A person sitting on a bench in front of a building with a large archway.
A large shopping mall with people walking around.
A man and woman walking through a fish tank.

Abu Dhabi

The View At The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Our Abu Dhabi office is home to architects, designers, creatives, and strategists who collaborate across practices to support the region’s growth through high-profile planning, architectural, and interior schemes. With over two decades of experience in the Gulf designing commercial properties, hotels, landmark buildings, lifestyle projects, landscapes, and planning, our work reflects the region’s ambition to establish itself as a leading tourism and business destination while honoring its deeply rooted traditions and culture.
 
PROJECTS
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20 Items
A building with palm trees and a walkway.

Alembic Gateway Tower

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Alembic Gateway Tower delivers a 600,000-square-foot Class-A building in the heart of an 80-acre mixed-use development.
A man and woman walking through a large aquarium.

The View at The Palm

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Gensler worked with Nakheel Properties to design a viewing deck overlooking Palm Jumeirah as well as an interactive museum to create a memorable visitor journey
1364ah Lifestyle Center aerial rendering

1364ah Lifestyle Center

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Gensler’s design for a vibrant mixed-use development, 1364ah Lifestyle Center, captures Riyadh’s existing essence as foundation for a fast-growing population.
Diagram, engineering drawing.

Future Digital Data Systems Data Centre

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Gensler’s Critical Facilities design team was tasked with planning the concept and schematic design for a first-generation Future Digital Data Systems (FDDS) data centre that maximises functionality and bestows an aspirational response.
A bedroom with a chandelier.

Luxury Wedding Halls and Spa

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Located in the capital of Saudi Arabia, the Wedding Halls is a luxury mixed-use hospitality development that caters to weddings as well as private and public events.
A tree in a room.

Emaar Properties Dubai Headquarters

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Emaar Properties headquarters is a world-class facility that reflects the real estate development company’s vision of excellence and goal to empower talent.
A large glass dome with people walking around.

The Avenues

Kuwait City, Kuwait
The Avenues is a retail concept inspired by the great cities of the world, offering a signature shopping experience with a network of streets and plazas.
Gensler Alserkal Avenue office interior

Gensler Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Alserkal Avenue comprises around 40 warehouses that have been converted into galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafes, and more. The neighbourhood nurtures a culture of creativity and offers an ideal community for Gensler’s Dubai office to call home.
A large white sign in a building.

Khalifa Innovation Centre

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Sandooq Al Watan (National Fund) is an endowment fund established by the UAE and its local businessmen who aim to give back to the community. Gensler was...
A pool with palm trees and a building in the background.

Al Tayyar Mixed Use

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Based on the success of lifestyle destination developments in the Middle East, Gensler was approached by Al Tayyar Group to create a 3 million-square-foot...
A room with a large screen and chairs.

Middle East Mixed Use Project

Each space in this mixed-use project — from the grand entrance to the boardroom, living room, and bedroom — is carefully crafted with strong design...
A bed with lamps on either side.

Confidential Luxury Villas

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This 24,000-square-foot, five-bedroom villa classical Italian style villa offers a contemporary interior, complete with central atrium.
Background pattern.

The Marina

Kuwait City, Kuwait
Set along Kuwait’s pristine coastline, The Marina is a landmark mixed-use development in one of the city’s main shopping districts. Anchored by an upscale...
Chart, waterfall chart.

United Real Estate Company

Kuwait City, Kuwait
Working in close collaboration with the United Real Estate Company (URC) executive management team, Gensler developed a brand strategy including identity...
Aerial view of a city.

Abu Dhabi Financial Centre

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
After the city identified Al Maryah Island as its new financial center, Gensler created a master plan and comprehensive design guidelines for this...
A room with a bar and chairs.

Marriott Bloom Central

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Abu Dhabi Marriott Hotel, part of the mixed-use Bloom Central development, is designed to inspire and energize. The contemporary and stylish interiors...
A group of tall buildings.

National Bank of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
National Bank of Abu Dhabi appointed Gensler to design its new headquarters in the prominent Al Maryah Island, as they planned to demonstrate its intent to...
A bridge over water.

Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority commissioned Gensler to prepare a strategic master plan for Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. The master plan provides for a new...
A room with black couches and a fireplace.

Wafra Real Estate

Kuwait City, Kuwait
In relocating its offices to the top five floors in one of Kuwait’s Twin Towers, Wafra Real Estate, one of the country’s leading real estate and development...
A high angle view of a building.

