Mina Zayed Fisherman's Wharf

Expanding Abu Dhabi’s port heritage through interiors rooted in local tradition and everyday memory.

External render of a seaport with warehouses and cargo areas

The project is located along the shore of Mina Zayed, which once served as the heart of Abu Dhabi’s trading and maritime culture. It reconnects the city with its legacy as a port, where markets, exchange, and crafts shaped daily life. The design reflects this history with clarity and care.

The architecture takes inspiration from traditional Emirati forms without copying them. Smooth plaster walls, rough-cut stone, and dark metal accents create a material palette that feels both solid and open. Construction methods are modified rather than imitated, showing a commitment to proportion and honest materials.

Internal render of the general food court area, with restaurants, lounge area and palm trees

Interior render entry with shops and vintage car

Interior render open plan restaurant with decorative lights

The interiors capture the essence of the souk. They translate its rhythm into the layout and its sense of exchange into the atmosphere. Spaces are structured yet fluid, allowing for movement, interaction, and rest. The feeling is genuine, not themed.

“A contemporary space shaped by the rhythm of markets and the memory of the port.”

Subtle references to seafaring culture are present. The textures, colors, and scale of the project reflect the journeys of sailors and merchants who played a role in the city’s early development. While these figures remain unnamed, their influence is felt in how the space is designed and used.

Interior render of a prayer room, with carpet and a vintage chair on the wall and Mihrab

This is not just about preservation; it is about participation. The design respects local heritage while creating something relevant and functional. In doing so, it positions Mina Zayed not as a memory, but as an important part of the city’s future.

Open area between small open pavilions and palm trees

Entry with shops and small vintage motorcycle

Open market, lounge area and restaurants

Inspiration and Use of Reference Imagery

Our work draws inspiration from the world around us, including urban environments, digital platforms, social media, and other publication and or accessible sources. We make every reasonable effort to identify and credit original authors and creators where possible. In cases where the original source cannot be determined, this is entirely unintentional. All mood boards and reference imagery are used strictly for internal inspiration to help define the atmosphere, tone, and conceptual direction. We do not intend to replicate, copy, or otherwise infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any author, artist, or creator. Such images are not used for commercial purposes, but solely as non-commercial visual references to guide our creative process.