As the skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi soar higher with every passing year, the UAE continues to cement its place as a global hub of innovation, development, and architectural ambition. Yet amid this rapid transformation, architect engineer Abbas Sherif Alaskari is raising a vital, and often uncomfortable, question:
In the rush to build, are we burying our cultural identity under layers of steel and concrete?
Known for his balanced approach to design—where modern innovation meets traditional Emirati values—Abbas has emerged as a leading voice in a growing movement calling for more culturally conscious urban development.
“We are building some of the most advanced cities in the world,” Abbas says. “But what makes a city liveable and lovable is not just its infrastructure—it’s its identity. Without culture, a city is just concrete.”
The Cultural Cost of Speed
The UAE’s urban development has been one of the fastest in modern history. In just a few decades, cities have evolved from quiet coastal towns into futuristic metropolises. But Abbas warns that this speed, while impressive, comes with hidden costs—chief among them, the erosion of local character.
Many new developments are dominated by international design trends, luxury branding, and global architectural templates. Shopping malls, residential towers, and office parks often look striking—but could easily belong to any global city. “We’re creating world-class structures,” Abbas says, “but how many of them tell the story of our world?”
Heritage Isn’t a Design Element—It’s a Foundation
Abbas believes that culture should not be reduced to surface details like decorative motifs or token references to tradition. Instead, it should form the foundation of how neighborhoods are planned, how buildings function, and how people interact with their environment.
For example, the Emirati tradition of majlis-based living—which encourages community and hospitality—can inform urban layouts that promote shared spaces and public gathering. The use of courtyards, shaded alleys, and natural ventilation—all features of historic Emirati architecture—are not only culturally resonant but environmentally sustainable.
“Our ancestors built with climate, community, and culture in mind,” Abbas says. “That’s real design wisdom—and it’s still relevant today.”
Urban Identity in a Globalized World
With a flood of international architects and developers shaping the modern UAE, maintaining a sense of national identity has become more challenging. Abbas does not reject international collaboration, but he insists that local voices and values must guide the process.
“It’s not about saying no to modernity,” he explains. “It’s about ensuring that the future we’re building still feels like home to the people who live here.”
He calls for more Emirati-led planning, heritage-based zoning, and urban design that encourages interaction with local arts, crafts, and traditions—not just in tourist districts, but in everyday neighborhoods.
A New Kind of Progress
To Abbas, true progress means designing cities that are inclusive, meaningful, and rooted in place. He envisions urban spaces where smart technology, sustainability, and heritage all coexist—where a child can learn about their country’s past just by walking through their community.
Some of his recent projects, like a cultural center in Abu Dhabi and a smart eco-resort in Ras Al Khaimah, put these ideals into action. These spaces don't just serve functional needs—they narrate the story of the UAE, from its desert origins to its digital future.
The Concrete Dilemma
While concrete symbolizes strength and progress, Abbas sees it as a metaphor too—a material that, if used without cultural intent, can suffocate the spirit of a place.
“Culture can survive concrete,” he says, “but only if we design with purpose. We have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to ensure that our buildings don’t just change skylines, but carry the soul of the land.”
In a time when cities around the world are losing their uniqueness to uniform development, Abbas Sherif Alaskari offers a powerful reminder: Build boldly—but never forget who you are building for.
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