United Arab Emirates: Have you seen this dune-shaped building?Sharjah landmarks to air on Nat Geo next week – News

Beeah’s dune-shaped headquarters has been called one of the most sustainable buildings in the region and is the subject of an upcoming documentary

If you’re driving along the E128 road to Al Dhaid in Sharjah, you’ll notice a grand building on your right that seems to almost blend into the desert landscape. Shaped like a sand dune, the headquarters of waste management company Beeah is a masterpiece of modern architecture, combining sustainability and functionality in a stunning design.

Now, this unique art space will be featured in a National Geographic documentary called “Wonder in the Desert,” which is scheduled to air on April 17.

The film takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the five-year construction process, from the late Zaha Hadid’s original designs to the fully functional office of the future today. The Beeah headquarters, which opened last year, is the third building in the UAE to be designed by the renowned architect before his death in 2016.

The 9,000-square-meter building embodies sustainability at its core, with 40 percent of its electricity coming from solar energy combined with next-generation technology.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an illuminated, wide staircase that leads them to the art gallery on the ground floor.

“We are honored to be on board Nat Geo,” said Nada Al Taryam, Beaah’s general manager of civil and construction projects and the group’s chief real estate officer. “This channel captures the challenges and triumphs of our journey from the early construction stages to the final product, showing the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to this remarkable achievement.

Nada Al Taryam.Photo by Shehab

Taryam, an architect herself, said it was exciting to work with Hadid’s team. “Zaha Hadid is a legend. She took visual cues from the desert landscapes of Al Sajaa Sharjah and created something out of the ordinary.”

Sustainability is baked into every aspect of the project, from design to construction and operations, Taryam said. “For example, the design incorporates sustainable features such as high thermal mass that absorbs and dissipates heat, and a curved structure that maximizes natural sunlight and minimizes the need for artificial lighting,” she explained. “Additionally, artificial intelligence systems are in place to continuously optimize the efficiency of buildings based on occupancy rates.”

Windows reduce solar glare and special glass reduces radiant heat, keeping the building cool in summer, while systems are integrated to maintain and increase efficiency. Conference Room automatically transcribes meeting minutes and emails them to attendees.

“This is easily the most sustainable and AI office in the region,” Taryam said.

The building’s exterior features landscaped areas that mimic mini-sand dunes, and soft landscaping using native plants that thrive in arid landscapes without overwatering.

According to Taryam, their headquarters is not only a global architectural icon, but also a major milestone for Beeah. “This marks the company’s growth from a local environmental problem solver to an international holding group with key businesses geared toward a sustainable future,” she said.

“We have a lot of brands using our offices for photo shoots, and I can’t wait to see a Hollywood production company use our HQ as an amazing backdrop.”