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At a reception at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi last night (21 October 2009), the Royal Institute of British Architects launched the new Gulf Chapter, which will provide local support for architecture, architects and co-professionals in the region.

With no other local architectural Institute existing in the region, the Gulf Chapter will lead the representation of locally-based architects and professionals, and engage them through education, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), networking opportunities, lectures and other activities.  The Chapter is open to all members in the region, as well as professionals working across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Persian Gulf states.

Gulf Chapter Ambassador Simon Crispe, Regional Commercial Director at Atkins, will lead on Chapter development, together with a steering group which includes private consultants, clients and educators, enabling local membership to benefit from a wide source of local expertise.

Ruth Reed, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said:

"The launch of our Gulf Chapter highlights the significance of our members' presence in the Gulf states, and will enable us to provide further local support. The Chapter will also be working to engage further with the diversity of non-member architects working in the region and to promote best practice in architectural education by working closely with local universities.  The Institute stands to promote design excellence in architecture in the UK and abroad and we are delighted that the Gulf Chapter will help us to take key messages such as the value of good design and environmental sustainability to such an important region."