Under the sponsorship of Dar Al-Handasah for the year 2018, the Middle East Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) conducted its sixth yearly end conference in Bahrain at the Sheikh Ebrahim Al Khalifa Centre from the 29^th of November till the 1^st of December 2018.

Under the title BahrAIAn: Transitioning Cities, this year’s conference shed light on the transformation of the built environment in the Middle East, reflecting the rapid growth and modernisation and focusing on designs that exhibit keen responses to regional influences.

BahrAIAn: Transitioning Cities tackled the topic with several presentations and site tours conducted by renowned international architects who had contributed to the current built environment in the Middle East. Dar Al-Handasah and Perkins+Will (represented by David Hansen), Tange & Associates, Adrian Smith, SOM, and others presented their works and experiences through specific case studies.