Abwab translates to ‘doors’ in Arabic and is an annually remodeled key feature of the Dubai Design Week programme, dedicated to commissioning work from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia with the objective to promote the region’s talent and stimulate cultural exchange.

Abwab acted as a united platform for creative talent from the UAE and the wider MENASA region that invited visitors into the creative landscapes of neighbouring communities.

After multiple jury deliberation phases, the 2021 Abwab commission has been awarded to Dubai-based architect Ahmed El-Sharabassy for his proposal titled ‘Nature in Motion’, responding to this year’s theme of regenerative architecture and restorative design, the pavilion structure referenced the Dubai desert’s constant motion, emulating the city’s continuous development and evolution.

The architectural pavilion hosted an exhibition the ‘Pulp Fusion’ curated by Beirut-based architecture and research firm Bits to Atoms, in keeping with the overall thematic and centered around the human impact on the planet and the role of design as a restorative tool while embedding nature as a core element.

In addition, students from Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) participated in demonstrations of the fabrication and assembly process of Abwab onsite, using locally sourced material provided.

‘Nature in Motion’ was located in the central area at Dubai Design District (d3) during Dubai Design Week, 8-13 November 2021.

To find out more about the winning proposal click here.

For more information about the exhibition click here.