United Arab Emirates

Client: IMKAN Development Projects LLC
Location: Sahel Al Emarat, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Plot Size: 370 HA
Construction Cost: 15 Billion USD
Starting Date: 2019
Completion Date: 2021

 

Challenge:
AlJurf was envisioned as a seamless retreat between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, integrating residential, cultural, and ecological elements into a singular coastal development. The challenge was to preserve the natural beauty of the Sahel Al Emarat coastline while introducing modern residential and wellness-focused spaces that respect the surrounding ecosystem. Achieving a balance between luxury and environmental sensitivity was essential, ensuring that the project not only provided an exclusive experience but also upheld its role as a guardian of the landscape.

Approach:
The master planning and architectural vision were driven by the concept of coexistence between nature and refined living. Inspired by heritage and contemporary design, the development took shape around a network of gardens, nature reserves, and secluded residential clusters, offering a sanctuary of wellness and calm. The 293 villas of AlJurf Gardens were designed to blend into the landscape, incorporating earth-toned materials, natural textures, and minimal architectural interventions to ensure a harmonious relationship with the land. The community hub, centrally placed within the nature reserve, was envisioned as a space that fosters sustainability, social interaction, and cultural continuity, embodying the ethos of protecting the land while embracing the future.

Impact:
AlJurf has established itself as a new benchmark for luxury living intertwined with nature, redefining coastal development in the UAE. By preserving and enhancing rather than altering the landscape, the project fosters a legacy of sustainability and cultural appreciation, offering a timeless escape where modern living and ecological stewardship coexist. Through its careful planning and architectural vision, AlJurf ensures that the heritage of the past and the aspirations of the future are woven into a singular, breathtaking destination.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: Development of Town Planning and Survey, Sharjah
Location: Khorfakkan, Sharjah, UAE

Built-Up Area: 190,000 sq. ft
Construction Cost: 20,000,000 USD
Starting Date: January 2020
Completion Date: October 2020

Challenge:
The vision for Khorfakkan Amphitheatre was to create an architectural and cultural landmark seamlessly integrated into the mountainous landscape of Khorfakkan while maintaining a strong connection to the adjacent waterfront. The project aimed to merge the historical grandeur of Roman amphitheaters with modern amenities, ensuring both aesthetic and functional excellence in a challenging topography.

Approach:
Drawing inspiration from classical Roman amphitheaters—particularly the Amman Roman Theatre—DAO crafted a design that respects historical references while embracing modern construction techniques. The amphitheater, semi-circular in form with a diameter of 110 meters, is meticulously carved into the mountainside, creating a dramatic yet harmonious architectural expression. Its stone façades, arches, and columns reflect a dialogue between classic heritage aesthetics and Islamic architectural influences.

A key aspect of the design was the integration of advanced engineering solutions, including a state-of-the-art cooling system that ensures year-round usability, even in the UAE’s harsh climate. Strategic placement of entrances and tiered seating—extruding directly from the mountain’s natural topography—enhanced the sense of authenticity while optimizing audience sightlines. The theater also features cutting-edge audiovisual systems, elevating it beyond a performance venue into an immersive cultural experience.

Impact:
Since its completion, the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre has become a defining cultural and touristic landmark in Sharjah, contributing to the city’s evolving urban identity. Beyond serving as a venue for performances and ceremonies, it revitalized the surrounding urban fabric by enhancing waterfront accessibility and outdoor public spaces. Through a sophisticated balance of historical tribute and contemporary engineering, DAO successfully transformed a visionary idea into a functional and iconic public space that celebrates heritage while embracing modernity.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: IMKAN Development Projects LLC
Location: Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Plot Size: 78,000 sq.m
Starting Date: 2019

Challenge
Originally built as a secluded summer retreat for Sheikh Zayed in the 1970s, Jewar Al Qasr held deep cultural and environmental significance. The challenge lay in transforming this hidden sanctuary into a modern urban destination while preserving its unique atmosphere, rich vegetation, and historical essence.

Approach
DAO’s master planning approach embraced the site’s existing character, ensuring that the transformation retained its natural and historical elements. The plan positioned Jewar Al Qasr as the central anchor for a dynamic mixed-use development, integrating residential, retail, and hotel facilities with a strong connection to nature and the nearby coastline. A carefully designed harbor district was introduced, blending traditional architectural influences with contemporary urban design to create a vibrant waterfront experience.

