Entrant: Al-Futtaim Carillion
Project owner: Tourism Development & Investment Company
Project contractor: Al-Futtaim Carillion
Engineering consultant: GHD Global
Architect: Foster & Partners

Description: Designed by Foster & Partners for the UAE’s representation at the 2010 World Expo in Shangai, the UAE Pavilion is an iconic structure that has been executed with finesse. The pavilion comprises two rippling, golden, dune-shaped peaks that echo the sands of the country’s deserts, with the tallest peak reaching a height of 20 metres. The entire structure was created using a demountable design so that it could be dissembled and shipped back to its current location, the UAE.

This replacement plan was a logistical challenge as the UAE Pavilion consists of 4,880 structural steel parts, 9,750 cladding sheets and more than 20,000 cladding support units, not to mention a roof measuring 6,000 square metres. The building is now located on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, and is used to host local and international events.