Emirates Human Rights Association.

A purpose-built civic home

The association’s 2009 announcement describes a headquarters selected after several design proposals and studies. The brief included administration and committee offices, workshop rooms, a lecture hall and training accommodation. The existing premises were described as insufficient for its expanding activities. [1]

Torch, atrium and welcome

The original portfolio describes a 5,209 m² office complex over five levels. An open atrium lobby introduces daylight into the centre and provides a welcoming space for staff and visitors. A torch-like element attached to the office building is intended to evoke a flame. The design view shows a projecting upper frame and a distinct vertical element, giving the civic programme a recognisable street presence.

Public space below, offices above

The 2011 schedule places parking in a basement and a multipurpose hall, waiting area and separate entrances at ground level. Association offices occupy the first floor, with lettable offices on the three levels above. The accommodation therefore combines an institutional base with a recurring source of income. [2]

An income model supporting the institution

In March 2014 the association invited law firms and legal consultancies to apply for offices on the upper three floors. Rental proceeds were intended to support humanitarian cases, educational events and community-awareness programmes. This gives the office component a direct relationship to the association’s social purpose. [5]

Land, funding and delivery team

WAM reported a government land grant and AED 15 million allocated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toward construction. The 2011 reports give estimated costs of AED 19–20 million. NAGA’s original design and supervision appointment is established in 2009. Later reporting names Platinum Home Engineering Consultancy and Al Alamein Contracting; the division of responsibilities between design and construction stages is not explained in the public record. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Reconciling the area figures

The portfolio gives 5,209 m². The published floor schedule totals 5,212 m², while the same 2011 article separately states 68,081 sq ft, approximately 6,325 m². These are not equivalent figures. The schedule is presented as reported, without treating it as verified final GFA. [2]

What the construction photograph records

The portfolio photograph shows the main envelope and upper steel frame during construction. It complements the design view by showing the building at an intermediate stage. Public inspections in 2013 and 2014 also describe work in progress, so anticipated completion dates are separated from confirmed events. [4] [5]

A further publication lead

The indexed contents of NAGA: The Master Architect Series, ISBN 9781864704976, place this project at page 158 and the next project at page 162. This suggests a four-page feature. Those pages have not been inspected and are not reproduced here; the listing is retained as a further-reading lead. [6]

A later inauguration target

A June 2014 report of the association’s general assembly records a decision to inaugurate the new headquarters that September. This adds a later target to the earlier construction chronology. The report announces an intention; it does not establish that the inauguration took place or provide an independently verified completion photograph. [7]

Reported accommodation schedule

2011 published schedule · Source 2

Project chronology

1. 2009

   Portfolio project reference; NAGA appointment announced on 19 April. [1]

2. August 2011

   Construction contract and funding reported. [2]

3. January 2013

   Site inspection; June 2013 cited as anticipated completion. [4]

4. March 2014

   Work still underway; office leasing announced and completion anticipated within four months. [5]