CONCEPTHaving visited Dubai today, many tourists on their return home are likely to answer their friends’ question “What is Dubai like?” in a way: “That is Arabian Pearl”! Nowadays, the word ‘pearl’ is used not only to refer to the amazing creations of the nature, but also to the man-made wonders of the mankind. For example, we have the pearl of literature, the pearl of art, the pearl of architecture, etc. When we hear of the pearl of Egypt we imply the Pyramids, when we hear of the pearl of France we immediately picture the Eiffel Tower, the pearl of Sydney is its Sydney Opera and so on. Dubai today has absorbed all the very best created by a human: these are the state-of-the-art ideas and technologies in architecture, construction, social order, and municipal service and facilities. The distinguished engineers and designers are willing to work (and do work) there. In these times it is also the big cultural and tourist centre.With this in mind, our team of architects generated a simple idea – to turn this word symbol of “perfection” into the architectural one. We put forward the idea to direct reproduce a pearl kept in the sea shell as an architectural image.The history of Dubai is tightly bound up with pearls. To a large extent owing to pearl fishery and sales, the town turned from the small fish settlement into the big thriving city. This place still hosts the biggest pearl markets today. The pearl also has the deep symbolic meaning in the world culture. This is a symbol of a soul placed into the body, inner center. The secret knowledge, truth of which can be grasped only if one takes pains, since the soul is hidden as well as the pearl inside the shell. The Muslim world often considered the pearl to be the symbol of the Heaven, and there used to be a popular belief saying that it sheltered the blessed ones inside. SPATIAL STRUCTUREAccording to our idea, the construction shall symbolize the opened pearl oyster washed ashore. Thus, the construction will consist of two parts – horizontal and vertical structures. - Horizontal space, symbolizing the bottom part of the scallop-shell, shall have the oval shape and form the amphitheatre, with oval-located spectators seating. Such an oval planning, in our opinion, will harmoniously blend into the ensemble of existing areas for public meetings (oval-shaped ones) already functioning in Za’abeel Park. The aquarium will be located in the centre of this bowl. All space will be deepened in the earth for - 5m. DMD. There will be a bridge across the aquarium leading the visitors inside the complex. - Vertical space, symbolizing the top part of the scallop-shell, shall consist of the six curved metal pylons radiating from the foundation and angularly related to each other. The spatial grid structure made of strong and lightweight material (possibly of composite materials, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, etc.) will be fixed to these pylons. The cells of the grid will form the geometric pattern peculiar to the Arabian cultures. Thus, the grid will make up seven ‘wings’ of the shell, each separately, according to our idea, symbolizing the emirate. Grid-type cover will allow to significantly reduce the wind load on building.- In the foundation of these two spaces there will be a structure made by two crossing trimmed ellipsoid forms There will be the main public premises located in the space of this structure – entrance lobby with two elevators and two emergency stairs, conference hall, and children’s library. The enclosing structure of the conference hall will consist of transparent (glass) curved flexible structures, which while opening up, will extend the space, linking at the same time the spaces of conference hall and stage designed for large public meetings. At the lower level, under the stage, there will be the gallery allowing the visitor to observe the underwater world of the aquarium.- The central structure of the composition will be the spatial sphere with diameter of 28m, symbolizing as a matter of fact the very "Arabian Pearl". The sphere will be fixed in a console to two central pylons of vertical structure. The reduced copy (model) of Dubai will be put on the show at the first level inside of the sphere; also there will be a café (at the second level).The shell of the sphere is to be made of transparent glass constructions with joint-free connection of glass sections, in such a way to ensure the integral perception of the sphere. We suggest to cover the glass of the enclosing structures with air-sprayed pearl, thus to create the effect of the immense pearl. The location of the construction at the defined territory anticipates the maximum preservation of all existing constructions and beautification features (in particular green belt, hardscaping, walking paths, and grounds). We fixed upon such an orientation of the constructions on the basis of ultimately positive perception of it from all observation sites of Za’abeel Park.ASSIGNATION AND FUNCTIONALITY ORGANIZATIONWe would like the above construction to be not only the symbolizing structures, but to become the place of public meeting of inhabitants and city guests. For instance, the day of the city can be marked by the speeches of the public figures and city governors in front of its inhabitants and guests. In the evening, the laser show with interesting illuminating effects can be arranged at the very 'pearl'. It is possible to grow the pearls in the sea-shells in the aquarium, while the visitors will be able to observe it from the underwater gallery of the complex.Central exposition of the complex inside of 'the pearl', where one can get from the main lobby by two express elevators, will attract the visitors, who will be able to watch the reduced copy (model) of the city on the stand sitting at the table at the café and enjoying its friendly atmosphere. Thus, it would depict the main idea of the construction: Dubai as 'an Arabian Pearl'. Besides, the first level of the complex will include the children's library and flexible conference hall, where one can get from the central lobby. Being the tourist attraction of the city, the construction would pull in the holiday-makers. Here one can draw a parallel with the gnostical work "Soul's Anthem" narrating about the youth, who went on the journey to find his pearl and having wrestled against all temptations on his way finally found it and at the same time obtained the wisdom.