Wafra Seef

Al Mahboula, Kuwait
Appointed to design Wafra Seef, Gensler worked closely with Wafra Real Estate to create a retail center unique to the region exuding quality, modern...
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
David J. Calkins headshot

David J. Calkins

Co-Regional Managing Principal
 |  LinkedIn »
David Calkins is the Co-Regional Managing Principal of Gensler’s Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME) region.
Theresa Sheils headshot

Theresa Sheils

Co-Regional Managing Principal
 |  LinkedIn »
Theresa Sheils is the Co-Regional Managing Principal of Gensler’s Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME) region.
 
OFFICE LEADERSHIP
Todd Pilgreen headshot

Todd Pilgreen

Co-Managing Director, Mixed Use & Retail Centers and Retail & Consumer Experience Leader, Principal
 |  LinkedIn »
Todd Pilgreen is the Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Middle East offices and APME Regional Practice Area Leader for the Mixed Use & Retail Centers and Retail & Consumer Experience practice areas.
Tariq Shaikh headshot

Tariq Shaikh

Co-Managing Director, Principal
 |  LinkedIn »
Tariq Shaikh is the Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Middle East offices.
 
LEADERSHIP
José Fainé headshot

José Fainé

Workplace Design Director, Principal
 |  LinkedIn »
As a Workplace Design Director at Gensler, José Fainé specializes in workplace projects and provides oversight on a number of projects in the Middle East.
Raj Patel headshot

Raj Patel

Architecture Design Director, Principal
 |  LinkedIn »
Raj Patel leads Gensler’s architecture design studio in the Middle East. Raj’s experience across different cultures influences his design approach.
Diane Thorsen headshot

Diane Thorsen

Hospitality Leader, Design Director, Principal
 |  LinkedIn »
Diane Thorsen is a global leader of Gensler’s Hospitality practice and Design Director based in the firm’s Dubai office.
Steven Velegrinis headshot

Steven Velegrinis

Design Director
 |  LinkedIn »
Steven Velegrinis is the Design Director for Gensler Middle East who established the regional master planning and landscape architecture practice.
Ryan Waltke headshot

Ryan Waltke

Studio Director, Technical Director
 |  LinkedIn »
Ryan is a Studio Director in Gensler’s Abu Dhabi office who plays a vital role in advancing the firm’s business objectives. As a Technical Director for the APME region, he bring...
NEWS & RECOGNITION
A group of men sitting in chairs.

Gensler Middle East Thought Leaders Join a Panel on Designing in Resilient Urban Environments

Gensler Middle East hosted an event with industry experts, developers, and urban thought leaders. Gensler’s Todd Pilgreen, Tariq Shaikh, and Steven Velegrinis joined panelists to discuss the role of design in creating adaptable, resilient environments.
Built Environment Global
October 13, 2025
1364ah Lifestyle Center

The Future of Retail Design in the Middle East

Gensler’s Todd Pilgreen discusses future-ready retail environments in the Middle East that serve as commercial spaces, as well as urban and cultural anchors that strengthen communities.
Gulf News
August 12, 2025
The lounge area of Gensler Dubai Office

Findings From Gensler’s 2025 Global Workplace Survey Reflect Demand For Truly Human-Centered Offices in the UAE

Khaleej Times explored why UAE offices need to shift from being visually striking to being truly human-centered. Gensler’s Edith Eddy noted the gap “between what employees need to thrive — flexibility, creativity, and connection — and what their current spaces provide.”
Khaleej Times
July 19, 2025
A group of people posing for a photo at the UAP Dubai Design Awards.

Gensler Middle East Wins 2025 Firm of the Year Award

UAP Dubai Design Awards honored Gensler Middle East with the 2025 Firm of the Year Award.
UAP Design Awards
July 05, 2025
Two woman sitting and talking at a financial services headquarters in Dubai

The Times of India Explored What UAE Office Workers Want Based on Gensler’s 2025 Global Workplace Survey Findings

Gensler Senior Interior Designer Edith Eddy says the UAE "has become a global benchmark for ambition and adaptability."
The Times of India
June 09, 2025
Employees meeting at financial services headquarters in Dubai

The Gulf News Reported That the Majority of UAE Office Workers Want More From Their Workspaces

Noise issues, lack of room availability, and layout efficiency challenges are cited as the biggest concerns. The article explored Gensler’s 2025 Global Workplace Survey research and quoted Senior Interior Designer Edith Eddy.
The Gulf News
June 09, 2025
The Gate Building in Dubai financial district at night

Design Middle East Highlights Gensler’s City Pulse 2025 with Insights on UAE Urban Life

City Pulse 2025 surveys urban residents in 65 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The findings reveal that “UAE cities are some of the most admired globally for their quality of infrastructure and ambition.”
Design Middle East
May 22, 2025
A person walking across a crosswalk.

