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Abu Dhabi: The Latest Architecture and News

Mirroring Desert Dunes, KPF's Terminal A at Zayed International Airport Opens in Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Abu Dhabi International Airport has been officially renamed Zayed International Airport, Terminal A. Designed and executed by KPF, the revamped complex will accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually, doubling the airport’s capacity. Informed by the desert's natural landscape and Islamic culture's geometric motifs, the terminal was designed considering the Emirate’s surrounding context.

Mirroring Desert Dunes, KPF's Terminal A at Zayed International Airport Opens in Abu Dhabi, UAE - Image 1 of 4Mirroring Desert Dunes, KPF's Terminal A at Zayed International Airport Opens in Abu Dhabi, UAE - Image 2 of 4Mirroring Desert Dunes, KPF's Terminal A at Zayed International Airport Opens in Abu Dhabi, UAE - Image 3 of 4Mirroring Desert Dunes, KPF's Terminal A at Zayed International Airport Opens in Abu Dhabi, UAE - Image 4 of 4Mirroring Desert Dunes, KPF's Terminal A at Zayed International Airport Opens in Abu Dhabi, UAE - More Images+ 20

Self Similar Installation / Jim Denevan

Self Similar Installation / Jim Denevan - Interior Photography, Arts & ArchitectureSelf Similar Installation / Jim Denevan - Interior Photography, Arts & ArchitectureSelf Similar Installation / Jim Denevan - Interior Photography, Arts & ArchitectureSelf Similar Installation / Jim Denevan - Interior Photography, Arts & ArchitectureSelf Similar Installation / Jim Denevan - More Images+ 8

  • Artists: Jim Denevan
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2023

Jim Denevan's Monumental Land Art Debutes in Abu Dhabi

“Self Similar,” a sprawling and immersive land artwork created by Jim Denevan has just debuted in Abu Dhabi, UAE as part of a more extensive city-wide exhibition. Curated by Reem Fadda, Director of Abu Dhabi Culture Programming and Cultural Foundation, along with Alia Zaal Lootah, this city-wide exhibition showcases 35 distinct site-specific artworks by both local and international artists. Scheduled to run until January 30, 2024, the exhibit is a diverse collection aiming to engage audiences.

Jim Denevan's Monumental Land Art Debutes in Abu Dhabi - Image 1 of 4Jim Denevan's Monumental Land Art Debutes in Abu Dhabi - Image 2 of 4Jim Denevan's Monumental Land Art Debutes in Abu Dhabi - Image 3 of 4Jim Denevan's Monumental Land Art Debutes in Abu Dhabi - Image 4 of 4Jim Denevan's Monumental Land Art Debutes in Abu Dhabi - More Images+ 7

Abrahamic Family House / Adjaye Associates

Abrahamic Family House / Adjaye Associates - Exterior Photography, Community Center, Facade, ArchAbrahamic Family House / Adjaye Associates - Exterior Photography, Community Center, FacadeAbrahamic Family House / Adjaye Associates - Interior Photography, Community Center, ColumnAbrahamic Family House / Adjaye Associates - Interior Photography, Community Center, Column, ChairAbrahamic Family House / Adjaye Associates - More Images+ 61

  • Architects: Adjaye Associates
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  6500
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2023
  • Professionals: Maynard

Terra Restaurant Al Qana / BONE

Terra Restaurant Al Qana / BONE - Interior Photography, Restaurant & Bar Interiors, Kitchen, Beam, Table, ChairTerra Restaurant Al Qana / BONE - Interior Photography, Restaurant & Bar Interiors, Table, ChairTerra Restaurant Al Qana / BONE - Interior Photography, Restaurant & Bar Interiors, Table, Lighting, ChairTerra Restaurant Al Qana / BONE - Interior Photography, Restaurant & Bar Interiors, Door, Beam, Chair, TableTerra Restaurant Al Qana / BONE - More Images+ 19

  • Architects: BONE
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  280
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2023
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Gervasoni, Internoitaliono, Matteo Brioni, TAJIMI CUSTOM TILES
  • Professionals: Fabraca Studios

Abu Dhabi Architecture City Guide: 50 Years of City Making

Capital city of the United Arab Emirates, the city of Abu Dhabi is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, connected to the mainland by a short bridge. Home to the local and federal government offices, as well as to the President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi was formerly an undeveloped town with only local significance that transformed into a large metropolis, at a record speed of development and urbanization.

Japanese architect Katsuhiko Takahashi created the master plan of the city in 1967, with a target population of 40,000. Encouraged in the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030, tall skyscrapers symbolize nowadays its iconic architecture, as well as new developments of Al Maryah Island, and the Sheikh Zayed mosque initiated and constructed under the administration of the late President Sheikh Zayed, a pivotal figure in the development of the contemporary UAE.

The Abrahamic Family House, Adjaye Associates’ Interfaith Complex in Abu Dhabi, Opens to the Public

Designed by Adjaye Associates, the Abrahamic Family House is a landmark project located in the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The center encompasses three separate houses of worship: a mosque, a church, and a synagogue, along with spaces for gathering and dialogue. First announced in 2019 following an international competition, the interfaith complex was officially inaugurated and opened to worshippers on 16th February 2023. Access to the forum and guided tours will be available to visitors from 1 March 2023.

