Today, The Courtyard in Al Quoz stands as one of Dubai’s most distinctive creative sanctuaries: a hub for artists, designers and cultural events in a district that has become synonymous with the city’s vibrant creative economy.

But long before the galleries, studios and cultural momentum, the area was a sparse industrial landscape, and the site itself was once a waterlogged “island” in the desert.

In Courtyard, a new book by renowned architect, artist and urban planner Dariush Zandi (pictured above), the story of how this space came to life in the 1990s is told through personal reflections and archival imagery.

Published by Motivate Media Group, the book traces the origins of The Courtyard, a project shaped by instinct, resilience and a deep connection to place.

Below, Gulf Business republishes the opening chapter of the book with permission from Dariush Zandi. The book is available to order on BooksArabia.com.

This is his story of how popular The Courtyard came into existence.

Chapter 1: The Early Days (1992–1998)

Helicopter shots 1988

In 1988, while working as an urban designer in Dubai, I captured these six photographs from a helicopter — my first encounter with the precious space that would become The Courtyard.

Tasked with photographing the land for the authorities, I took as many shots as possible using multiple cameras, driven by an urge to document it all.

Years later, when studying the land allocated to me in Al Quoz, I recognised it from these archived photographs, a whole series capturing this precious plot. Without digital technology at that time, the only way to view the land as a whole was to physically match the printed images, a challenging task due to the helicopter’s shifting perspective.

These six frames span along the Dubai–Abu Dhabi Road (now Sheikh Zayed Road), reaching what is now Al Manara. They reveal the impermeable, ocean-like nature of the land.

The only structures to exist at that time were a handful of buildings such as Juma Al Majid Cement and Block Factory, National Cement and Marble Factory (now Al Serkal Avenue).

The story of an island 1992

Dubai was a very different city then.

The multi-lane Sheikh Zayed Road was in its infancy — a narrow dual carriageway of asphalt winding through the sand, navigating a small cluster of early high-rises.

It was in 1992, after the allocation of the land, that I made my first visit to what would later become The Courtyard. Once all the necessary approvals were completed, a surveyor from the Municipality accompanied me to demarcate the plot.

It had rained heavily the day before, and as we drove to Al Quoz, we found the site completely inaccessible by car. Struggling to pinpoint the exact location, I asked the surveyor to show me where it was. He pointed towards a raised patch of sand above the water and said, “There it is — that island.”

I imagined visitors arriving by all sorts of means — perhaps paddling, or even taking a boat. But knowing the land, I quickly realised this was a sabkha — impermeable ground.

The next day, we returned in my four-wheel drive. With water no deeper than knee-high, we drove straight to the “island”. When I asked if all of it had been allocated to me, the surveyor smiled and said, “No, you are a small entity on this island.”

An overwhelming sense of gratitude filled my heart.

Decades later, I see this island as the manifestation of my earliest instinct — a sanctuary for art, culture and nature, a peaceful love letter to creativity, shared with kindred spirits from across the world. I had hoped it could be a home for all of us, and in many ways, it became exactly that.

That moment marked an instinctive feeling — a true blessing — something I will never forget. I will cherish that memory forever.

Courtyard under construction 1996

Pre-inauguration, March 1998

Inauguration night — 21 March 1998

Bruce Oldfield fashion show — 21 March 1998

The Courtyard, with its grand entry, was destined to be an innovative cultural hotspot.

A welcoming host to a line-up of creative events, ignited by a fashion show by Bruce Oldfield and his Spring 1998 collection. This was his first-ever appearance in Dubai, and his fashion show lit up the Courtyard.

The walkways were alive with models and creative possibility, animating the space, a pivotal moment of performance that truly took on a life of its own.

The fashion show was followed by a charity gala dinner in aid of Al Mosanada Cancer support group, hosted in support of The Creative Quarter.

This opening set the tone for the Courtyard and for all the adventures to come.

Inaugural exhibition

The inaugural European Fine Art Exhibition showcased eighty paintings and thirty sculptures by world-renowned artists.

The curated selection of outstanding works by European masters, including Picasso, Miró and Magritte, offered the public a rare opportunity to see these masterpieces in the UAE.

The Courtyard Gallery organised the exhibition in association with the Carlton Gallery, one of France’s known art spaces.

