Participants must select one of the two official competition sites provided for this competition. Proposals must be developed within the boundaries of one of the designated sites and should demonstrate a strong understanding of the cultural, environmental, historical, and urban context of Al Ain.
Participants may analyze the broader Al Ain Oasis, heritage districts, urban fabric, and landscape systems to support their design approach; however, the proposed intervention must be located within one of the official competition sites. Alternative self-selected sites are not permitted.
Site 1 – Al Ain Oasis Edge Redevelopment Area
This site is located within the recently expanded redevelopment boundary under the Eagle Hills planning framework and has historically been identified for the development of a traditional souq and heritage marketplace. The site offers a unique opportunity to create a destination that celebrates Al Ain’s cultural identity while strengthening the relationship between heritage, tourism, community activities, and economic development.
Site 2 – Al Rubainah Cultural Destination Site
This prominent site offers the potential to accommodate a cultural destination, landmark, or hub that complements the Al Ain Oasis setting and reinforces the city's cultural identity. Proposals should consider how the development can contribute to cultural engagement, visitor experience, heritage interpretation, and the broader vision for Al Ain as a UNESCO-recognized heritage city.
Site Considerations
Both official sites should be treated with cultural, environmental, and contextual sensitivity. Proposals are encouraged to:
"Non-compliant site choice"
Submissions located outside the designated official competition sites, based on self-selected
alternative locations, generic plots, or city-wide masterplans without a site-specific
intervention within one of the official sites, may be considered non-compliant and
may not be eligible for evaluation.
