Venice: Ms. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, visited the “Aridly Abundant” exhibition held at the UAE National Pavilion at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia.
During her tour of the exhibition curated by Mr. Faysal Tabbarah, Ms. Al Kaabi received a briefing on the artwork and exhibits that showcased the architectural potential of envisioning arid landscapes as spaces of abundance. This exploration emphasised the integration of traditional knowledge of the land and modern technology within the arid landscapes of the UAE, with a particular focus on the desert plateau, wadis, and coastal plains in and around the Al Hajar Mountains.
The UAE Pavilion has successfully showcased the country’s unique creative sector while promoting our values and vision across various fields during the International Architecture Exhibitions at La Biennale di Venezia. Over the past 12 years, through high-quality exhibitions, we have shared the stories of the UAE and captured the world’s attention, drawing attention to our accomplishments.
Ms. Noura Al Kaabi shared.
For the 2023 exhibition, the UAE National Pavilion addresses the misconception that arid spaces are spaces of scarcity. The exhibition highlights thriving ecosystems that have always been present in the UAE and its surrounding areas, supported by land-based practices developed by inhabitants who understood and cherished the particularities of the land.
The exhibition further aims to bring these practices to the forefront as climatic conditions exacerbate the challenges associated with aridity around the globe. These practices have successfully supported life in water-scarce environments and can be adapted to other contexts, relieving the strain on natural resources and slowing the degradation of land.
Mr. Faysal Tabbarah, who was chosen as this year’s curator through an open call, worked on this project with his curatorial research team, consisting of American University of Sharjah (AUS) alumni. The UAE National Pavilion is commissioned by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, with a permanent pavilion at the Venice Biennale’s Arsenale-Sale d’Armi.