Impact
Jewar Al Qasr now serves as a bridge between Abu Dhabi’s heritage and its future, offering a unique living and leisure environment that respects its past while embracing modern urban living. The development reinforces Ghantoot’s role as a key destination, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for sustainable, culturally rooted urban growth.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: Middle East Investment and Management Consultancy
Location: Fujairah, UAE
Plot Size: 3,796,380 sq.m
Built-Up Area: 8,000 sq.m
Starting Date: November 2018
Completion Date: January 2019

Challenge:
The master plan for three royal palaces in Fujairah required a comprehensive and culturally attuned approach, ensuring that the existing site’s prestigious landmarks, including the Sheikh’s palace, farms, and heritage village, were respected and seamlessly integrated into the new vision. The challenge was to develop a hierarchy of zones that balanced privacy, functionality, and accessibility, while ensuring that sustainability and modern construction technologies were at the forefront of the design. Additionally, achieving a distinguished architectural identity that reflects both heritage and contemporary innovation was paramount.

Approach:
Designed by Dar Al Omran – Rasem Badran (DAO-Badran), the master plan was structured into three distinct zones, each aligned with a specific level of privacy and function:

Private Zone: Included the palaces, helipad, club house, majlis, private seating areas, landscaped gardens, and a garage connected to the main palace, ensuring exclusivity and security.
Semi-Public Zone: Integrated the zoo, Sheikh’s farms, and a majlis combined with meeting and office spaces, fostering controlled social interactions within a high-end environment.
Public Zone: Encompassed a mosque, worker accommodations, jogging and cycling tracks, parks, and gardens, ensuring a strong connection between the palaces and the surrounding community.
The design philosophy, inspired by regional and cultural heritage, aimed to harmonize modern functionality with traditional aesthetics, reflecting the legacy of Fujairah while embracing cutting-edge technology. The EVG 3-D construction system was implemented for non-load-bearing walls, ensuring a lightweight structure, optimized MEP design, reduced construction time, and enhanced energy efficiency. Additionally, the master plan incorporated ESTIDAMA Pearl 2 rating sustainability principles and Feng Shui-inspired spatial organization, reinforcing a holistic approach to environmental and human well-being.

Impact:
The master plan for the Three Royal Palaces of Fujairah stands as a benchmark for integrated, sustainable, and culturally rooted planning in the UAE. By seamlessly blending heritage with modern efficiency, the project ensures a timeless and sophisticated living experience for its residents while promoting environmental responsibility and long-term resilience. Through its meticulously curated zones, innovative construction techniques, and commitment to sustainability, this development not only enhances Fujairah’s architectural landscape but also sets a precedent for future high-end master-planned communities.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: Emaar
Location: Dubai, UAE

Plot Size: 18,504 m²
Total Built-up Area: 8,375 m²
Starting Date: 2018
Completion Date: 2018

Challenge:
The Iconic Mosque at Dubai Creek Harbour was envisioned as a spiritual and architectural landmark that would stand in harmony with the ultra-modern skyline of one of Dubai’s most advanced urban developments. The challenge was to create a mosque that preserved the sanctity of traditional Islamic architecture while embracing contemporary forms and advanced construction technologies. With a capacity of 7,500 worshippers, the design needed to ensure spatial fluidity, sustainability, and a seamless interaction between worshippers and the surrounding urban landscape.

Approach:
The architectural vision was inspired by the imagery of a kneeling worshipper, symbolizing a moment of spiritual peace and connection. The mosque’s form reflects this metaphor through a sculptural approach that integrates architectural elements into a continuous, fluid geometry. The design provides a series of layered spaces that enhance the worship experience, beginning with an elevated plaza of palms that leads to a ceremonial staircase descending into the mosque’s main courtyard (Al-Sahn). This sequence of entry creates a transition from the bustling urban environment into a more meditative and sacred space.

