On Thursday, 8 August 2024, the Tour Guides of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai met with Rami El Dahan and Soheir Farid, the Egyptian architects who designed the Ismaili Centre, Dubai and who are also known for having designed the Hilltop Restaurant at the Al-Azhar Park in Cairo, Egypt.

The Tour Guides engaged in insightful discussions with the architects to learn more about the history, design and inspiration that played a role in the designing and construction of the Ismaili Centre.

Rami and Soheir drew on the insights of the renowned 20th century architect, the late Hassan Fathy, for his deep knowledge of Fatimid style architecture and design. Rami drew inspiration from tradition, and said “it is not an imitation of any other building; it is absolutely unique in its design and style."

The Ismaili Centre Dubai’s design makes a statement about Islamic architecture whilst expressing Islamic values and attitudes in a built form and yet within a contemporary context.

Rami expressed that the building “reflects exactly your culture…” and this building is “your creation as a Community, which we helped design.”