Pressure Cooker, curated by Emirati Architect and scholar Azza Aboulam.
Venice, Italy
May 10 – November 23, 2025

The Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates announces its forthcoming exhibition, Pressure Cooker, at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Curated by Emirati architect and scholar Azza Aboualam, the exhibition investigates the evolving relationship between architecture and food production in the UAE, proposing innovative solutions for more sustainable food production at both individual and communal scales. Through a research-based approach, Pressure Cooker explores themes of self-sufficiency and introduces architectural solutions specifically designed for arid environments.

By reimagining the greenhouse for arid climates, the exhibition offers new perspectives on food security, an issue of growing urgency both regionally and globally. With climate change disrupting agricultural systems, traditional farming methods face mounting threats, from soil degradation to temperature extremes. Recent studies suggest that a significant portion of global food production could be at risk by the end of the century if emissions continue to rise. Pressure Cooker examines how local expertise in food production has adapted to the specific climatic and environmental conditions of the Gulf region over time. It situates the UAE’s food production landscape within this global context, emphasising the need for adaptable practices.

The exhibition builds on archival research and fieldwork to examine existing food-growing infrastructures in the UAE, located in resource-rich landscapes that are often obscured, overlooked, or physically separated from urban centres. The project explores local design solutions that were conceived under conditions of food scarcity over the years, ranging from the vernacular to the technologically sophisticated. By experimenting with a series of greenhouse assemblies, Pressure Cooker looks into how architecture can respond to the UAE’s and the globe’s food security challenges, resulting in a possible future in which these forms can be integrated throughout our built and lived environments. Research findings by Aboualam, to be exhibited in Venice and supplemented with an accompanying publication, will present the different ways in which food, architecture, and the built environment overlap.

The National Pavilion UAE continues to collaborate with local institutions, such as Zayed University in an ongoing commitment to support research of cultural practitioners, curators and scholars, within the UAE. His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, commented: “The UAE’s participation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia reflects our nation’s steadfast commitment to fostering innovation in addressing critical global challenges. The exhibition highlights the intersection of architecture and food security, demonstrating how sustainable design can contribute to building climate resilience and enhancing resource management. This thought-provoking showcase exemplifies the UAE’s leadership in advancing architectural solutions tailored for arid environments while promoting a global dialogue on sustainability and self-sufficiency in food. We are proud to support this remarkable effort that celebrates Emirati ingenuity and inspires innovative pathways for a sustainable future.”

Angela Migally, Executive Director, Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, stated: “The Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing growth and fostering understanding within the UAE’s vibrant architecture, art, and culture community. Our longstanding partnership with the National Pavilion UAE reflects our shared vision of amplifying the country’s creative ecosystem and promoting meaningful dialogue. This collaboration not only elevates the UAE’s global presence but also inspires critical discourse that forges deeper connections between local and international communities.”

Azza Aboualam, Curator, commented: “Pressure Cooker will exhibit research that speaks to one of the most pressing challenges of our time: food security. The exhibition examines the intersection of architecture, innovation, and sustainability to address critical issues shaping our shared future. The curatorial approach is rooted in contemporary research, linking the UAE’s unique cultural and architectural identity to pressing global challenges, offering grounded, technical, and imaginative perspectives on food systems and sustainability. Ultimately, Pressure Cooker asks: Using the UAE as a case study, how can architecture be mobilised towards greater food security?”

Laila Binbrek, Director, National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venezia, added: “The National Pavilion UAE is committed to sharing the country’s untold stories on a global stage, bridging the UAE’s rich cultural heritage with international discourse. This year, we are honoured to present the pioneering work of Emirati architect and scholar Azza Aboualam, whose exploration of sustainable food systems reflects the UAE’s dedication to addressing global challenges with creativity and foresight.” The National Pavilion UAE will present its exhibition for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition from 10 May to 23 November 2025 (pre-opening on 8 and 9 May). The Biennale Architettura 2025 will be curated by Italian architect, engineer, and educator Carlo Ratti with the title Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.

The National Pavilion UAE is commissioned by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and supported by the UAE Ministry of Culture and has a permanent pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia’s Arsenale – Sale d’Armi.

more. www.nationalpavilionuae.org