Foster + partners design for the UAE pavillion at the 2010 Shanghai expo is based on the form of a sand dune. The pavillion is a reference to this symbolic feature of the desert landscape shared by each of the seven emirates.

Like a sand dune, the pavillion appears rough and textured on the side that bears the full force of the wind and smooth on the other side. The northern elevation is more porous to admit natural light, while the southern elevation has a solid facade, to minimise solar gain.

The complex structure is a triangulated lattice of flat stainless steel panels, joined
by adjustable nodes, which are designed to enable the pavillion to be emounted on site and constructed quickly and economically. The peak rises to 20 meters in height and it is entered via a glazed lip at the pavillions base. Light penetrates the building's business center and VIP area through glazed vertical strips which illuminate the pavillion from within by night.

With a capacity for 450 people and enclosing 3000 square meters of exhibition space, the pavillion is one of the largest structures to be built for shanghai expo 2010.