Firm

Aquarabia Opens

2026

A landmark destination officially launches

Aquarabia officially opens in Saudi Arabia, marking the completion of one of the region’s most ambitious leisure destinations. Designed by Dewan, the project redefines immersive entertainment and hospitality at scale.

AquarabiaDestination LaunchRegional Landmark

Global Synergy

2024

Acquisition and hospitality expertise

Aquarabia officially opens in Saudi Arabia, completing one of the region’s most ambitious leisure destinations. Designed by Dewan, the project sets a new benchmark for immersive entertainment and hospitality.

DesignLab StakeSingapore HubHospitality Expertise

Vietnam Presence

2022

Deepening the Asian footprint

Dewan’s second office in Southeast Asia opens to the public. Located in Ho Chi Minh City, it strengthens the firm's presence and capabilities within Vietnam.

Vietnam OfficeSE Asia GrowthRegional Core

Digital Frontiers

2022

Designing the future Metaverse

Dewan officially establishes the Metaverse Architecture Department (MAD). This pioneer move integrates traditional architectural principles into the burgeoning digital landscape.

MAD DepartmentMetaverse DesignDigital Innovation

Egypt Expansion

2021

A new frontier in Cairo

Dewan’s first office in Africa opens in Cairo, Egypt. This followed successful projects across the continent in Congo, Djibouti, and Mauritania.

Cairo OfficeAfrican ReachContinental Growth

Record Breaking Reach

2020

Defining the Downtown skyline

Address Dubai Mall is completed, standing as a landmark multi-tower project. At 319,751 m2, it was Dewan’s largest ever project at the time of completion.

Address Dubai MallMega ProjectUrban Landmark

Giving Back

2019

Architecture for social good

The Dewan Award for Architecture is launched globally. Founded by Mohamed Al Assam, the prize invites designers to solve societal challenges in Iraq.

Dewan AwardSocial ImpactIraqi Architecture

A Modern Hub

2018

Relocating to the heart of design

The firm moves its head office from Jumeirah to a dynamic new space. The new headquarters is located in the heart of the Dubai Design District (d3).

D3 HeadquartersDubai Design DistrictDynamic Space

Design Mastery

2017

Strengthening the creative core

Architect and interior designer Mohammed Adib assumes the role of Chief Design Officer. He also becomes a partner, further elevating the firm's design-led philosophy.

Mohammed AdibDesign LeadershipCreative Partner

New Leadership

2014

The next generation of vision

Ammar Al Assam becomes CEO of Dewan Architects + Engineers. Having joined the firm in 2003, his leadership focused on modernizing the firm's global operations.

Ammar Al AssamCEO AppointmentLeadership Shift

Scale and Grandeur

2009

Breaking records in Abu Dhabi

The Fairmont Hotel (now Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi) becomes a record-breaking project. It was the first Dewan hotel to cover more than 200,000 square metres.

Rixos MarinaMassive ScaleHospitality Giant

Asia Expansion

2008

Expanding to Southeast Asia

The first Dewan office in Southeast Asia opens its doors. Located in the Philippines capital of Manila, this move marked the firm's first major step into the Asian market.

Manila OfficeAsia ExpansionGlobal Footprint

Strategic Investment

2007

Fueling future ambitions

Dewan welcomes onboard the private equity firm Ithmar Capital as a strategic investor. This partnership provided the capital and support needed for large-scale international growth.

Ithmar CapitalStrategic GrowthPrivate Equity

Kingdom Presence

2006

Expanding into Saudi Arabia

Dewan establishes a permanent presence in Riyadh. This move allowed the firm to explore new possibilities and projects within the growing Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh OfficeKSA ExplorationRegional Reach

Retail Landmarks

2005

The birth of an icon

The iconic Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai reaches completion. Serving as Dewan’s first mall project in the UAE, it set a new standard for experiential retail environments.

Ibn Battuta MallRetail ExcellenceIconic Design

Homeward Growth

2004

Establishing roots in Iraq

The first Dewan office in Iraq opens in Baghdad, the homeland of Mohamed Al Assam. This was followed five years later by a second office to support the region in Basra.

Baghdad HubBasra ExpansionCultural Heritage

Regional Expansion

1999

A second home in the city

At the turn of the new millennium, Dewan strategically expands its footprint. The firm opens its second office in Dubai to support the city's rapid architectural transformation.

Dubai OfficeMillennial GrowthStrategic Expansion

Hospitality Premiere

1990

Defining luxury in the UAE

The Al Jazira Hotel & Resort in Ghantoot is completed. This milestone marks the first hotel project in the United Arab Emirates to be delivered by the Dewan team.

Al Jazira ResortHospitality DebutGhantoot Project

Vertical Innovation

1988

Breaking the glass ceiling

Dewan’s first project, Baniyas Tower, reaches completion in Abu Dhabi. This groundbreaking high-rise featured a modern glass façade, proving the firm's ability to deliver complex urban landmarks.

Baniyas TowerHigh-Rise DesignGlass Façade

Where It All Started

1984

A bold vision in the capital

Mohamed Al Assam establishes Dewan Architects + Engineers in Abu Dhabi. The journey began with a focus on architectural craft and curiosity, shaping the foundation for a regional powerhouse.

Mohamed Al AssamFirm FoundationAbu Dhabi Roots