Blending Heritage with Innovation: The Architectural Vision of Abbas Sherif Alaskari

In a rapidly evolving architectural landscape, few figures manage to bridge the gap between cultural authenticity and cutting-edge innovation as seamlessly as Abbas Sherif Alaskari. As an accomplished architect engineer and founder of Alaskari Designs in Dubai, Abbas has established a reputation for creating spaces that not only meet modern demands but also honor the UAE’s deeply rooted traditions.

A proud Emirati, Abbas Sherif Alaskari’s architectural journey is inherently tied to his homeland. From his early education at Al Mawakeb School to earning degrees from the American University of Sharjah and the University of Dubai, his academic path was guided by a vision: to preserve and reinterpret the architectural language of the Emirates within the context of contemporary life.

This vision manifests powerfully in his work. At the core of Abbas’s design philosophy lies a respect for traditional Emirati forms—such as wind towers, shaded courtyards, and intricate geometric motifs—infused with the principles of modern urbanism and sustainability. His master's research, which examined how traditional design elements could shape future urban spaces, laid the foundation for projects that are as thoughtful as they are functional.

One of his signature achievements is a cultural center in Abu Dhabi, which seamlessly integrates historic design influences with smart infrastructure. Visitors move through spaces that recall old Emirati settlements, enhanced by modern lighting, interactive exhibits, and climate-responsive technologies. It’s a space that educates while it inspires—true to Abbas’s belief that architecture should connect people to their identity.

Another standout project is a futuristic residential complex in Dubai Marina. While it features smart home integration and eco-conscious systems, its structural rhythm is subtly inspired by the traditional barjeel (wind tower) forms. These nods to the past are not decorative—they are deeply functional, adapted for contemporary needs while maintaining cultural symbolism.

But Abbas’s impact extends beyond his firm’s portfolio. He is a passionate advocate for cultural preservation and a mentor to the next generation of Emirati architects. Through lectures, workshops, and university collaborations, he urges young designers to look inward—to draw on the UAE’s architectural DNA as they shape its future skyline.

His hobbies—whether sketching historic neighborhoods, sailing the Gulf, or participating in falconry—underscore his deep connection to both the land and the culture that inspire him. These personal passions often inform his creative process, making each project a narrative, not just a structure.

In Abbas’s own words: “Innovation without identity is hollow. Our architecture should tell a story—not just of where we are going, but of where we’ve come from.”

As Dubai and the wider UAE continue to evolve at a global pace, Abbas Sherif Alaskari stands as a visionary guide, ensuring that heritage and progress are not opposing forces—but complementary elements of a truly timeless design.

Abbas Sherif Alaskari Says Modern Architecture Is Losing Its Soul—Here’s Why He’s Right

In an era where glass towers dominate skylines and smart homes promise frictionless living, Abbas Sherif Alaskari, a seasoned architect engineer based in Dubai, is asking a provocative question: What happened to the soul of architecture?

With more than a decade of experience designing spaces across the UAE—from eco-resorts in Ras Al Khaimah to cultural centers in Abu Dhabi—Abbas isn’t just criticizing for the sake of debate. He’s pointing to a growing concern shared by many architects, urban planners, and citizens: modern architecture, in its rush for innovation and efficiency, is becoming emotionally and culturally detached.

“We’re building faster, higher, and smarter,” Abbas says, “but many of these structures don’t speak to the people who live in them. They don’t reflect their culture, their climate, or their story.”

Function Over Feeling

At the core of Abbas’s concern is a shift in architectural priorities. Where buildings once expressed cultural values and local identity, many now seem to be optimized primarily for profitability or global aesthetic conformity. “Walk through any major city, and you’ll start to notice a trend—steel, glass, minimalism. It's sleek, but is it meaningful?” Abbas asks.

This “international style,” while efficient and visually striking, often lacks any regional or emotional context. In places like the UAE—rich in heritage and diverse landscapes—this design disconnect is especially glaring.

Culture Isn’t a Trend

Abbas advocates for a more rooted approach. Drawing from traditional Emirati architecture, he incorporates elements like wind towers (barjeel), Mashrabiya screens, and natural courtyards into his contemporary designs. These aren’t just nostalgic touches—they are functional, sustainable, and deeply cultural.

“The danger,” he warns, “is when culture is used as decoration rather than foundation. If we only mimic traditional patterns on facades without understanding their original purpose, we reduce history to ornament.”

