Worlds top architects to compete for Dubai Museum

Thirteen of the world's top architectural practices from 11 countries are to enter the international design competition launched to secure an inspirational concept for the planned Sheikh Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The museum, which will be built in the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island - the tourism, cultural and residential destination being created 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city - will honour the late Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE President, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The competitors are: Atelier Christian de Portzamparc of France; A.N. Tombazias & Associates of Greece; Bernard Tschumi Architects and Eisenman Architects of the USA; Jordan's Dar-Al Omran; the UK's Fosters + Partners Limited; Austria's Hans Hollein Architekt; Mario Bellini Associati and M. Fuksa Arch of Italy; Canada's Moriyama & Teshima Architects; Shigeru Ban Architects of Japan; Spain's Ricardo Bofill Taller and Norway's Snohetta.


The winning design will be chosen by a three-strong expert judging panel which includes: the UK's Farshid Moussavi, a practicing architect and Professor In Practice in the Department of Architecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design.