Abu Dhabi Flamingo
Visitor Center

Competition introduction

Competition organisers

In Partnership With

The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi is home to a vibrance of wildlife, the most famous of which are its flamingo population. The magnificent waves of pink flock to the reserve every autumn to spend the cooler winter months residing in the wetlands until spring, as many as 4,000 at a time.


(left) Abu Dhabi - Capital of the United Arab Emirates; (right) Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

Flamingos in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve © Syed Mohsin, © Ahmed Aldhaheri
The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center competition is the second in a series set in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve; following the success of the Flamingo Observation Tower competition, in partnership with EAD (Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi).

For the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center competition, participants are tasked with creating designs for a new visitor centre for the wetland reserve that is in keeping with Al Wathba’s unique environment.

The visitor centre would need to provide a few key facilities such as an information centre with a small cafe, terrace, souvenir shop, display area for specimens, training center, toilets and a car park.


 © Manny Fajutag

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) is interested in constructing Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center, as such winning designs will need to strike a balance between bold and sensitive aesthetics, allowing the center to fit into the natural surroundings while at the same time having the potential to become an iconic landmark in its own right.

Download full competition brief for more information!

Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English