ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
In conjunction with its Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2026, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has launched the Desert by Design Competition for Desert Architecture and Urbanism Al Ain Edition 2026.
The competition places Al Ain Region at the heart of the design challenge, drawing inspiration from its environmental diversity, cultural richness, and urban heritage.
It invites students from higher education institutions across the UAE, and professionals, to develop proposals that respond to the region’s natural environment and climate, draw on its cultural roots, and anticipate its future needs and aspirations.
Prof Mohamed Al Marzouqi, Dean of the College of Engineering, said: “Al Ain Region has an distinctive character shaped over a long history, giving it a well-established cultural, urban, and environmental character.
"Through the Desert by Design Competition, we aspire to provide students and professionals with a platform to present visions inspired by this distinctive character, expressed through a contemporary architectural language capable of responding to future aspirations.
“The competition reflects the college’s commitment to connecting academic knowledge with community and environmental issues."
The Desert by Design competition is built around key themes including culture, heritage, climate, public realm, and future urban aspirations.
The competition features two categories: Students and Early-Career Professionals. Eligible disciplines include architecture, architectural engineering, urbanism, urban design, planning, landscape architecture, interior design, engineering, sustainability, and other related fields.
Participation is open to students enrolled in, or graduates of, higher education institutions in the UAE.
The competition offers prizes with a total value of Dh320,000.
Registration and participation are free of charge, with the aim of encouraging talent and attracting creative ideas and visions from across relevant disciplines.
Registration will remain open until 4 October 2026, with submissions due by 20 October 2026.
Jury evaluation will take place during October, culminating in an awards ceremony and exhibition on November 2026.