About the Book

Courtyard is a visual and narrative tribute to one of Dubai’s earliest creative sanctuaries. Conceived by architect and artist Dariush Zandi, The Courtyard emerged as a green refuge for ideas – long before Al Quoz became the city’s creative heart. Shaped by Zandi’s deep affection for the UAE and his tireless exploration of its urban and natural environments, the space was built using reclaimed and locally sourced materials: discarded timber hulls from Jaddaf’s shipbuilding district, bricks from a Sharjah bakery, mashrabiya screens salvaged from the Zabeel neighbourhood, and wrought-iron railings from old houses in Deira.

Rooted in architectural memory and respect for craft, The Courtyard became a gathering place for artists, designers, performers and thinkers. Through photographs, stories and reflections, this book captures the spirit of a community shaped by people and ideas, offering a meditation on how culture takes root – and endures – in a city defined by constant transformation.

About the Author:

Dariush Zandi is an artist, architect, town planner, photographer and author. Born in Tehran and educated in the United States, he arrived in Dubai from New York in 1978 and has contributed to the city’s architectural and cultural evolution for decades.

Before moving to Dubai, Zandi worked as an architect and designer in New York with Total Design in the 1970s, later establishing its Dubai chapter. After studying photography and filmmaking in New York City and California, he went on to teach at various institutions in Dubai for over a decade.

Through his work with Dubai Municipality and private practice, Zandi played a formative role in shaping Dubai’s early urban landscape. His vision found lasting expression in The Courtyard, a pioneering cultural space in Al Quoz that brought together architecture, art and community. A committed educator and photographer, Zandi has authored and contributed to numerous books on culture, history and architecture. He lives in Dubai with his wife, artist Shaqayeq Arabi.

Zomato has introduced a limited-time offer in the UAE, allowing residents to access a three-month Gold membership at no cost through its lifestyle platform, District.

District, positioned as Zomato’s UAE-focused lifestyle and entertainment app, brings together restaurant deals, live events and attraction-based experiences, streamlining discovery for users seeking value-led outings.

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The premium tier, District Gold, typically priced at Dhs29 for three months, offers users access to exclusive discounts across a wide network of venues, including fine dining outlets and entertainment destinations.

As part of the promotion, users can activate the free membership directly within the app through a simplified onboarding process. This involves downloading the District app, signing in via mobile number, navigating to the profile section, selecting the Gold membership option, and activating the complimentary plan.

The membership is activated instantly, enabling users to access discounted experiences immediately across the platform’s partner network.

Recently, in a similar move, Dubai-founded lifestyle platform the ENTERTAINER opened up to 250,000 complimentary memberships across the GCC to residents seeking to support the region’s hospitality sector.

UAE authorities are working round the clock to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow as heavy rainfall and unstable weather affect multiple emirates.

Municipal teams are deploying technical resources, monitoring systems, and rapid-response field units to minimise disruptions for residents.

Ajman Transport intensifies efforts for passenger safety

The Ajman Transport Authority is implementing its operational plan amid current weather conditions by intensifying the work of public transport and taxi teams while continuously monitoring traffic flow. The authority emphasised its commitment to ensuring passenger safety and uninterrupted service, a WAM report said.

Read more-‘Beautiful Dubai’: Rain transforms city amid unstable weather

“Public transport and taxi drivers and staff are working around the clock to ensure smooth traffic flow, while taking necessary measures to avoid areas experiencing water accumulation during rainfall by using alternative routes,” said Omar Mohammed Lootah, director-general of Ajman Transport Authority. “Our teams operate according to well-developed plans that ensure continuity of service at a high level of efficiency, with passenger safety given top priority.”

The authority is coordinating with relevant authorities to implement rapid-response measures, maintain traffic flow, and ensure public safety. Residents are advised to follow official channels for real-time updates on transport services.

Dibba Municipality mobilises teams to combat flooding

In Fujairah, Dibba Municipality has activated emergency plans and raised operational readiness to address rainfall and its impact on the city. Field teams equipped with modern machinery have been deployed to areas with water accumulation.

“Our operations are based on rapid response and proactive intervention to ensure public safety, maintain traffic flow and limit the impact of the weather conditions,” said Hassan Salem Al Yamahi, director of Dibba Municipality. The municipality is also working closely with relevant authorities for efficient handling of emergencies and reports.

