United Arab Emirates 2021

Title: Wetland
Commissioner: Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation
Curators: Wael Al Awar and Kenichi Teramoto
Exhibitors: waiwai, Farah Al Qasimi

The UAE Pavilion presents an innovative, eco-friendly cement prototype made out of recycled industrial waste brine and photographs by Farah Al Qasimi. Curators Wael Al Awar and Kenichi Teramoto were inspired by salt crystallisation patterns in the UAE’s salt flats (sabkha), which are extensive, ecologically very rich and nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site.  They have invented a ground-breaking environmentally-friendly cement alternative created from brine, super-saturated saltwater left over from industrial water desalination. The production of traditional cement generates 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions, while brine is often poured back in to oceans with significant impact on marine life and ecosystems. In keeping with the Biennale’s theme ‘How Will We Live Together’, the curators will present their research into a potential solution that addresses both of these harmful environmental issues.