New Research from Gensler Unveils the Magnetic Forces Shaping Cities — and Why People Choose to Stay

Gensler’s 2025 City Pulse survey examines the emotional and practical drivers of urban migration, drawing insights from 33,000 residents across 65 global cities.
May 21, 2025
Robbie Robertson headshot

InDesign Live Featured a Podcast Interview With Digital Experience Design Leader Robbie Robertson

Robertson, based in Gensler’s Asia Pacific and Middle East region, discussed technology, AI, and human-centered design. Listen to the episode.
InDesign Live
May 19, 2025
Gensler San Francisco office open collaboration space

Design Considerations To Support Neurodivergent Team Members and Provide Flexibility

Principal Greg Gallimore discussed design considerations at Gensler’s San Francisco headquarters. The office’s light, bright spaces foster collaboration while its darker spaces support focused, quiet work.
Inc. Magazine Arabia
January 12, 2025
1364ah Lifestyle Center aerial rendering

Saudi Projects Highlights Trends From Gensler’s Design Forecast 2025 That Are Shaping a Sustainable Future

Saudi Projects interviewed Gensler Middle East Co-Managing Director Tariq Sheikh about key trends shaping the future of cities and what’s driving change in the built environment across the Middle East in 2025.
Saudi Projects
December 06, 2024
Al Faisaliah Redevelopment aerial rendering

Construction Week Middle East Spotlights Gensler’s 2025 Design Forecast

Gensler Middle East’s Tariq Sheikh discussed trends impacting real estate and built environment, noting, “we are at a transformative moment in our industry, one that demands groundbreaking ideas and innovative solutions.”
Construction Week Middle East
December 05, 2024
Tariq Sheikh headshot

Tariq Shaikh Has Been Appointed Co-Managing Director of Gensler Middle East

Shaikh brings over 30 years of expertise in complex, large-scale projects across the mixed-use, retail, and lifestyle sectors in Europe and the Middle East.
ZAWYA
September 02, 2024
Gensler APME Co-Regional Managing Principals David Calkins and Theresa Sheils

Theresa Sheils Has Been Appointed Co-Regional Managing Principal for Gensler’s APME Region

Theresa Sheils will partner with David Calkins to drive growth in Gensler’s Asia Pacific Middle East (APME) region.
ZAWYA
July 31, 2024
INSIGHTS
A man and woman walking through a fish tank.
Design Forecast 2026

Geo-Trends: United Arab Emirates

The UAE is a hub for global investments that integrate leisure, retail, and wellness into lifestyle ecosystems, as well as experience-driven workplaces, branded residences, and new models of hospitality. Explore the design trends shaping the UAE in 2026.
A person walking in front of a large building.
Design Forecast

Design Forecast 2026

Gensler’s Design Forecast 2026 explores the top global design trends and strategies shaping the future of the built environment. With insights, research, and projects across 33 practices, we help clients elevate the human experience.
A person standing in a room with people sitting at a table.
Blog

Inside Bangalore’s Talent Race: The Power of Purposeful Workplace Design

While Bangalore continues to face real challenges, such as aging infrastructure, relentless traffic, and a growing water crisis, the city is emerging as a strategic hub for global workplace expansion and a magnet for newcomers.
A group of tall buildings.
Blog

Design as Storytelling: How AI Is Transforming the Way We Imagine, Create, and Connect

AI isn’t here to replace creativity. It’s here to amplify it — helping us move from inspiration to iteration with greater speed and substance.
A large room with a large staircase.
Blog

Why Modern Hiring Centers Matter in Today’s Competitive Job Market

With thoughtful, strategic design, a hiring center or interview suite can be a valuable asset to attract top talent.
A person giving a presentation to a group of people.
Blog

Designing Workplaces That Work — With Your People

When employees are involved in the planning and design process, the workspaces we create are more effective, engaging, and human.
A city with a sunset.
Blog

Reenvisioning Retail Centres: Lessons From China for the Middle East

We explore how key lessons from China’s retail evolution can reshape the future of retail centres in the Middle East.
People walking in a building.
Blog

The Power of Clean Air in Sports-Centered Design

In arenas, training centers, and stadiums, air quality is not just a comfort factor — it’s a competitive edge, affecting athletes’ ability to train, compete, and recover.
A group of people sitting in a room with a large glass ceiling.
Blog

Debunking 3 Myths About Generational Differences in the Workplace

As generational differences narrow, organizations should focus their workplace strategies across the entire talent spectrum.
A city with tall buildings.
Blog

The 20 Cities Attracting the Most Newcomers

New city residents often leave within five years. To remain successful, these magnetic cities must also engage and retain their new populations.
A city skyline at night.
Blog

How the Nighttime Economy Is Rewriting Urban Design

Cities around the world are beginning to take the nighttime economy seriously — not as a separate or secondary system, but as a vital counterpart to daytime urban life.
A large building with many windows.
Blog

What Draws People to Cities — and What Makes Them Stay?

Gensler