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

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We fly to the UAE from RDU, flying through Toronto.  A few people will leave on the 18th.


October 21

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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.

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Aldar HQ Building, designed by MZ Architects

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Masdar City, the worlds largest, energy-independent, green development, master planned by Norman Foster and Partners


The Sheikh Zayed Bridge, designed by Zaha Hadid

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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.

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The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, now open!


The Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry (possibly this will be open)

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Sun and Sky Towers, designed by Arquitectonica

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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!

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Manarat Al Saadiyat Cultural Center, designed by Znera Space


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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.

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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

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Dubai Fountain

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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

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The Museum of the Future, designed by Killa Designs

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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

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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!



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Saudi Arabia Pavilion

Mobility Pavilion - Expo 2020 Dubai
Mobility Pavilion

Sustainability Pavilion - Expo 2020 Dubai
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
- 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:

  • 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.

  • Participants must complete a liability release before departing as is standard with all USModernist trips. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The itinerary and order of events are subject to change without notice or refund.

  • Because we are on the move, no checked luggage; one carry-on and one personal item only per person. There is no porterage.

  • USModernist's Angela Roehl and Rebekah Laney will lead the tour.

  • There is NO SMOKING of any kind at the hotels, inside or within 25 feet outside.

  • 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.

  • The UAE prohibits certain prescription drugs common in the US and elsewhere, mostly related to sleep, anti-anxiety, and anti-depressants, among others. 

  • Parking at RDU airport is not included.  We encourage you to share rides or Uber.  Uber is also available in Dubai.

  • Architects can get self-reported CEU hours if arranged in advance with the AIA.

  • Questions? Contact USModernist Executive Director George Smart at 919.740.8407 or george@usmodernist.org.