Sumayya Vally to design Elie Khouri Art Foundation in Dubai

Architect Sumayya Vally and her firm Counterspace have been selected to design the Elie Khouri Art Foundation in Dubai, which is scheduled to open in late 2028. The foundation will transform an existing villa in the Jumeirah 1 district into a contemporary art institution featuring exhibition galleries, educational spaces, pavilions, and gardens.

Elie Khouri’s Vision for the Art Foundation

The Elie Khouri Art Foundation, established by French-Lebanese collector and philanthropist Elie Khouri, aims to build on his extensive collection of contemporary art, which includes works by over 300 artists. Khouri, who has lived in Dubai since the 1990s, emphasized the importance of integrating art into everyday life, stating, “Art belongs in everyday life, not apart from it.” The foundation will host changing exhibitions, institutional collaborations, and educational initiatives under the direction of Caroline Louca.

Architectural Design Inspired by Local Culture

Vally’s design will draw inspiration from the architectural characteristics of Beirut and traditional Gulf homes, focusing on how the villa’s original domestic features can inform its new public identity. The project aims to create a blend of exhibition, learning, and social spaces, encouraging community engagement with contemporary art beyond the conventional museum experience. Louca highlighted the foundation’s goal of fostering a sense of community and inviting visitors to engage with art and ideas.

The villa, which previously belonged to an Emirati family in the 1980s, retains elements of traditional Gulf architecture, resonating with the area’s history. The foundation plans to include a variety of spaces for seasonal events, hospitality, and outdoor gatherings, enhancing its role as a community hub.

Future Plans and Community Engagement

Khouri’s foundation will not only focus on exhibitions but also plans to host talks, lectures, and educational activities. The foundation intends to hire a curatorial team closer to its opening, aiming to develop a program that reflects both local and international perspectives. Khouri has been planning the foundation for about five years, collaborating with the Delfina Foundation in London to assess the needs of Dubai’s art scene. His decision to establish a private institution stems from his belief in the importance of nurturing a unique cultural identity in the city.

As the project progresses, Vally’s team at Counterspace will ensure that the villa’s existing structure informs the foundation’s future identity, fostering collaboration and exchange with artists and institutions both locally and globally. The foundation is expected to evolve in ways that are yet to be determined, with the aim of becoming a significant cultural landmark in Dubai.