ID50 2025 – Abdulla AlShamsi

Can you let us know about the latest exciting projects that you are working on?
We’re currently working on a diverse range of projects, including residential and commercial developments, urban regeneration initiatives, an iconic mosque, a vibrant public park, and even a sustainable village in Africa.

Please mention some of your proudest achievements as a firm (Top 3).
We’re incredibly proud of a few key milestones. Winning the Architecture MasterPrize for Best Education Building was a defining moment for us. Being named the Best Firm in the Middle East and Africa for two consecutive years by the LOOP Design Awards is another honour we deeply cherish. Lastly, being recognised by Architizer as one of the top three firms in the UAE highlights the journey we’ve been on and motivates us to continue pushing boundaries.

Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy

Can you talk about a type of project that you would like to take on in 2025 that would interest you and your team to pursue (dream project that you would like to manifest)?
Rather than focusing on a specific type or scale of a project, we’d love to collaborate with a visionary client—someone who shares our ambition to create something extraordinary and is open to exploring innovative ideas together. The synergy between the client and the design team can elevate a project far beyond what either imagined.

How would you describe your ‘house style’ and design philosophy?
Our approach is rooted in creating something unique for every project—whether that’s through innovative spatial design, the thoughtful use of materials, or the way a building interacts with its surroundings. Our work leans toward a contemporary aesthetic, but at its core, it’s about designing spaces that excites, are practical, and deeply rooted in their context.

As this is the power issue, what empowers you and your team?
What truly empowers us is seeing our designs come to life—completed projects that are not just occupied but genuinely loved by the people who use them. It’s incredibly fulfilling to achieve the goals we set as a team, especially when the path to get there is full of challenges.

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