Abu Dhabi's National Pavilion UAE Opens Call for Proposals for the 20th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice
ABU DHABI (WAM) – In an initiative poised to showcase the United Arab Emirates on an esteemed international stage, the National Pavilion UAE has officially announced an open call for proposals aimed at curating the country’s participation in the forthcoming 20th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia. This landmark event, which is set to unfold from May to November 2027, promises to bring together innovative minds from across the globe to explore architectural narratives and engage in vibrant discourse about the built environment.
This invitation is extended to architects, designers, artists, historians, and researchers who possess experiential knowledge about the UAE and the broader MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) region. The focus is on eliciting concept proposals that unveil lesser-known stories from the architectural discourse of the UAE, thus highlighting the rich cultural tapestry and distinct narrative that characterize the nation’s architectural evolution.
In a world where architecture serves not just as a physical manifestation of culture but as a narrative medium reflecting societal values and innovations, the proposals submitted should align with the overarching mission of Biennale Architettura. This esteemed global platform seeks to facilitate dialogue and exchange of ideas that are rooted in local identity while simultaneously addressing broader regional and global contexts. Each submission should weave a compelling curatorial narrative that reflects a dialogue with previous National Pavilion UAE exhibitions, fostering continuity and a sense of belonging.
Angela Migally, the Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and the Commissioner of the National Pavilion UAE, emphasized the significance of the Biennale Architettura as a crucible for critical thought, experimentation, and reflection. “This open call offers curators based in the UAE a chance to engage deeply with global architectural discourse,” said Migally. “We aim to inspire research that is not only grounded in local context but also enriches our understanding of the complexities inherent in the global built environment.”
Moreover, as part of the National Pavilion’s ongoing dedication to fostering a diverse architectural dialogue, both UAE citizens and residents, along with international applicants with pertinent regional experience, are encouraged to participate. Individuals may apply alone or as part of a team, however, it is mandatory that at least one member of a team proposal is based in the UAE. This inclusivity allows for a rich confluence of ideas, perspectives, and approaches, enhancing the quality and impact of the proposals.
Laila Binbrek, the Director of the National Pavilion UAE, reiterated the Pavilion’s commitment to being a nexus for innovative research and cultural exploration with global significance. “Each year, we expand our outreach through an international open call, inviting both global and local voices invested in the UAE to contribute to the discourse surrounding architectural practices and their role in addressing future global challenges,” stated Binbrek.
To ensure prospective applicants are well-informed and prepared to propose ideas, the National Pavilion UAE is set to host informational sessions in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These sessions will provide details about the application process, insights into the selection criteria, and an opportunity to engage directly with the Pavilion’s leadership. The precise dates for these sessions will be announced shortly.
The deadline for proposal submissions is 30th September 2025, with applications closing at midnight UAE time (GMT+4). Selected finalists will then be invited to craft full proposals for further evaluation in a secondary round of selection. Comprehensive details, as well as submission guidelines, are available on the National Pavilion UAE’s official website at http://nationalpavilionuae.org/open-call/.
As the world approaches the next decade, this initiative not only exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to architectural innovation but also brings forth an opportunity for reflection on the past, present, and future narratives that shape our built environment. The National Pavilion UAE is poised to be a significant player in the global architectural conversation, and this open call to action invites a diverse array of voices to contribute to that dialogue.
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