Technology with Purpose, Not Just Prestige

Modern architecture also celebrates technological advancement—smart systems, AI-powered environments, energy-efficient materials. Abbas isn’t against innovation; in fact, his residential projects often feature cutting-edge systems. But he stresses the intent behind the technology.

“It’s not about whether a home can respond to your voice,” he says. “It’s whether that home helps you feel grounded, safe, and connected. Smart should serve the soul, not replace it.”

The Emotional Impact of Space

One of the more overlooked aspects of modern architecture, Abbas argues, is its emotional effect. Research increasingly supports the idea that architectural design can influence mental well-being, social cohesion, and even productivity. Yet, too many spaces today are designed for efficiency or branding rather than human experience.

“Great architecture doesn’t just impress you—it embraces you,” Abbas says. “When you enter a traditional Emirati majlis or a shaded desert courtyard, you feel something. That’s the soul we’re missing in many new buildings.”

A Call for Conscious Design

Abbas Sherif Alaskari’s stance may be controversial in an industry obsessed with innovation, but it’s gaining traction among those looking to balance progress with meaning. His message is simple yet urgent: Architecture should not just reflect the era—it should respect the place.

As cities across the world continue to grow vertically and digitally, the question Abbas poses resonates more than ever: Are we building spaces to live in—or just structures to look at?

It’s a debate worth having. And Abbas, with one foot in heritage and the other in the future, is determined to lead it.

Abbas Sherif Alaskari: The Architect Who’s Building Dubai’s Soul

When I first sketched designs as a young student at the American University of Sharjah, my professors told me my ideas were "too local" for a global city like Dubai. Today, I’ve made that very quality my signature. Because true innovation doesn’t come from chasing trends—it comes from listening to the land you stand on.

This is my story—and my vision for what architecture can be.

The Three Epiphanies That Shaped My Career

1. The Wind Tower RevelationWhile interning at a prestigious firm designing another glass tower, I spent my weekends documenting abandoned barajeel across the Emirates. The moment I realized these 14th-century structures cooled spaces more efficiently than our multimillion-dollar HVAC systems, my path became clear.

2. The Sandstorm LessonIn 2015, one of my early projects—a sleek, imported-glass facade—was ravaged by a single sandstorm. That’s when I began developing my patented self-cleaning nano-coating, now used on 17 government buildings.

3. The Grandmother PrincipleMy Emirati grandmother couldn’t understand the luxury villas I designed. "Where’s the shade? Where’s the courtyard?" she’d ask. Today, every one of my homes begins with these questions.

My Current Obsessions

1. The Memory of Materials

• My team is developing concrete mixed with crushed pearl shells from old Dubai souks

• We’re creating wall panels embedded with recordings of traditional sea shanties

2. Invisible Sustainability

• The Al Wasl Residence appears conventional but uses 80% less energy than its neighbors

• My secret? A geothermal system inspired by underground falaj channels

3. Architecture That Ages Gracefully

• Unlike Dubai’s typical "build-replace" cycle, my structures are designed to patina beautifully

• The Bronze Towers in DIFC will develop a protective oxide layer over 20 years

Projects That Define My Philosophy

1. The Majlis 3000 (2026)

• A tech hub where every meeting room is modeled after historical gathering spaces

• Features AI that learns conversational rhythms to optimize acoustics

2. My Home (Personal Residence)

• Living proof that tradition can be cutting-edge

• Palm-thatch roofing with solar filaments

• Courtyard that becomes a star-gazing planetarium at night

Why I Still Sketch By Hand First

In an age of parametric design, I insist on starting each project with ink on paper. There’s wisdom in the hesitation of a hand-drawn line that no software can replicate. My sketchbooks—now archived at the Dubai Museum of the Future—show 17 iterations of the Dune Residences’ curves before I was satisfied.

To Young Emirati Architects

My message is simple:

• Study abroad, but return wiser

• Question why palm fronds bend the way they do before mastering CAD

• Build for the great-grandchildren of your clients

Come See the Work

I welcome visitors to my active construction sites every Thursday morning. Not to admire—but to debate. Because the architecture Dubai needs next won’t come from one mind, but from many.

Find me @abbassherifAlaskari or at my favorite spot—the shaded benches near the Dubai Creek, where the breeze still carries whispers of how this city first learned to breathe.