USModernist
in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE
October 20-31, 2022
You just won't believe the sheer magniture of amazing buildings and where we're going. You
will discover unbelievable architecture in this truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - with virtually everything included! Wow, that’s incredible!
We think so, too. People love discovering Modernist architecture with USModernist. We've
taken design fans to New York, Chicago, LA, Fallingwater, Palm Springs, Phoenix, London, Brussels,
Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo, Berlin, Zurich, Washington, and all around North Carolina - 120 tours over 14 years.
SCHEDULE of DELIGHTFUL EVENTS
October 20
We fly to the UAE from RDU, flying through Toronto. A few people will
leave on the 18th.
October 21
The Andaz Capital Gate, designed by RMJM. We arrive in the early evening and you'll transfer to our new home, the Andaz Hotel inside
the fantastic Capital Gate. You're guaranteed a view as the rooms start at the
18th floor! That night, a welcome reception inside the hotel.
Abu Dhabi Overview - October 22
Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most impressive modern architectural sights in the world!
After breakfast, you will explore this UAE capital with our expert guide.
Aldar HQ Building, designed by MZ Architects
Masdar City, the worlds largest, energy-independent, green development,
master planned by Norman Foster and Partners
The Sheikh Zayed Bridge,
designed by Zaha Hadid
Yas
Viceroy Hotel
We will visit amazing modern architecture sights today as well as some
of the must-see landmarks of the city.
During the tour, we will explore the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Aldar HQ,
Mascar City, and the Yas Viceroy Hotel. Lunch and dinner is on your own.
October 23 - Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island!
After a wonderful breakfast in your hotel, we will start our second day of touring in Abu Dhabi!
The Saadiyat Cultural District is dedicated to culture and art within Saadiyat.
Crafted by the world’s greatest architectural minds, the area is a shining
beacon on the international art scene with lots of new museums by world-class
architects.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi,
designed by Jean Nouvel, now open!
The Guggenheim Museum
Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry (possibly this will be open)
Sun and Sky Towers, designed by Arquitectonica
The Gate Residential Towers, designed by Arquitectonica
Later we will visit Reem Island,
aka Skyscraper Island, and explore Sun Tower, Sky Tower, and The Gate
Residential Tower.
October 24 - Saadiyat Island Part 2!
Manarat Al Saadiyat Cultural Center, designed by Znera Space
2010 Shanghai World Expo UAE Pavilion, designed by Norman Foster and Partners.
After breakfast, you will explore more of famous Saadiyat Island, including a visit
to the Zayed National Museum, and exterior visits to Manarat Al Saadiyat
Cultural Center and the 2010 World Expo UAE Pavilion.
October 25 - Voyage to Dubai!
After breakfast, you will take a 2-hour private bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
The Radisson Blu Residence Dubai Marina
Upon arrival in Dubai, you'll be taken to the Radisson Blu Residence Dubai
Marina, a beautiful modern hotel within walking distance of the Red Line subway.
The Burj Khalifa,
designed by Skidmore Owings Merrill
Dubai Fountain
Dubai Opera
House, designed by
Janus Rostock
After hotel registration, we will visit the incredible crown jewel of Dubai -
the Burj Khalifa - with a welcome drink and lunch at the panoramic restaurant Atmosphere. We will also visit
the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Opera House.
Dinner is on your own that evening.
October 26 - Dubai
Financial District, Creek, and Marina!
Downtown Dubai, with the
Cayan Tower on the right
The Museum of the Future,
designed by Killa Designs
The Gate
DIFC
Today you will have a comprehensive tour of downtown Dubai. After breakfast, meet your guide and driver to experience JW Marriott Marquis, the Opus, O-14, Raffles Dubai, Dubai Frame (inside), Museum of the Future (inside), Jumeirah Emirates Towers, The Gate DIFC, Dubai International Financial Centre.
Dinner is on your own that evening. October 27 - Dubai Islands!
