United Arab Emirates University

Al Ain, U.A.E.

Arthur Erickson Architects

As part of an international design competition for the United Arab Emirates University, the 25,500 m2 (274,500 sf) Conference Center is situated off the main arrival court, across from the central Mosque.

At three stories in height, the center contains two main assembly halls: an octagonal auditorium with over 4,000 seats, and a semi-circular conference hall with 1,300 seats. Grouped around the back of the hall are two committee rooms, each seating 300 people.

These two volumes are separated by a generous multi-level foyer which wraps around them. A roof garden covers the space between the stepping roof forms of the two main assembly volumes.

In accordance with Muslim tradition, provision is made in the center, as in the rest of the campus, for male and female segregation.