PROJECTS
15 Items
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.
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.
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.
Confidential Financial Services Regional Headquarters
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The design of this financial services client’s Dubai headquarters was driven by the goal of creating a dynamic user experience that focuses on regional context.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
Al Ghurair Investment
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Working closely with Al Ghurair Investment LLC, one of the largest diversified industrial groups in Dubai, Gensler designed a new corporate headquarters...
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The DIFC Authority commissioned Gensler to create a comprehensive master plan for the city’s rapidly expanding financial sector, comprising two million square meters and a number of flagship buildings.
The Gate Building
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Gate Building is a global center for leading financial businesses designed to embody the DIFC’s vales of integrity, transparency, and simplicity.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Residences, Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Lush gardens juxtaposed against a traditional limestone façade form the inviting character of this sophisticated two-million-square-foot, five-star hotel.
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
David J. Calkins
Co-Regional Managing Principal
David Calkins is the Co-Regional Managing Principal of Gensler’s Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME) region.
Theresa Sheils
Co-Regional Managing Principal
Theresa Sheils is the Co-Regional Managing Principal of Gensler’s Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME) region.
OFFICE LEADERSHIP
Todd Pilgreen
Co-Managing Director, Mixed Use & Retail Centers and Retail & Consumer Experience Leader, Principal
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
Co-Managing Director, Principal
Tariq Shaikh is the Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Middle East offices.
LEADERSHIP
José Fainé
Workplace Design Director, Principal
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.
Joyce Jarjoura
Co-Studio Director
Joyce Jarjoura is a Workplace Studio Director in Gensler Dubai who melds interior design, urban planning, and architecture to deliver innovative solutions.
Ali Jumani
Co-Studio Director
Ali Jumani is a Co-Studio Director in Gensler’s Dubai office who brings a wealth of experience in guiding teams to deliver impactful architectural solutions.
Julijana Mitic
Design Director
Julijana Mitic is a Design Director in Gensler Dubai who perfectly blends creative vision with flawless project delivery.
Raj Patel
Architecture Design Director, Principal
Raj Patel leads Gensler’s architecture design studio in the Middle East. Raj’s experience across different cultures influences his design approach.
Jelena Stanic
Co-Studio Director
Jelena Stanic is a Co-Studio Director based in Gensler’s Dubai office.
Diane Thorsen
Hospitality Leader, Design Director, Principal
Diane Thorsen is a global leader of Gensler’s Hospitality practice and Design Director based in the firm’s Dubai office.
Steven Velegrinis
Design Director
Steven Velegrinis is the Design Director for Gensler Middle East who established the regional master planning and landscape architecture practice.
Thomas Williams
Studio Director, Residential Leader
Tom Williams is the Studio Director of Gensler Middle East’s Lifestyle practice that focuses on hospitality and branded residential projects.
NEWS
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.
August 12, 2025
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.”
July 19, 2025
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.
July 05, 2025
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.
June 09, 2025
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."
June 09, 2025
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.”
May 22, 2025
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
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.
May 19, 2025
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.
January 12, 2025
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.
December 06, 2024
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.”
December 05, 2024
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.
July 31, 2024
Gensler Middle East Design Director Steven Velegrinis Discusses the 20-Minute City
Steven Velegrinis reflected on why urban planners must use innovative design strategies such as creating 20-minute cities to help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions.
July 22, 2024
The Rapid Growth and Challenges of Smart Cities in Asia
Gensler Regional Managing Principal David Calkins discussed how innovative developments and strategies are shaping the future of urban living.
Southeast Asia Building Magazine
July 01, 2024
YFS Magazine Listed Gensler Among the Top 10 Interior Design Companies in Dubai in 2024
The publication recognized the firm’s “strong presence in Dubai” and ability to design a diverse range of projects.
June 01, 2024
SME10X Interviewed Janet Pogue McLaurin About Gensler’s Latest Global Workplace Survey
The survey ranked the UAE third in a study on how top workplaces boost performance through enhanced employee experiences and strategic locations.
May 20, 2024
Design Middle East Recognized Hospitality Leader Diane Thorsen on Its Powerlist Influential 30 Architects 2024
Design Middle East noted how Thorsen’s projects “exhibit attention to detail, a love of local art, and quality of craftsmanship.”
March 06, 2024
ZAWYA Interviewed Gensler’s Andy Cohen at COP28 in Dubai
Cohen discussed reshaping cities with net zero buildings, designing 20-minute cities, and how Gensler is converting older office buildings into housing and various other uses.
January 03, 2024
INSIGHTS
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.
Research
Evolving Immersive: The 2025 Immersive Entertainment & Culture Industry Report
Explore the most comprehensive evaluation of the state of Immersive Experience available today, published in partnership by Gensler and the Immersive Experience Institute.
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.
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
Blog
The Evolving Role of Hotels in Retail-Driven Mixed-Use Environments
Hotels within mixed-use developments are becoming curated retail destinations and dynamic contributors to a vibrant urban experience.
Blog
Trends to Watch Shaping the Future of Airports and Aviation
Gensler’s aviation leader discusses what’s next for the future of air travel and how airports can cater to a new type of leisure traveler.
Blog
The Future of Work Is Human: Designing for Culture and Experience
The challenge in front of us is to design places that empower creativity, build belonging, and support people and teams to do their best work — whatever that looks like.
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.
Blog
A New Vision for Urban Design in Tropical Climates
Through thoughtful, climate-responsive design, seemingly adverse conditions can become a distinct advantage for tropical cities.
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.
Research
City Pulse 2025
Gensler surveyed 33,000 people across 65 cities to uncover what makes a city magnetic — how it attracts new residents and keeps them wanting to stay.
Blog
The New Workplace Experiences That People Crave
Employees want to move past the corporate workplace experience to more creative, natural, and residential environments.
Blog
Lifestyle Living Is Redefining the Home in the Age of Belonging
We’ve identified five major trends shaping the future of living environments.
Blog
The Convergence of Tech and the Financial Workplace
The financial workplace is taking cues from the tech industry, shifting from one-size-fits-most to always-in-beta mode.
Blog
Agency Is the New Workplace Amenity
By designing enough of the right spaces within the workplace, employers can create environments where employees have agency to choose the best space for their needs.
Research
Global Workplace Survey 2025
Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2025 reveals the importance of in-person work and insights on how workplaces can be better designed to support all forms of work for individuals and teams.
Blog
How to Design for Resilience
Resilient design is no longer a nice to have; it’s good business. Gensler’s Resilience Design report uncovers some key resilient design strategies.
Blog
Creating a More Resilient Future With Green and Thriving Cities
As the demand for sustainable and liveable cities grows, urban planners and architects are adopting innovative strategies to harmonise built and natural environments.
Blog
Biodiversity as the New Frontier for Achieving Resilience in Real Estate
The biodiversity crisis is a fundamental challenge that impacts life, the global economy, and the real estate industry.
Design Forecast
Design Forecast 2025
Explore Gensler’s Design Forecast 2025, a collection of the top global design trends that are shaping the future of the human experience and the built environment.
Blog
Designing for the Future of Theater and Immersive Entertainment
Our Media and Entertainment leaders discuss what’s next for immersive theater and performing arts venues.
Design Your Career With Us
We grow our firm by growing our people — we invite you to search for opportunities and explore how you can reimagine the future with us.
Gensler Dubai
Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 12
Al Quoz 1
PO Box 58527
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 (0)4 356 1300
Al Quoz 1
PO Box 58527
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 (0)4 356 1300