ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Canadian University Dubai showcases autistic-inclusive interior and climate-adaptive projects

architecture-design · 2026-07-29

Students from Canadian University Dubai’s School of Architecture and Interior Design recently showcased notable projects, highlighting their innovation and creativity. A remarkable initiative titled 'Lets Unite,' crafted by Farah Alariki and Halla Dhafer, aims to support children with autism. Other noteworthy creations include 'Hope' by Noura Farahmandi and Zainab Faisal, and 'Madd: A Living Edge Between Land and Sea' by Camelia Yaghi. Additional contributions came from Sara Safi ('Where to Next?'), Rozalin Al Shehazeh and Natali Al Khorie ('Dar Naseej'), and Maya Al Hajali ('Nafas Research Center'). The program is based in Dubai Design District and is accredited by CIDA.

Key facts

  • Canadian University Dubai presented student projects from its School of Architecture and Interior Design.
  • Project 'Lets Unite' by Farah Alariki and Halla Dhafer is an interior designed to support autistic children.
  • Project 'Hope' by Noura Farahmandi and Zainab Faisal features adaptable learning environments with modular furniture.
  • Project 'Madd' by Camelia Yaghi is a regenerative coastal settlement for the UAE.
  • Project 'Where to Next?' by Sara Safi is a sustainable fashion retail store.
  • Project 'Dar Naseej' by Rozalin Al Shehazeh and Natali Al Khorie is a wellness and coworking centre for working women.
  • Project 'Building(ing)' by Rahmath Sharfa is a flexible community hub.
  • Project 'Nafas Research Center' by Maya Al Hajali integrates architectural engineering and environmental science.
  • Project 'Museum of Memory' by Dana Albastaki is a climate-adaptive cultural institution.
  • Project 'The Archive Street' by Leen Tasneem is a public centre for Umm Al Quwain.
  • Project 'Savorium: Culinary Museum' by Jumana Alaqili explores food as an evolving system.
  • Project 'Evercrest Ridge: Hatta Retirement Community' by Danica Ferrera is a retirement community in Hatta, Dubai.
  • Project 'Mangrove Experience Center' by Keren Ronad merges environmental restoration with public engagement.
  • Tutors: Sophie Johnson and Serkan Gunay.
  • CUD's interior design program is aligned with the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
  • CUD is located in Dubai Design District (d3).

Entities

Artists

  • Noura Farahmandi
  • Zainab Faisal
  • Camelia Yaghi
  • Sara Safi
  • Rozalin Al Shehazeh
  • Natali Al Khorie
  • Rahmath Sharfa
  • Maya Al Hajali
  • Dana Albastaki
  • Leen Tasneem
  • Jumana Alaqili
  • Danica Ferrera
  • Keren Ronad
  • Farah Alariki
  • Halla Dhafer
  • Sophie Johnson
  • Serkan Gunay

Institutions

  • Canadian University Dubai
  • School of Architecture and Interior Design
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation
  • Dubai Design District
  • Dezeen

Locations

  • Dubai
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Umm Al Quwain
  • Hatta
  • Middle East

Sources