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As part of a small group of internationally-recognized firms invited to provide proposals, RNL submitted a competition entry for a mixed-use project entitled Zayed Sports City. Overlooking the largest soccer stadium in the Middle East, Zayed Sports City is intended to become an world-class resort and recreational complex attracting a range of sophisticated regional and international visitors. The complex will include 5-star luxury hotel, a 4-star sports-oriented hotel, a waterside boutique hotel, a retail and entertainment complex, as well as a combined office/serviced-apartment tower. The project will act as a gateway to the Emirate, with a floating cloud-like canopy and dramatic pedestrian bridge arching over the roadway and connecting both sides of the site.

Three key themes defined RNL’s design strategies that were intended to create a coherent whole out of the complex program requirements and a split site. First, critical regionalism, an architecture that combines the best qualities of modern architecture with a deep respect for the sense of place, history and culture of Abu Dhabi. Second, shade strategies were utilized to create livable places by transforming the otherwise harsh natural light into a wide range of beautiful shaded spaces. Finally, RNL employed water strategies, which are essential to living well in the desert climate.