Abdalla Almulla is an innovative Emirati Architect based in Dubai, known for his unique contributions to the field of architectural design. A graduate of Woodbury University in San Diego, USA, with a Bachelor of Architecture, Abdalla distinguished himself early in his career by receiving the prestigious Grand Critique Faculty Choice Award and the Best Degree Project Award. These accolades were in recognition of his exceptional graduation research, which delved into geometric explorations in architectural design. In 2018, he took a significant step in his professional journey by founding MULA, his own design studio. Abdalla’s work has since gained international acclaim, with his participation in numerous design exhibitions around the globe, including Paris Design Week, Milan Design Week, London Design Biennale, and Dubai Design Week, showcasing his talent on both regional and international stages.

At the core of Abdalla’s creative practice is a dynamic and ever-evolving creative energy, characterised by a willingness to venture into the unknown and explore new territories in design. He employs a methodological approach that involves theoretical and visual design explorations within a focused subject, often utilising patterns and geometry as fundamental elements in setting design guidelines. Abdalla’s process is iterative and reflective, involving continuous study and development of concepts through preliminary studies and prototyping. This approach creates a feedback loop that enables him to learn, repeat, and advance, continually pushing the boundaries of architectural design. Abdalla Almulla’s work stands as a testament to his commitment to innovation and excellence in the world of architecture.

Minarets, historically towering over communities, have acted as a focal point for social gatherings. In times when microphones were yet to be invented, their height was vital for projecting the call to prayer across long distances. Minaret 2.0 – repurposes the minaret’s height for a new function, a function that utilizes the sun to tell time. Sun has been the indicator of the prayer time in Islam, guiding Muslims through their five daily prayers: at sunrise, midday, during the afternoon, at sunset, and in the evening. The project centres around the development of a kinetic minaret adorned with a geometric pattern, programmed to react to the sun’s movement. This becomes visible as the geometry gradually changes in color from sunrise to evening. Observers can then discern the prayer time based on this visual transformation. By combining geometry, kinetics, and the sun, this project offers a unique visual representation of prayer times.