Martin

The National Theatre of Bahrain is a waterfront building complex situated in Manama next to the Bahrain National Museum, and consists of a main 1001-seat auditorium and a smaller 150-seat flexible studio theatre. Opened on 12 November 2012 and costing $50 million, the theatre encompasses an area of 11,869 square metres (127,760 sq ft) making it the third largest theatre in the Middle East.

The UAE’s latest cultural landmark, Dubai Frame is an iconic structure that ‘frames’ impressive views of Old and New Dubai, while serving as a metaphorical bridge connecting the emirate’s rich past with its magnificent present. Offering spectacular panoramic views across the city, Dubai Frame celebrates the story of Dubai from its early establishment to its ambitious plans for future development. Launched in January 2018, the project comprises a 150-metre-high, 93-meter-wide structure being built to resemble a huge picture frame, through which landmarks representing modern Dubai such as Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa can be seen on one side, while from the other side, visitors can view older parts of the city such as Deira, Umm Harare and Karama. Exterior design of Dubai Frame was inspired from the logo of EXPO2020. Dubai Frame is world's largest picture frame by Guinness World Records. (Tripadvisor.com)

Celebrations in Sharjah – this year’s UNESCO World Book Capital – kicked-off with the unveiling of The Scroll, a new piece of public art by British sculptor Gerry Judah. The opening event also revealed designs for the new House of Wisdom – an iconic library and cultural centre that seeks to be the catalyst for a new cultural quarter in the city. Both projects are being developed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). (https://www.architectmagazine.com/)

Meliha Archaeological Centre is a visitor centre and exhibition based around the history and archaeology of the areas surrounding the village of Mleiha in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates. Built around a preserved Umm Al Nar era tomb, the centre details the excavations and discoveries made over the past 40 years at Mleiha and surrounding areas (including Al Thuqeibah, Jebel Faya, Al Madam and Jebel Buhais), particularly the important Faya North East find, which provides evidence that 'anatomically modern humans' were in the Mleiha area between 130,000 and 120,000 years ago. These finds point to the spread of humanity from Africa across the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf region, and onward to populate the world through Iran, India, Europe and Asia.

British architectural firm Hopkins Architects has completed the Buhais Geology Park Interpretative Centre, a new research and education facility highlighting the “prehistoric and geological significance” of the former seabed known as al-Madam Plain, located southeast of the UAE city of Sharjah.

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel, The United Arab Emirates

The Al- Khalefeyah Library project is situated in the old city centre of Muharraq and is the reconstruction of the original Khalefeyah Library, which was one of the first public libraries to be built in Bahrain. The library will be rebuilt on its original location and is designed by the Dutch firm SeARCH bv in collaboration with the Bahrain- based architects PAD. Since, the original footprint of the library is currently half-occupied by a road extension, the building has been designed on half the existing footprint and stretches vertically over the three levels that cantilever to recall the original footprint of the building. The building will accommodate a reading area, a research center, an inet lab as well as offices and will be open to the public, and provide a public and cultural program targeted at the youth in the heart of Muharraq. ( http://culture.gov.bh/en/authority/projects/Al-KhalefeyahLibrary/ )

Anish Kapoor, My Red Homeland, 2003. Wax, oil-based paint, motor, and steel. Diameter: 12 m, height variable. Edition 1/1, 1 A.P. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. © Anish Kapoor

Wahat Al Karama, a 46,000 square meter site located directly opposite from the world-famous Shekih Zayed Grand Mosque in the capital, is a home to a permanent memorial to the United Arab Emirates' heroes - soldiers, police, diplomats and civilians - who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country since the time of its founding in 1971.
Behind the design of the Memorial is British artist Idris Khan. Born in the UK, Idris has already received international acclaim for his minimal yet emotionally charged photographs, videos and sculptures.

Designed by CAP Chalabi Architekten & Partner, the (SZDLC) is the first building in the United Arab Emirates to earn an Estidama rating of five pearls as well as LEED Platinum certification.
With 1,000,000 visitors per year, the Center incorporates interpretive media, stylized sculptures, specimen collections and a large-scale theatre resulting in an educational landmark for sustainability that allows visitors to experience and build relationships with their surroundings.
The SZDLC has energy efficient, full cut-off lighting that protects the night sky, minimizes light trespass and uses only 48% of the allowable power output.
Overall water demand has been reduced by 59% with the incorporation of native plantings, drip irrigation, rain sensors and the non-irrigation of natural habitats.
In addition to construction jobs created and the use of locally sourced materials, the 137% increase in tourism and creation of nearly 500 permanent jobs at the Al Ain Zoo provide positive economic benefits.
Incorporation of high-albedo materials and shading strategies reduces the heat island effect by 99%.
While conducting valuable research to ensure their future survival, threatened and endangered species are being preserved within a natural context.