The THINKLIGHT Conference delivered a design-led conference experience focused on how lighting shapes space, identity, and human experience. Moving beyond theory, the programme showcased real-world projects and the creative and technical thinking behind them, offering audiences a deeper understanding of lighting in practice.
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The conference was structured around three core formats. Design Deep Dives explored iconic projects in depth, while Project Perspectives presented concise case studies across sectors such as Noor Abu Dhabi which was presented by Abu Dhabi Municipality, alongside hospitality, public realm, transport, retail, workplace, and heritage. Conversations in Light offered a more personal view into the experiences, philosophies, and journeys of leading lighting professionals.
By connecting inspiration with application, THINKLIGHT Conference encouraged meaningful dialogue between designers, consultants, clients, and collaborators. The conference will return in the next edition with an expanded programme, continuing to celebrate design excellence and thoughtful project storytelling.
THINKLIGHT Knowledge Partner
Strategic Partner
10:50 – 11:00
Opening Remarks
11:00 – 12:00
Design Deep Dive - Illuminating a Region: The Lighting Journey of the Middle East
12:00 – 13:30
Project Perspectives - Heritage and Culture
14:30 – 15:00
Conversations in Light - DPA - 50 years in the UAE
15:00 - 16:30
Project Perspectives: Commercial, Workplace and Education
16:30 - 16:40
Closing Remarks
10:50 – 11:00
Opening Remarks
11:00 – 12:00
Design Deep Dive - Activated Public Realm as a Catalyst for Civic Change: Bringing to Life a Visionary Recreation Corridor in Riyadh
12:00 – 12:20
Projects Presentation - Overview of the Smart Public and Decorative Lighting Implemented Across Abu Dhabi City Streets and Urban Infrastructures
13:10 – 14:40
Project Perspectives - Public Realm and Urban Spaces
14:40 - 16:10
Project Perspectives - Transport
16:10 - 16:20
Closing Remarks
10:50 – 11:00
Opening Remarks
11:00 – 12:30
Design Deep Dive - Luxury in a New Light: Designing Guest Experiences Under the Stars of Shura Island
12:00 – 13:30
Project Perspectives - Hospitality
14:00 – 16:00
Project Perspectives - Retail
16:00 - 16:10
Closing Remarks
2026 Speaker
Dr. Amani Mohammed Al-Samani
Chief Engineering Lead | Abu Dhabi City Municipality
Ahmed Bayashout
Founder & Design Director | Studio A
Alexia Gkika
Senior Associate Project Manager | Coen + Partners
Amy Rennie
Discipline Leader – UK Lighting | Buro Happold
Andrew Bates
Associate Director – Lighting | Red Sea Global
Axel Margos
Lighting Designer | WSP
Carla Jardim
Architectural Lighting Designer
Catalina Casas-Cordero
Senior Lighting Manager | Red Sea Global
Carla Wilkins
IALD President-Elect / CLD & Global Creative Director | Lichtvision Design
Dane Sanders
President | Clanton Associates
Daniel Hodierne
Design Director | AFRY Architects
David McNeil
Partner | dpa Lighting Consultants
Giovanni Zambri
Managing Director | SMITH TAIT
Kush Suneja
Design Manager & Founder | Spatial Vibes Lighting Consultants
Kaori Hiroki
Senior Associate | Loop Lighting
Kristina Allison
President, SLL & Environmental Lighting Lead | WSP UK
Lama Arouri
Managing Director | Studio N
Martin Lupton
Co-Founder | Light Collective UK
Michael Grubb
Founder | Michael Grubb Studio
Nilusha Oshani Rajapaksha
Director | Candela Lighting Design
Nivedita Sehrawat
Partner | Design Matrix
Nonita Sabin
Associate Director | Neolight Global
Paul Nulty
Founder | Nulty
Regina Santos
Founder & Design Director | Light Fusion Specialist Lighting
Robin Ganser
Partner | Coen + Partners
Samantha Soueidan
Senior Lighting Designer, | CD+M Lighting Design
Sharon Stammers
Co-Founder | Light Collective UK
Sakina Dugawalla – Moeller
Founder | Light Func
Siddharth Mathur
Partner | Studio Lumen
Tom Niven
Director of Lighting | BDP
Will Whiter
Dubai Studio Director | Kettle Collective
Yah Li TOH
Principal | Light Collab
Ziad Fattouh
Managing Director | Delta Lighting Design
2025 Highlights