The main prayer hall, designated for men, is visually connected to the mezzanine level for women, ensuring a sense of unity within the spiritual environment. A separate first-floor prayer hall serves as a daily mosque, providing a more intimate setting for smaller congregations. The roof, conceived as a semi-open shell adorned with parametric Islamic pattern openings, functions as both an architectural statement and a sustainable cooling element. This structure allows filtered daylight to enter, creating an interplay of light and shadow within the prayer spaces, while simultaneously enabling natural ventilation by allowing warm air to escape and cooler air to circulate.

The mosque is deeply connected to its surroundings, with an entrance plaza designed as an interactive space visually linked to the Dubai Creek Observation Tower. The spatial design encourages movement and engagement, allowing visitors and worshippers to experience the mosque as both a sacred and civic space within the urban fabric of Dubai Creek Harbour.

Impact:
The Iconic Mosque at Dubai Creek Harbour redefines contemporary Islamic architecture by seamlessly integrating modern engineering with traditional spatial principles. Its sculptural form, environmental responsiveness, and carefully orchestrated spatial experiences create a monument of faith that resonates with the urban and cultural identity of Dubai. By blending advanced construction technologies with the spiritual and cultural values of Islamic architecture, this project sets a new benchmark for the evolution of mosque design in the modern world.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: RAK Properties
Location: Ras Al Khaimah – Mina Al Arab – UAE
Plot Size: 164,741 sq.m
Built-Up Area: 67,343 sq.m
Construction Cost: 141,000,000 AED
Starting Date: February 2018
Completion Date: Ongoing

Challenge:
The Marbella Villas project was envisioned as a high-end residential community that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings while embodying the essence of contemporary Emirati living. The challenge lay in creating a cohesive architectural identity that aligns with the serene coastal landscape of Mina Al Arab and Hayat Island. The development needed to balance modernity and tradition, ensuring that the townhouses, villas, and VIP residences maintained a strong connection to the outdoor environment while offering privacy, comfort, and an elevated lifestyle.

Approach:
Guided by the philosophy of blending tradition with modernity, the design revisited the courtyard, a defining element of Emirati architecture, and reimagined it to suit contemporary living. The strategic placement of courtyards within the villas provided natural ventilation, ample daylight, and a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, creating a sense of openness while maintaining privacy. The architectural form was crafted to respond to the site’s coastal setting, ensuring that each villa and townhouse maximized views while preserving a harmonious aesthetic across the development. Modern engineering solutions were integrated into the design to enhance durability, efficiency, and sustainability, allowing the Marbella Villas to stand as a timeless addition to Ras Al Khaimah’s evolving residential landscape.

Impact:
The Marbella Villas have set a new benchmark for coastal luxury living in Ras Al Khaimah, offering residents an exclusive community that blends nature, heritage, and contemporary design. The development has enhanced the residential appeal of Mina Al Arab, attracting both homeowners and investors seeking a high-quality living environment. By thoughtfully integrating traditional elements into a modern framework, the project not only preserves cultural identity but also redefines waterfront living as a seamless connection between architecture and nature, ensuring a timeless and enriching lifestyle experience.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: Dubai Municipality
Location: Dubai, UAE

Built-up Area: 13,350 m²
Construction Cost: NA
Completion Date: 2018

Challenge:
The project aimed to establish a world-class archaeological museum in the Al Shindagha Historical District, a site of deep cultural significance. The primary challenge was to design a structure that seamlessly integrates with its historical surroundings while offering an engaging and transformative visitor experience.

Approach:
DAO conceptualized the museum as a sculptural masterpiece emerging naturally from the ground, harmonizing with the historic fabric of Al Shindagha. The design activates the fifth elevation—the roof—transforming it into a public space that offers panoramic views of Dubai Creek and its historic waterfront.

A visitor-centric approach was at the heart of the design, ensuring that the museum’s exhibits go beyond traditional displays. The storytelling techniques were crafted to create an immersive journey through Dubai’s archaeological heritage, making history accessible in an educational and inspiring manner. The museum’s spatial arrangement and exhibit design were carefully curated to facilitate a seamless flow, allowing visitors to engage with history in a compelling and interactive fashion.