Sharjah Civil Defence strengthens emergency measures

The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has reinforced field readiness amid heavy rain, strong winds, and reduced visibility, focusing on rapid emergency response and community protection. Teams and specialised equipment have been deployed across flood-prone areas and wadi beds, with 24/7 monitoring systems ensuring quick intervention.

“We are addressing the current weather situation with a proactive approach, based on operational readiness and advance planning. Our teams, vehicles, and equipment are fully prepared for rapid and effective emergency response,” stated brigadier general Yousef Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, director general of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority.

Residents are urged to follow safety guidelines, avoid flood-prone areas and wadis, and exercise caution while driving. The authority continues awareness programs to promote preventive measures and public cooperation.

UAE municipalities respond nationwide

Across the UAE, municipalities are stepping up operations to maintain safety and traffic efficiency during storms. In Al Dhafra, emergency teams handled 420 reports within 12 hours, clearing fallen trees, water, and sand accumulations, ensuring smooth traffic flow, and maintaining stormwater drainage networks at full efficiency.

In Sharjah, Dibba Al Hisn Municipality implemented early intervention plans, reinforcing team presence on main roads, monitoring drainage systems, and inspecting public facilities and waterfronts to safeguard residents. Similarly, Ajman Municipality has heightened readiness levels as part of precautionary efforts across the country.

Through coordinated deployment of field teams, advanced machinery, real-time monitoring, and proactive planning, UAE municipalities demonstrate a strong commitment to operational efficiency and public safety during adverse weather conditions.

Saudi Arabia’s futuristic NEOM development has cancelled a multi-billion-euro contract with Italian builder Webuild for a major water and architecture package at its Trojena mountain project, highlighting a broader shake-up of the kingdom’s high-profile giga-project.

NEOM, backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has exercised a “termination for convenience” clause on the contract to construct three dams to feed a freshwater lake and the associated architectural structure known as The Bow, Webuild said in a statement.

The termination is due to take effect on March 29, with the work about 30 per cent complete.

Webuild said the remaining project backlog tied to the contract is roughly EUR2.8bn, but that all accrued costs, including site disengagement and demobilisation, will be reimbursed by NEOM in line with contract terms and applicable law, leaving the Italian group financially “unharmed”.

The company added that its overall construction backlog, excluding Trojena-related work, remains above EUR50bn.

Other projects at Trojena

The cancellation of the Webuild contract comes amid a wider renegotiation of multiple packages linked to Trojena, with other international contractors, including South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Malaysia’s Eversendai Corporation, also reporting contract terminations or restructuring. Those moves could see more than $5bn of previously awarded work cancelled or adjusted.

Trojena, once slated to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, had become emblematic of NEOM’s high-concept vision. The cancellation of key infrastructure work underscores the challenges facing Saudi Arabia as it navigates the execution of its visionary development plans while reining in spending and responding to broader market conditions.

According to a Reuters report, PIF has taken an $8bn write-down on some of its most high-profile gigaprojects — vast developments meant to reshape the kingdom’s economy and image.

Google said on Friday it is rolling out new features that let users transfer memories, preferences and chat histories from other artificial intelligence applications into its Gemini AI platform.

The company said the tools, available starting on Friday across the Arab world, are designed to make it easier for consumers to bring personal context from other apps into Gemini. That includes users’ key preferences, relationships and interests, Google said in a statement.

Rather than having to restart interactions from scratch, users can now import details they have previously shared with other AI services, helping Gemini better understand what matters to them, Google said.

How Google’s new tools help you make the switch

To transfer information, users go to the Settings menu in Gemini and select a new import option. They are then given a suggested prompt to copy and paste into their existing AI app.

Once that app returns a summary of preferences, users paste it back into Gemini, where the system analyses and stores the data in its memory.

In addition to personal preferences, the feature also allows users to upload a ZIP file containing full chat histories from other AI providers, according to Google. Imported histories can be searched and continued within Gemini, the company said.

Google has positioned its “Personal Intelligence” functionality within Gemini to provide responses that draw on insights from Gmail, Photos, Search history and past Gemini conversations, when users grant permission.

The new import tools are initially available on the web across the Arab world and are expected to reach mobile devices in the coming days, Google said.