Regional leaders unite in Dubai to explore AI readiness, digital delivery, and future skills shaping the AECO landscape
Autodesk concluded its Design and Make Summit Middle East 2025 with a high‑impact final event in Dubai, gathering leaders from the architecture, engineering, construction, real estate and education sectors. The summit spotlighted how AI innovation, maturing data strategies and digitally skilled workforces are transforming the region’s built‑environment ecosystem.
Raji Arasu, Autodesk’s EVP of Platform Services & Emerging Technologies and CTO, opened the day with a keynote addressing how AI and connected data are reshaping AECO workflows. Additional sessions from Autodesk experts, including Theo Agelopoulos and Tonya Trapp, explored predictive models, automation, BIM maturity and the company’s latest cloud‑powered Design and Make Platform enhancements.
“AI curiosity is becoming a core leadership capability, and those who experiment and learn fastest will define the next decade.” — Dado Van Peteghem, Author & AI Strategist
Customer and partner speakers from Azizi Developments, SSH, ae7, Khansaheb, DuPod (an AMANA company), AtkinsRéalis and the American University in Dubai shared real‑world examples of how Autodesk solutions are boosting performance, enabling AI‑driven delivery and preparing teams for the next wave of digital advancement.
One of the most talked‑about sessions was delivered by Dado Van Peteghem, who examined “AI Curiosity” as a cultural differentiator. His message resonated strongly across the audience: organisations that experiment boldly and develop AI‑ready mindsets will outpace their peers.
“What stood out this year is how quickly organisations are shifting from exploration to execution in AI‑powered digital transformation.” — Naji Atallah, Head of Construction & Manufacturing, EMEA Emerging, Autodesk
Reflecting on regional progress, Autodesk’s Naji Atallah said the Middle East is demonstrating a clear shift toward AI‑informed operations. “Leaders are prioritising smarter data foundations and automation, and they’re building a digitally skilled workforce ready for what comes next.”
The summit also marked the debut of the Autodesk Middle East Brilliance Awards. Winners included DuPod, Hassan Allam Construction, Khatib & Alami, Modon, PNC Architects, and Jacobs’ Mohammed Mahboob — recognised for innovation, sustainability and digital excellence across 67 regional submissions.
The event reinforced Autodesk’s commitment to supporting responsible AI adoption and empowering industries with the tools, insights and platforms necessary for the future of design and make.
