Cultural – Abu Dhabi – UAE
TDIC
35,000 sqm
2016
A New Civic Icon: The Sand Dune at Abu Dhabi Corniche
At the edge of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, a new cultural landmark begins to rise—a gentle swell in the landscape, shaped like a sand dune emerging from the earth. Modest in form yet rich in meaning, this structure offers a poetic response to its surroundings: a humble wave of architecture that speaks to heritage, land, and identity.
Inspired by the timeless geometry of the desert, the building is not a statement of grandeur, but one of elegance and restraint. It blends into its environment with a sculptural softness, its form echoing the natural dunes of the Emirates. As it rests beside the water, its reflection shimmers across the surface, doubling the visual impact and creating a serene, almost spiritual connection between land and sea.
More than a structure, the project represents a new branding vision for the Emirates Heritage Club—a modern interpretation of tradition that invites engagement, learning, and pride in cultural roots.
It aims to attract both residents and visitors by offering a unique architectural and experiential destination, one that resonates with the narrative of the UAE while setting the tone for a contemporary civic identity.
Inside, the center will host a series of flexible cultural programs—from exhibitions and educational workshops to community gatherings and artistic showcases. The architecture supports a fluid spatial experience, where indoor and outdoor moments unfold naturally, much like the gentle slope of a dune itself.
This is not just a building—it’s a place of memory, reflection, and renewal. A quiet landmark that carries the voice of the past into the future, positioned to become an enduring symbol on Abu Dhabi’s evolving cultural horizon.
