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As the Middle East pushes forward with its urban development goals, cities across the region are evolving into hubs of innovation and sustainability. Through partnerships, UK architects are contributing their expertise to some of the region’s most ambitious transformations.
In 2025, the UK will launch its new 10-year Industrial Strategy, which will enable the country’s already world-leading sectors, such as creative industries, to continue to adapt and grow. Built to offer long-term certainty, the strategy reinforces UK businesses as innovative and reliable partners for international businesses.
Firms like Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) are at the forefront, delivering projects that reflect the Middle East’s bold aspirations while respecting its rich cultural heritage.
Designing with purpose
For Foster + Partners, the Gulf represents an opportunity to create architecture that balances cultural identity with environmental challenges. The firm’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its groundbreaking projects across the region, including one of its most celebrated achievements: Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
Designed as a model for carbon-neutral and zero-waste urban living, Masdar City achieves significant results, including a 30.6 per cent reduction in energy use intensity, 57 per cent waste reduction through recycling, and water savings equivalent to filling 17 Olympic swimming pools annually.
“Our projects are always rooted in the history and local heritage, embodying the spirit of a place. In the Gulf region, we focus on passive design strategies and high-performance facades to create cool, comfortable buildings that respond to the climate. Alongside this, we’re excited about projects like the Al Sa’ad Plaza Towers in Qatar, the Red Sea Airport in Saudi Arabia, and the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, which celebrate the region’s culture and aspirations,” said Gerard Evenden, head of Studio at Foster + Partners.
The firm’s commitment to sustainability in the Gulf is also reflected in its ability to tailor solutions to the region’s specific needs, ensuring that each project integrates seamlessly with the environment, enhances energy efficiency, and promotes long-term resilience.
From Lusail Stadium in Qatar to the National Bank of Kuwait Tower, the firm demonstrates how architecture can address modern needs while staying connected to tradition.
Innovation rooted in culture
As the Middle East reimagines its cities, architectural practices are being challenged to balance modernity with cultural relevance. Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has approached this challenge by integrating innovation and sustainability into designs that resonate with their surroundings.
The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station in Riyadh exemplifies this approach. As a key interchange in the city’s metro network, the station optimizes pedestrian flow while minimizing energy consumption through renewable-powered cooling systems and passive design.
In Oman, ZHA’s waterfront redevelopment in Muscat focuses on sustainable urban living, supporting rapid population growth while prioritizing residents’ well-being.
“Our buildings are deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Melodie Leung, director at Zaha Hadid Architects. “We anchor each design in the region’s heritage, whilst pushing ourselves to continually advance and improve the architecture industry to create something unique, and that is meaningful to the context and the client. We push the boundaries of architecture to meet the aspirations of each new generation.”
The BEEAH Headquarters in Sharjah further underscores ZHA’s focus on sustainability. It combines advanced energy systems with sustainable materials, setting new standards for environmentally responsible design.
ZHA’s approach to architecture is driven by a focus on creating designs that respond to both immediate and long-term urban challenges. Their projects in the region often feature strategies to enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and create spaces that can adapt to future urban needs. These elements are particularly relevant as cities in the Middle East continue to evolve and face growing demands for sustainability and resilience.
Collaborative vision
As the Middle East redefines its cities, collaborations with UK architects who combine innovation with local expertise are driving sustainable progress.
From Foster + Partners’ climate-conscious designs to Zaha Hadid Architects’ unique urban concepts, these efforts are shaping a modern, resilient future for the region. UK architects are helping to shape the region’s cities by providing designs that meet both contemporary demands and long-term growth objectives.
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