The Abrahamic Family House, Adjaye Associates’ Interfaith Complex in Abu Dhabi, Opens to the Public - Image 1 of 4The Abrahamic Family House, Adjaye Associates’ Interfaith Complex in Abu Dhabi, Opens to the Public - Image 2 of 4The Abrahamic Family House, Adjaye Associates’ Interfaith Complex in Abu Dhabi, Opens to the Public - Image 3 of 4The Abrahamic Family House, Adjaye Associates’ Interfaith Complex in Abu Dhabi, Opens to the Public - Image 4 of 4The Abrahamic Family House, Adjaye Associates’ Interfaith Complex in Abu Dhabi, Opens to the Public - More Images+ 12

Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy UAE / Shape Architecture Practice + Research

Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy UAE / Shape Architecture Practice + Research - Exterior Photography, Institutional Buildings, FacadeAnwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy UAE / Shape Architecture Practice + Research - Interior Photography, Institutional Buildings, FacadeAnwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy UAE / Shape Architecture Practice + Research - Interior Photography, Institutional Buildings, Courtyard, Facade, Handrail, Stairs, BalconyAnwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy UAE / Shape Architecture Practice + Research - Interior Photography, Institutional Buildings, Facade, Handrail, StairsAnwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy UAE / Shape Architecture Practice + Research - More Images+ 30

Erth Restaurant / BONE

Erth Restaurant / BONE - Interior Photography, Restaurant, Facade, Table, Lighting, ChairErth Restaurant / BONE - Interior Photography, Restaurant, Column, Beam, Facade, Table, ChairErth Restaurant / BONE - Interior Photography, Restaurant, Facade, ColumnErth Restaurant / BONE - Interior Photography, Restaurant, Kitchen, Beam, Facade, Table, ChairErth Restaurant / BONE - More Images+ 19

  • Architects: BONE
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  275
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2022
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Bahraini Danish, Matteo Brioni, PSLab, Toru, Viabizzuno, +1

Mecanoo Designs Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi unveiled plans for a Natural History Museum designed by Dutch practice Mecanoo. The project resembles natural rock formations, and geometric shapes are present across all design elements, accompanied by the presence of water and vegetation. The 35,000 square-meter venue will feature gallery display areas, temporary exhibition spaces and theatre spaces, as well as an innovative research facility for the study of zoology, palaeontology, marine biology, molecular research and earth sciences. The new institution is intended as a space for education and, at the same time, as a think-tank for future innovation in these respective fields.

Apple Al Maryah Island / Foster + Partners

Apple Al Maryah Island  / Foster + Partners - Interior Photography, Store, Facade
© Nigel Young

Apple Al Maryah Island  / Foster + Partners - Exterior Photography, Store, Stairs, FacadeApple Al Maryah Island  / Foster + Partners - Store, Facade, Table, Lighting, BenchApple Al Maryah Island  / Foster + Partners - Interior Photography, Store, FacadeApple Al Maryah Island  / Foster + Partners - Store, Facade, Table, ChairApple Al Maryah Island  / Foster + Partners - More Images+ 13

Christo's Biggest and Only Permanent Artwork Is Designed for Abu Dhabi's Desert

Conceived in 1977, and currently, in progress, The Mastaba, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s largest permanent artwork in the world, is designed for Abu Dhabi, to be built in a proposed location approximately 160 kilometers south of the city in the desert of Liwa, in the United Arab Emirates. Made from 410,000 multi-colored barrels, the installation will create “a colorful mosaic, echoing Islamic architecture”. 150 meters high, 300 meters long at the vertical walls and 225 meters wide at the 60 degrees slanted walls, the duo’s final project will take at least three years to be built, once it receives governmental approval.

 Christo's Biggest and Only Permanent Artwork Is Designed for Abu Dhabi's Desert - Image 1 of 4 Christo's Biggest and Only Permanent Artwork Is Designed for Abu Dhabi's Desert - Image 2 of 4 Christo's Biggest and Only Permanent Artwork Is Designed for Abu Dhabi's Desert - Image 3 of 4 Christo's Biggest and Only Permanent Artwork Is Designed for Abu Dhabi's Desert - Image 4 of 4 Christo's Biggest and Only Permanent Artwork Is Designed for Abu Dhabi's Desert - More Images+ 7

Al Hosn Masterplan and Landscape / CEBRA

Al Hosn Masterplan and Landscape  / CEBRA - Exterior Photography, Landscape, Facade, Cityscape
© Mikkel Frost

Al Hosn Masterplan and Landscape  / CEBRA - Exterior Photography, Landscape, Facade, CityscapeAl Hosn Masterplan and Landscape  / CEBRA - Interior Photography, Landscape, Facade, CityscapeAl Hosn Masterplan and Landscape  / CEBRA - Exterior Photography, Landscape, Facade, CityscapeAl Hosn Masterplan and Landscape  / CEBRA - Drawings, Landscape, FacadeAl Hosn Masterplan and Landscape  / CEBRA - More Images+ 12

  • Architects: CEBRA
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  140000
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2021
  • Professionals: GHD


The Long-delayed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Will Open in 2026

Twenty years after the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi was first announced in 2006, the museum may finally have its grand opening.

Turtle Sanctuary at Kalba Mangrove Reserve / Hopkins Architects

Turtle Sanctuary at Kalba Mangrove Reserve / Hopkins Architects - Exterior Photography, Research Center, CoastTurtle Sanctuary at Kalba Mangrove Reserve / Hopkins Architects - Interior Photography, Research Center, TableTurtle Sanctuary at Kalba Mangrove Reserve / Hopkins Architects - Exterior Photography, Research Center, CoastTurtle Sanctuary at Kalba Mangrove Reserve / Hopkins Architects - Interior Photography, Research Center, Arch, Column, Table, ChairTurtle Sanctuary at Kalba Mangrove Reserve / Hopkins Architects - More Images+ 24

Al Fay Park / SLA

  • Architects: SLA
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  27500
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2021