The UAE and the wider Gulf region are among the most dynamic architectural landscapes in the world today. From the soaring towers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the carefully considered cultural institutions rising across Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the region has become a hub for experimentation, innovation, and bold statements in the built environment. Architecture here is more than the creation of spaces; it is a reflection of identity, ambition, and heritage.

BIG Reveals Visionary New Dubai Masterplan Transforming Jebel Ali Racecourse District
Discover Bjarke Ingels Group's (BIG) groundbreaking New Dubai Masterplan, redefining urban living with eight walkable neighborhoods, sustainability-focused design, and a central park at its heart.

Binghatti Flare: Twin Towers Redefining Residential Living in Jumeirah Village Triangle
Discover Binghatti Flare, a striking twin-tower residential project in Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai. Featuring studios to 4-bedroom apartments, modern architecture, smart-home technology, panoramic views, and premium lifestyle amenities. Completion in 2027.

Riyadh Tower
Discover Riyadh Tower, a sustainable mixed-use development blending cultural heritage and contemporary design to shape Saudi Arabia’s urban future.

Zayed National Museum: A Monument to Heritage and Vision Opens in December 2025
Opening December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District, the Zayed National Museum will be the national museum of the UAE—honouring Sheikh Zayed’s legacy through architecture, heritage, and world-class exhibitions.

Lumena by OMNIYAT
Discover Lumena by OMNIYAT, a groundbreaking commercial tower in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa District. Blending architectural elegance with biophilic design and five-star amenities, Lumena sets a new standard for the future of work.

House of Courtyards: A Vernacular Architectural Landmark Reimagining Dubai’s Desert Heritage
Explore how Studio VDGA’s House of Courtyards reimagines traditional Emirati architecture in Dubai. A climate-responsive villa that fuses cultural heritage with contemporary desert design and sustainable principles.

The World’s Tallest Train Station Rises Over Dubai’s Metro Blue Line
Discover the record-breaking architecture of Dubai’s new Emaar Properties Station—the world’s tallest train station—set to open in 2029 as part of the £3.6 billion Metro Blue Line expansion. Designed by SOM, the visionary transport hub will redefine urban infrastructure through innovation, sustainability, and iconic design.

Regent Residences Dubai: A Sculptural Addition to the Business Bay Skyline
Discover Regent Residences Dubai — twin 180-metre skyscrapers by Foster + Partners featuring cascading pools, panoramic Burj Khalifa views, and a dramatic penthouse sky bridge in Business Bay.

Oman Across Ages Museum: A Monument to Time and Transformation
Discover the architectural marvel of the Oman Across Ages Museum in Nizwa — a cultural landmark blending dramatic landscape-inspired design with cutting-edge sustainability and immersive visitor experiences.

Muraba Veil by RCR Arquitectes: A Sculptural Statement in the Dubai Skyline
Discover Muraba Veil, a 380-metre-tall ultra-slim skyscraper by Pritzker Prize-winners RCR Arquitectes. Wrapped in a stainless steel mesh and inspired by Arabian courtyard design, this Dubai Canal tower blends architectural innovation with cultural heritage.

A New Icon on Dubai’s Horizon: Shaun Killa’s Architectural Vision for Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
At the meeting point of land and sea, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab emerges as Dubai’s latest architectural icon—an elegant, yacht-inspired masterpiece designed by visionary architect Shaun Killa. Completing the nautical trilogy alongside Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the structure’s fluid form, sustainable innovations, and understated elegance mark a new chapter for the city’s celebrated skyline.
Dubai Art Museum: A Pioneering Fusion of Architecture and Culture
The Dubai Art Museum, a concept created by Kalbod Design Studio, stands as an architectural marvel that artfully merges innovation, sustainability, and artistic vision. This revolutionary initiative not only transforms museum architecture but also reinforces Dubai’s status as a premier cultural centre.

Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi: Frank Gehry’s Visionary Architectural Masterpiece
The Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi aims to become one of the world’s leading cultural institutions, showcasing an ambitious vision for the future of art and design. Situated in the Saadiyat Cultural District, this eagerly awaited project intends to transform the museum experience by merging cutting-edge architecture with a progressive curatorial program.

The Zayed National Museum: A Visionary Design by Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners presents the stunning designs for the Zayed National Museum, a landmark cultural institution currently under construction on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Named after the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the museum will stand as a tribute to the country’s history, culture, and heritage.

Oppenheim Architecture: Desert Rock
Desert Rock, an extraordinary luxury hospitality destination, has officially opened its doors. Oppenheim Architecture has envisioned and crafted this innovative project, situated among Saudi Arabia's ancient mountains, in close collaboration with developer Red Sea Global.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi
Forming part of Abu Dhabi's cultural district on Saadiyat Island, it is only fitting that the architecture housing relics and artefacts from the Western and Eastern worlds is an icon in itself. French architect Jean Nouvel designed the structure as a floating dome, protecting a complex of white cuboid structures underneath.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
When visiting Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is often high on the list of places to visit. It is easy to see why, as the largest mosque in the country, it is an architectural icon. People visit from across the globe not only to admire the mesmerising domes and towering minarets but also to learn more about Arab culture, life and religion.
At Martyn White UAE, the Architecture section celebrates this ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity. It highlights projects that not only shape the skyline but also speak to deeper cultural narratives, whether through references to Islamic geometry, the use of local materials, or the integration of cutting-edge sustainable technologies. The Gulf is increasingly recognised as a centre for progressive design, where internationally renowned firms work alongside regional studios to produce architecture that resonates both locally and globally.
Across the Emirates, architectural design takes many forms. Landmark towers such as the Burj Khalifa have established Dubai as a symbol of global ambition, while projects like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, demonstrate how international architects can collaborate meaningfully with regional identity. Beyond the monumental, there is also a growing emphasis on human-scale projects: boutique hotels, cultural centres, community spaces, and residential architecture that prioritise livability, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
In Saudi Arabia, projects like Qiddiya, NEOM, and The Red Sea development showcase the country’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in future-focused urban planning. Qatar continues to invest in cultural architecture, with the National Museum of Qatar by Jean Nouvel and stadiums designed for the FIFA World Cup leaving a lasting legacy. Meanwhile, emerging studios across the Gulf are contributing to a broader conversation on how architecture can respond to climate, culture, and community in ways that feel authentic and progressive.
This section of Martyn White UAE is dedicated to exploring these stories. Each feature is written to provide insight into the design process, the cultural significance of the project, and the role of architecture in shaping the evolving identity of the Gulf region. From monumental civic landmarks to experimental private residences, our coverage aims to inspire readers while offering a critical lens on how architecture defines place.
By showcasing the diversity of architectural practice across the UAE and surrounding Gulf states, this platform highlights the region’s importance within the global design narrative. Here, architecture is not only about form and function but also about storytelling, vision, and the future of urban living.
For Brands and Collaborations
If you are an architectural practice, design studio, or brand working in the UAE or wider Gulf region and would like your work to be featured on Martyn White UAE, we would love to hear from you. Our Architecture section is curated to spotlight projects that combine design excellence with cultural and environmental relevance.
To be considered for inclusion, please reach out via our contact form with details about your project, press materials, or imagery. Every submission is carefully reviewed to ensure alignment with our editorial focus, with selected projects featured as part of our commitment to showcasing the most inspiring architecture across the region.