The Burj al-Arab, designed by Atkins/Tom Wright
The
Jumeirah Lakes Towers
After breakfast we wcontinue to see the huge
man-made island landmarks that captivate the world: Jumeirah Beach Side, the Palm, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Cayan Towerdesigned
by Skidmore Owings Merrill,
and the Almas Tower. Dinner on your own.
October 28 - The World Expo Grounds!
Saudi Arabia Pavilion
Mobility Pavilion
Sustainability Pavilion
The World
Expo 2020 (held in 2021-2022) was a global destination for people to share ideas, showcase innovation, encourage collaboration and celebrate human ingenuity.
Each participating country had its own amazing pavilion, plus there
special UAE themed pavilions like Mobility and Sustainability. This was Epcot on steroids. See all of
them here. Although the Expo will be long over, we will tour the
grounds and work to get in some of the pavilions. Those above are
representative only and cannot be guaranteed. That evening, a special Farewell Dinner in the Sky! Your
gourmet dining and drinks will be served at breathtaking elevation, with
fantastic views of the city and the bay. Those electing not to dine so
high will have a nice dinner on land!
October 29 - TBA
October 30
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The Journey Home
Today is a free day in the UAE, and in the evening our
driver will take us to the airport. You will leave with fabulous memories,
lots of photos, and a heart full of exciting architecture, wonderful people,
and the amazing culture! We will arrive at RDU, through Toronto, about
19 hours later on October 31.
Tickets and Details
Almost everything's included: roundtrip flights RDU and all transfers;
all hotels; Dubai subway pass; all scheduled tours, events, and admissions
listed above; all breakfasts, a few lunches, and a few dinners. Participants also
receive a free year membership/renewal in the
Mod Squad ($120 value)!
$6,999 per person, double occupancy $7,999 per person, single occupancy
To pay, go to
www.usmodernist.org/donate and donate the appropriate amount.
Those who want to do their own airfare will receive a $700 rebate
within a week of payment . By doing so,
you are also responsible for your own airport transportation.
Proceeds benefit USModernist's ongoing nonprofit documentation, preservation, and promotion projects.
The Fine Print:
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Once payment is made, there are no refunds for any reason.
This trip has been postponed several times, twice due to COVID
and once due to missile strikes in the UAE from Yemen. We require
participants get adequate travel insurance to cover their total tour price,
knowing that if the trip is cancelled, or they choose not to go on a subsequent
postponement, those without travel insurance will not receive any refund.
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Participants must complete a liability release before departing as is standard with all USModernist trips.
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Participants are responsible for any additional costs of meals,
lodging, transportation, and incidental expenses if a) flights are cancelled
or delayed, b) participants opt to stay longer or arrive earlier, or c)
participants fail COVID entry or exit tests, or for any other reason are
declined country admission and/or quarantined.
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Typically, each morning involves architecture tours until about 1pm or 2pm; the afternoons are
generally free; and
a few evening events.
You can come and go as you wish on the Dubai
Red Line subway, and the Tram, for which you'll have a pass.
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The itinerary and order of events are subject to change without notice or refund.
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Because we are on the move, no checked luggage; one carry-on and one personal item only per person.
There is no porterage.
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USModernist's Angela Roehl and Rebekah Laney will lead the tour.
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There is NO SMOKING of any kind at the hotels, inside or within 25 feet outside.
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There is NO CONSUMPTION of alcohol outside of our hotels
unless you are in a specifically UAE-authorized bar or club. Public
drunkenness or displays of affection are not permitted. The UAE is a conservative country. We are guests and
will respect their values. Dress modestly and act respectfully.
UAE tips on behavior.
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The UAE prohibits
certain prescription drugs common in the US and elsewhere, mostly
related to sleep, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressants, among others.
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Parking at RDU airport is not included. We encourage
you to share rides or Uber. Uber is also available in Dubai.
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Architects can get self-reported CEU hours if arranged in advance with the AIA.
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Questions? Contact USModernist Executive Director George Smart at 919.740.8407 or george@usmodernist.org.
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