Modern futuristic building with curved white exterior and large glass windows under clear blue sky, UAE flag flying nearby.
Architecture drawn from parchment and the gesture of signing.
Modern cafe interior with large floor-to-ceiling windows, light beige and gray seating, and decorative hanging lights.
Interior of a modern building with large slanted glass windows, wooden columns, white stairs, and city skyline visible outside.
Modern building with large angled glass windows reflecting blue sky and surrounding greenery.
Modern glass building entrance with reflective slanted glass panels and automatic sliding doors.

The entrance pavilion rests above a reflecting pool and plaza, its sweeping roof recalling the parchment of the unification agreement. Tapering golden columns reference the pens used to sign it. Visitors descend into permanent and temporary galleries, theatres, and archival spaces organized below ground.

LOOP Design Awards. Architecture Cultural
2023
IDA, Architecture Categories / Landmarks, Silver
2018
ARIDO Awards, Award of Merit
2018
LCD Awards, New Culture Destination of the Year Award
2017
Spacious modern interior with large windows, golden pillars, Arabic calligraphy on white floor, and a person seated near stairs.
Modern building with large angled glass windows reflecting a blue sky and surrounded by a green lawn and shrubs.
Modern building with large glass windows and curved white panels next to a reflecting pool and sidewalk with greenery.

Locating the galleries beneath grade moderates internal temperatures in Dubai’s climate. Lightwells and sunken courtyards introduce daylight, while advanced structural and façade systems enable the pavilion’s complex geometry.