The United Arab Emirates Pavilion has announced its participation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with an exhibition titled Pressure Cooker.
Taking place from May 10 to November 23, 2025, in Venice, Italy, the exhibition will explore the intersection of architecture and food production in arid environments.
Curated by Emirati architect and scholar Azza Aboualam, Pressure Cooker examines the UAE’s evolving relationship with food security, proposing innovative, sustainable solutions at both individual and communal levels. The research-based exhibition delves into self-sufficiency and explores historical and modern food-growing infrastructures in the UAE, many of which remain hidden or overlooked.
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, emphasized that the pavilion’s participation underscores the nation's commitment to fostering innovation in tackling global challenges. He stated,
“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.”
Azza Aboualam highlighted the exhibition’s focus on food security as a critical global issue, adding that the curatorial approach bridges the UAE’s cultural and architectural identity with contemporary sustainability challenges.
Laila Binbrek, Director of the National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venezia, reiterated the commitment to sharing the country’s untold stories on an international stage, fostering discourse on sustainable urbanism and resource management.
The exhibition is supported by partnerships with institutions such as Zayed University and Sharjah Art Foundation, further strengthening the UAE’s role in innovative research and sustainable design.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
