Masdar City, Zaha Hadid Architects, WSP, Gensler, KEO, and Dabbagh Architects, key stakeholders spearheading the region's most ambitious desert architecture initiatives, have confirmed their participation as official event partners for the upcoming Desert Architecture Forum 2025, taking place on 26–27 February 2025 at the Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Dubai, UAE.
With investments in desert architecture projects across the Middle East reaching significant figures, there is an increasing demand for innovative solutions tailored to arid environments. Here are some notable projects from the region, with key stakeholders involved in these initiatives confirmed to participate at the event:
Saudi Arabia: NEOM Project
A cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, NEOM is a $500 billion megacity under development in the Tabuk Province. This futuristic city aims to incorporate smart city technologies and operate as a tourist destination. NEOM includes sub-projects like "The Line," a 170 km linear city designed to have no cars, streets, or carbon emissions.
Saudi Arabia: The Red Sea Project
Valued at approximately $10 billion, this luxury tourism development focuses on sustainable and regenerative tourism along Saudi Arabia's west coast. It includes the development of resorts on 22 islands and six inland sites between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh. The project emphasizes sustainable development, aiming to rely solely on renewable energy and implement a zero-waste-to-landfill policy.
UAE: Masdar City Complex and The Link
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is advancing projects worth up to $1.1 billion in the design phase, focusing on sectors like AI, space, agriculture, and energy. Ongoing construction projects, including the Masdar City Complex and The Link, are valued at around AED 1 billion ($272.3 million), set for completion by mid-2025.
UAE: Guggenheim Museum, Abu Dhabi
The Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry, is currently under construction. This project is part of the larger Saadiyat Island Cultural District development, which has attracted investments in the billions of dollars.
UAE: Urban Tech District, Dubai
The Urban Tech District in Dubai is in the conceptual design phase, aiming to become a global hub for sustainable technologies.
Oman: Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development
The Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development, led by Zaha Hadid Architects, is a significant project under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.
