Dubai Municipality is spearheading a major transformation in the emirate’s public spaces and urban planning by announcing a collaborative pact with internationally acclaimed architects Santiago Calatrava and Kengo Kuma. Unveiled during the 2026 World Governments Summit, the initiative integrates the design expertise of Calatrava International and Kengo Kuma & Associates into the Dubai Municipality’s Urban Planning and Design Lab (D.M-ULab), signaling a high-level commitment to innovative, human-centric city-making focused on sustainability, resilience, and enhanced quality of life.
Elevating Urban Planning Through Global Partnership
The landmark cooperation, formally established via a Memorandum of Cooperation, was solidified in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. By incorporating these global perspectives, Dubai aims to move beyond conventional development models and pioneer urban solutions that are deeply rooted in cultural context while maximizing environmental performance.
The collaboration elevates the D.M-ULab—the Municipality’s platform for dialogue and urban experimentation—by establishing a mechanism for continuous knowledge transfer and participatory design. The partnership will facilitate strategic design consultancy, specialized review sessions, and integrated urban planning methodologies intended to transform ambitious ideas into tangible, advanced projects.
His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized the initiative’s strategic importance. “Our partnership with Santiago Calatrava and Kengo Kuma is essential for advancing the objectives of the Urban Planning and Design Lab,” he stated. “It reinforces the Lab’s role as a nexus for global expertise, helping us test new ideas and technologies in designing neighborhoods and public spaces that genuinely place people at the center and enhance quality of life for all residents.”
Design Philosophy Meets Local Context
Both architects bring unique philosophies foundational to the collaboration. Spanish architect and structural engineer Santiago Calatrava highlighted the shared vision for future city development. He noted that the partnership reflects “a shared commitment to shaping the city through collaboration,” establishing a lasting platform for intellectual exchange and world-class urban design, benefiting institutions, design experts, and future generations of professionals.
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma stressed the importance of context and sensitivity in his approach. “This collaboration begins with listening to place, climate, and everyday life,” Kuma said. He views the D.M-ULab’s initiatives as a “living laboratory for human-scale design,” where architecture, nature, and developing designers converge to shape enduring and thoughtful public spaces.
As an immediate outcome of this alliance, Kengo Kuma & Associates will partner with Dubai Municipality on the design of a significant new public park in the emirate. This project underscores the city’s intent to quickly translate high-level design theory into accessible, people-centered urban infrastructure.
Broader Implications for Future Cities
The agreement extends beyond individual projects, focusing heavily on capability-building and knowledge leadership. The memorandum mandates structured exchanges with local universities and governmental bodies, ensuring that design philosophies align seamlessly with Dubai’s overarching vision for sustainable and future-ready cities.
This strategic move positions Dubai as a leader in urban experimentation, developing global urban models integrating contemporary architectural thought with measurable impact on urban living. By drawing on the expertise of two masters in the field, the city is signaling a definitive shift toward prioritized urban innovation that enhances the civic experience and strengthens community identity. This commitment to ‘listening to place’ and elevating quality of life through thoughtful design is expected to set new benchmarks for metropolitan development globally.