We created a landmark space for a landmark event
UAE 50th National Day – National Projects Office
BRIEF
Celebrate the 50th UAE National Day with a five-star bespoke experience
Bringing the whole nation together the biggest UAE National Day experience to date was to take place at the stunning Hatta Dam, in the breathtaking Hajar Mountains. We led on the design and build of the guest experience and operations.
APPROACH
We imagined an elegant floating majlis for a VIP experience
Hatta Dam was one of the most challenging locations we had ever worked in. Conceiving this project took time, patience, out-of-the-box thinking, and a world-class team.
But our experience-first approach, culture of collaboration and meticulous attention to detail allowed us to design an elegant floating majlis on Hatta Dam with a true VIP experience.
DESIGN + BUILD
In a location as beautiful and unique as Hatta, it was important we designed a space that complemented its surroundings without distracting from them, and that the natural space remained undamaged by the structure.
Celebrating the Landscape
We made the environment the hero by designing windows, openings, structures and spaces that guided the eye across the scenery.
Designing With Light
To keep this megastructure from feeling too heavy, we incorporated skylights that gave the feeling of being outdoors even when inside.
EXPERIENCE
Bringing refined luxury to a remote destination, we created a versatile space of exceptional beauty, tranquility and comfort.
A Space for Everything
The first use of the majlis was to seat a gathering of 300 VIPs. After this, it was easily transformed into a retail space hosting shows and activities for the next 10 days.
A Luxury Experience
Because we handled everything from design, build and finish to the VIP experience, guest services, store operations and ticketing, we were able to ensure a first-class experience for attendees throughout the event.
Honouring Tradition, Welcoming Innovation
With a world-class team of designers and architects, we created a space that both honoured Emirati tradition and offered a cutting-edge contemporary environment.
1,200 personnel onsite on any given day
2,700+ sqm of guest front of house spaces
6,400+ sqm of crew back of house spaces
300 VIPs including all seven of the UAE’s ruling leaders
