication lab with 3D printers to build prototypes of experimental projects and
cutting-edge technology to print and bind books within minutes.
Link - https://houseofwisdom.ae/about
New Palace of Justice, PACE, Kuwait
The New Palace of Justice located in the heart of Kuwait City is set to be the largest
courthouse in the Middle East upon completion. The project which is fully designed
and supervised by PACE, reached the figure of 70% of structural works being
completed in record time using fast-track construction methodologies as of early
November 2020. Upon completion, this landmark building will house more than 141
courtrooms and around 131,000 sqm of office space spread across 26 floors.
Link - https:/ / www.pace-me.com/ # new-palace -of-just ice- ku wait

3. EXPO 2020 Pavilions Open To The Public For Preview
Expo 2020 Pavilions are open to the public from 22 January to 10 April 2021.
The Premiere showcases Terra- a sustainability pavilion designed by Grimshaw
Architects, a UK based architectural firm with an office in d3 Dubai. You also enter
through a carbon fibre gate designed by UK based Asif Khan . Other main pavilions
previews to follow shortly.
Link - https:/ /ticket ing.exp o2020dubai.com/tic ketselec tion.html
uns
unSTUDIO
UNStudio open new office in 03, Dubai
UNStudio announces their new offices in Dubai and Melbourne; creating a total of
six offices globally. UNStudio increases their presence around the globe to better
serve different markets, strengthen relationships with clients and local partners.
Ben van Berkel, founder and principal architect , highlights: "Even if the Corona virus
pandemic has forced many of us to stay at home, we see this as an opportune
moment for reflection and reinvention. We believe that having a local presence
around the globe can establish a firm foundation for future growth."
Link - https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/14373/unstudio-to-open-dubai-
melbourne-offices-in-2021

4. Heriot Watt University Dubai Campus Moves To New Campus
The brand-new campus has announced its reopening in January 2021, the same
year as its founding bicentenary
. The prestigious KHDA five-star ranking university
campus includes social learning spaces, a student hub, an enhanced library, seminar
room, studios, laboratories and digitally enhanced classrooms. The upcoming
facilities aim at providing a digitally enhanced student experience supporting the
production and abilities of the students in the respective courses. Heriot Watt Dubai
is RIBA validated university, and a candidate course for RIBA Part 1accreditation .
Link - https://www.hw.ac.uk/dubai/campus/new-campus.htm
Follow the Chapter and RIBA International on social media, and contact
RIBA.Gulf@riba.orgif you want to know more,contribute a news item or get
involved.
RIBA#,J RIBA Gulf Chapter News - Mar '21
Architecture.com