Preserving Heritage Through Sustainable Community Architecture
The Majalis Programme is a landmark, government-led initiative in Abu Dhabi aimed at creating a network of community gathering spaces rooted in Emirati tradition. The Majlis has long served as a central place for social, cultural, and family interaction, and this programme re-imagines that role within a contemporary urban context.
Spanning multiple districts—including Khalifa City, Baniyas, Al Shahama, Al Wathba, Al Ain, and the Western Region—the programme reinforces social cohesion while safeguarding the UAE’s architectural and cultural identity.
Each Majlis is carefully designed to reflect traditional architectural elements such as arches, courtyards, and decorative motifs, while meeting modern construction and sustainability standards. The facilities are functional, welcoming, and visually aligned with local heritage, yet engineered to perform under the UAE’s demanding climate conditions.
Sustainability plays a key role in the programme, with construction methods and materials selected to comply with Estidama Pearl Rating requirements, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance.
The Majalis Programme has been developed in multiple phases, reflecting its scale and strategic importance:
Majalis al Bahya” refers to a specific community gathering or facility, with a prominent example being the Al Hawaashem Majlis in the Al Bahya area of Abu Dhabi, which features gathering halls, a library, and learning spaces. There are also other references to Majlis initiatives in areas like the Al Bahia community in Dubai, highlighting how “Majalis al Bahya” can denote a local community initiative or a physical space within a neighborhood.
Al Hawaashem Majlis in the Al Bahya neighborhood of Abu Dhabi is the prototype for a new type of gathering place in the United Arab Emirates. The 1900sqm community center is the first in a series of 22 planned majlises across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region developed using first-of-its-kind design guidelines created by our Abu Dhabi studio for the Crown Prince Court (CPC).
Each facility serves as a key social and cultural hub for local Emirati communities, preserving the tradition of the Majlis while integrating contemporary architectural design and modern construction standards.
The Majalis Programme represents a successful balance between heritage preservation and modern urban development. Through durable façade systems and performance-driven design, Terraco is proud to contribute to community spaces that will serve generations while aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable, people-centred growth.
Gulf
