The United Arab Emirates is preparing to unveil its impressive participation in the 19th International Architecture Biennale in Venice, scheduled to take place in just ten days.
The country’s national pavilion will feature an innovative exhibition titled “On a Low Flame,” exploring profound architectural and cultural themes, presented by Izzah Abu Alam, an assessed architect and assistant professor at Zayed University, as well as a co-founder and research director at Holosum Studio.
In alignment with the “Year of Community” initiative in the UAE, aimed at fostering values of solidarity, collaboration, and social responsibility, the forthcoming representation at the Venice Biennale 2025 carries even greater significance.
Through the exhibition “On a Low Flame,” the national pavilion not only highlights innovative architectural solutions to food and environmental challenges but also embodies the nation’s commitment to raising community awareness regarding the importance of sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. This participation emphasizes the crucial role of architecture in serving society and achieving sustainable development.
The UAE national pavilion will welcome visitors to its permanent space at the Arsenale – Sale d’Armi in Venice from May 10 to November 23, 2025. A preview opening is scheduled for May 8 and 9.
Commenting on the importance of this participation, Layla Bin Brick, director of the UAE’s national pavilion, stated: “With the support of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, the exhibition ‘On a Low Flame’ reflects a spectrum of objectives from the ‘Year of Community’ on the international stage at the Venice Biennale, by unlocking the potential of individuals and communities, nurturing talent, and encouraging innovation across various fields to achieve comprehensive growth and sustainable positive impact.”
Layla Bin Brick further remarked: “The UAE is committed to playing an active and influential role at the Venice Biennale, this prestigious international event that brings together a select group of thinkers and creators in the architectural field. Through the exhibition ‘On a Low Flame,’ we aim to present a contemporary vision that showcases unique aspects of the UAE’s architectural and cultural landscape and the creativity of its community, aspiring to enrich global dialogue concerning the future of architecture and food production.”
Expertise and Awareness
Concluding her remarks, Layla Bin Brick stated: “We look forward to merging architectural expertise with environmental awareness through the exhibition ‘On a Low Flame’ to create agricultural homes that not only produce food but are also in perfect harmony with their surrounding nature.
This collaboration may result in innovative designs that utilize sustainable materials, rely on renewable energy sources, and integrate modern technologies for efficient water use and agricultural waste management. Furthermore, these agricultural homes could evolve into educational models and community centers that promote awareness about sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.”
The UAE’s involvement in the Venice Biennale serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing global cultural and architectural dialogue, showcasing the country’s significant contributions to this vital field. The UAE national pavilion was commissioned by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Culture, with a permanent installation at the Venice Biennale.