The Emirati Vernacular: Tracing the UAE’s Art History through Architecture as a Reflection of Society

While past studies have considered the relationship between art and architecture, society, or society few consider all three, let alone when discussing these subjects in United Arab Emirates. This article presents evolution of scene that country’s three largest emirates, from its foundation as a federation through today, reflection local societal truths. Since early days, each concerned emirate—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, has developed an unique others, one been housed different kinds mostly vernacular—though sometimes academic—architecture. Through data collection various types architecture employed emirate, this explores possible reasons why state own scene, what can explain phenomenon. Abu wealthy capital, “starchitect” designed institutions; more avant-garde Dubai employs recycled industrial hangars (or structures made to look such); while traditional Sharjah repurposes historical for artistic use. Over time, emirate begins borrow architectural tendencies hitherto seen other states, demonstrative constant competition emirates with other. Beyond implications, provide rich discussion on is vernacular modern context, well where definition stops begins.