Abu Dhabi: The National Pavilion UAE has initiated an open call inviting architects, designers, artists, historians, and researchers to propose concepts for the United Arab Emirates' Pavilion at the 20th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia. Scheduled from May to November 2027 in Venice, Italy, this prestigious event seeks to explore untold narratives within the UAE's architectural milieu.
According to Emirates News Agency, the call is open to individuals and teams with experience in the UAE or the broader MENASA region. Proposals should align with the Biennale Architettura's mission to foster global idea exchange, providing a curatorial narrative that integrates local, regional, and global contexts while engaging with the legacy of previous UAE exhibitions.
Eligible applicants include UAE citizens and residents, as well as international participants with relevant regional experience. While non-UAE residents can apply, team proposals require at least one UAE-based member. Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and Commissioner of the National Pavilion UAE, emphasized the Biennale as a platform for rigorous thought, encouraging UAE-based curators to engage with global architectural discourse through locally grounded research.
Laila Binbrek, Director of the National Pavilion UAE, highlighted the pavilion's role in fostering innovative research and cultural exploration with global relevance. The initiative invites both global and local perspectives to contribute to the discourse on architectural practices and their future challenges.
Information sessions for applicants will be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with dates to be announced. The application deadline is midnight UAE time (GMT+4) on 30th September 2025. Finalists will be invited to submit comprehensive proposals in a subsequent selection round. Further details and submission guidelines are accessible at http://nationalpavilionuae.org/open-call/.