Impact:
This concept envisions a landmark that not only preserves the city’s rich archaeological history but also enhances Dubai’s cultural tourism appeal. By merging contemporary architectural principles with heritage-driven storytelling, DAO has proposed a space where the past is vividly brought to life, reinforcing Dubai’s identity as a city that values both innovation and tradition.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS)
Location: Sharjah, UAE

Plot Size: 575,000 sq.m
Built-Up Area: 17,105 sq.m
Construction Cost: 149,000,000 AED
Starting Date: June 2016
Completion Date: December 2017

Challenge:
The project sought to create the first fully integrated city dedicated to people with disabilities, ensuring universal accessibility, empowerment, and dignity. The challenge was to design an inclusive urban environment that would not only accommodate but also enhance the lives of its users by integrating smart design solutions and state-of-the-art technology.

Approach:
DAO led the master planning and design, ensuring that every urban, architectural, and interior design decision reflected the principles of universal accessibility and inclusivity.

Barrier-Free Urban Design: The city integrates smooth circulation networks, sensory-friendly spaces, and adaptive architecture to provide an inclusive environment for people of all abilities.
Specialized Facilities: Spaces were designed to support education, healthcare, vocational training, and community engagement, creating a self-sustaining and empowering environment.
Smart and Sustainable Design: The use of advanced technologies and environmental sustainability strategies ensures optimal comfort and energy efficiency, reinforcing DAO’s commitment to forward-thinking urban solutions.
Community-Centric Planning: The city was designed with a human-centered approach, fostering social interaction, independence, and empowerment through carefully planned public spaces and amenities.

Impact:
The Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services stands as a landmark project in inclusive urban design, positioning Sharjah as a pioneer in accessible development. By addressing the physical, cognitive, and sensory needs of its users, DAO has successfully created a model for future humanitarian cities, reflecting a vision of equality, dignity, and empowerment for all

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United Arab Emirates

Client: Sharjah Government
Location: Sharjah, UAE
Plot Size: 193,965 sq.m
Built-Up Area: 465,000 sq.m
Construction Cost: 1.97 billion AED
Starting Date: February 2017
Completion Date: July 2017

Challenge:
Khaled Port stands as a critical gateway to Sharjah’s industrial and commercial sectors, requiring a master plan that seamlessly integrates functionality, cultural identity, and urban cohesion. The challenge was to develop a design that preserves the city’s heritage while addressing the evolving demands of modern infrastructure, economic activity, and public spaces. Additionally, the project needed to establish a strong sense of place, ensuring that its urban composition harmonized with Sharjah’s traditional architectural language and the region’s cultural lifestyle.

Approach:
Dar Al Omran – Rasem Badran (DAO-Badran) meticulously studied Sharjah’s historical and cultural context, ensuring that architectural authenticity and urban efficiency were central to the design. The master plan was structured around green courtyards, interlinking low-rise buildings to promote shaded outdoor spaces and social interaction. The use of wind towers was incorporated to provide both cultural reference and passive cooling strategies, enhancing environmental sustainability. A central spine connected the project’s elements, creating a logical and pedestrian-friendly circulation route that fostered connectivity between new developments and the existing urban fabric. The approach prioritized a blend of traditional spatial arrangements with modern functionality, ensuring cohesion between heritage and contemporary urban demands.

Impact:
Khaled Port’s redevelopment successfully redefined Sharjah’s waterfront, establishing a culturally rooted yet forward-looking urban experience. By blending heritage elements with sustainable master planning, the project reinforces Sharjah’s identity as a city that values its past while embracing the future. The integration of local architectural features, human-scale spaces, and thoughtful urban connectivity has transformed the area into a harmonious, functional, and engaging environment, ensuring that Sharjah’s historical and economic legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: Wasl
Location: Dubai – UAE

Total Built-up Area: 22,982 m² (excluding parking); Parking Area: 5,182 m²
Construction Cost: N/A
Start Date: June 2017
Completion Date: July 2017

Challenge:
The Jumeirah Gate Project was conceived amidst the challenge of creating a modern architectural icon that was both innovative and aligned with the cultural significance of the UAE. The brief required the design to provide a sense of arrival while being functional, sustainable, and deeply connected to the region’s heritage. The challenge was to balance modernity with identity, ensuring that the development stood as a landmark without overshadowing the natural and urban environment.

