UAE Invites Proposals For Pavilion Design At La Biennale Di Venezia 2027

The National Pavilion UAE has announced an open call for proposals to curate the UAE’s Pavilion at the 20th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia. This event is scheduled from May to November 2027 in Venice, Italy. The call targets architects, designers, artists, historians, and researchers with experience in the UAE or the broader MENASA region.

Proposals should align with the Biennale Architettura’s mission as a global platform for idea exchange. They must present a compelling narrative rooted in local, regional, and global contexts while engaging with past National Pavilion UAE exhibitions. The aim is to tell an untold story from the UAE's architectural discourse.

Eligible applicants include UAE citizens and residents, as well as international candidates with relevant regional experience. Applications are open to individuals or teams, but team proposals require at least one member based in the UAE. Non-UAE residents can also apply.

Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and Commissioner of the National Pavilion UAE, remarked that this open call offers curators in the UAE a chance to engage with global architectural discourse through research grounded in local context. She emphasised its role in addressing complexities of built environments both locally and globally.

Laila Binbrek, Director of the National Pavilion UAE, highlighted their ongoing commitment to fostering innovative research and cultural exploration from the UAE with global relevance. Each year they extend their outreach through an international open call, inviting both global and local voices invested in the UAE to contribute to discussions on architectural practices and future global challenges.

The National Pavilion UAE plans to hold information sessions for interested applicants in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Dates for these sessions will be announced soon. This initiative aims to provide guidance and support for potential applicants.

Submission Guidelines

The deadline for applications is midnight UAE time (GMT+4) on 30th September 2025. Selected finalists will proceed to submit a full proposal during the second round of selection. Detailed submission guidelines are available on their official website.

This opportunity encourages diverse perspectives on architecture within a global context while maintaining a strong connection to local narratives. It seeks innovative ideas that reflect both regional heritage and contemporary challenges.

With inputs from WAM