Approach:
The design was inspired by the UAE’s national bird, the falcon, symbolizing power, grace, and precision. The symmetrical façade, with its ‘wings’ and central entrance, creates an immediate sense of arrival, offering a dynamic, iconic representation of modernity fused with cultural symbolism. To embrace sustainability, the design incorporated modular apartment units, reducing construction costs while enhancing flexibility. The materials chosen for the project were not only durable and low-maintenance but also aligned with the principles of sustainable living, ensuring that the building would be as resilient as it is visually striking.

Impact:
The Jumeirah Gate Project stands as a beacon of innovative leadership in architectural design, harmonizing modern minimalism with regional cultural identity. It successfully reduces constructability costs while maintaining high standards of sustainability and design excellence. This project not only enhances the urban landscape of Dubai but also serves as a model of efficiency and aesthetic coherence, contributing to a more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready community. Through its elegant form and careful planning, the project underscores the importance of integrating sustainability with cutting-edge design to create a lasting impact.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS)
Location: Sharjah – UAE

Plot Size: 575,000 sq.m
Total Built-up Area: 17,105 sq.m
Construction Cost: 149,000,000 AED
Start Date: June 2016
Completion Date: December 2017

Challenge:
SCHS required the creation of a comprehensive and inclusive city designed specifically to serve individuals with disabilities. The project needed to address key issues such as accessibility, safety, empowerment, and universal design standards, all while blending functionality and aesthetics. Moreover, the project aimed to set a precedent as a fully integrated environment for people with disabilities, pushing the boundaries of traditional urban and architectural design.

Approach:
Through master planning, architectural, and engineering design services, Dar Al Omran worked collaboratively with affiliate partners to produce an innovative, inclusive urban environment. The design integrated smart solutions, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to optimize space utilization. Universal accessibility was woven into every aspect of the design, ensuring that each element supported equality, dignity, and empowerment. The planning and design process included strategies for accommodating diverse needs while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic and practical framework. This holistic approach not only addressed technical requirements but also exceeded client expectations by creating a model environment that promotes inclusion and accessibility.

Impact:
The completed Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services stands as a pioneering example of inclusive design, making Dar Al Omran the first Middle Eastern consultant to deliver such an integrated city for individuals with disabilities. The project’s innovative design approach and successful implementation have set a new standard for universal accessibility in the region. It provides a dignified, empowering environment where all individuals can thrive, demonstrating how creative planning and cutting-edge technology can redefine what it means to build for inclusion.

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United Arab Emirates

Client: Union Coop
Location: Khwaneej – UAE
Plot Size: 18,400 m²
Built-Up Area: 186,000 m²
Construction Cost: 780,000,000 AED
Starting Date: July 2016
Completion Date: July 2016
Affiliation: N/A

Challenge:
The Al Khawaneej Center project faced the challenge of designing a commercial hub that not only meets the growing needs of the local community but also reflects the spirit of modern shopping while maintaining flexibility for various uses. The unique triangular site presented its own geometric constraints, requiring a design that both respected the land’s shape and allowed for a harmonious relationship between interior and exterior spaces. In addition, the project needed to cater to multiple functions, including a hypermarket, investment floors, and specialty clinics, all while ensuring the design remained efficient and adaptable to evolving needs.

Approach:
The design took a dynamic approach to overcoming the constraints of the triangular plot by embracing fluid curves, a powerful visual language that communicates openness and adaptability. This design choice reflects the flexibility and spirit of the commercial space, which aims to cater to both traditional retail functions and innovative, multi-functional uses such as offices and clinics. The center’s layout establishes a seamless flow between the interior and exterior, balancing the need for privacy in different zones with open, inviting spaces. By incorporating modern systems and technologies, the design ensures the mall meets both the demands of today’s shoppers and the long-term vision of Union Coop. Moreover, the integration of clear functional separations allows for optimal use of space, ensuring efficiency and profitability while maintaining a high standard of usability.

Impact:
The Al Khawaneej Center stands as a model for modern commercial centers that blend cultural vibrancy with functional excellence. By creating an adaptive space that serves both everyday retail needs and long-term investment opportunities, the center enhances the experience for visitors while contributing to the economic and social vibrancy of the Khawaneej area. The flexibility built into the design allows the space to grow and evolve with the changing needs of the community, positioning the center as a sustainable, dynamic addition to the region. Furthermore, the project embodies Union Coop’s vision of becoming the preferred destination for shopping while providing a blueprint for future developments in the area.

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