The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi is home to a uniquely diverse ecosystem. The artificial wetlands were created in the heart of the Middle East, on the East of Abu Dhabi island, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Covering a total area of 5 km2, the reserve is comprised of wetlands, salt flats knowns as sabkhas, and fossilized sand dunes. 

The reserve has become an oasis of animal and plant life, attracting innumerable species of diverse wildlife to settle within the wetlands. This includes abundant plant and aquatic life as well as over 250 species of birds, most notably the spectacular flock of flamingos that call the wetlands home.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower competition is looking to celebrate these magnificent creatures by tasking participants with designing a new observation tower for the reserve. As the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has expressed an interest in the construction of this tower, designs will need to be both in keeping with the look and purpose of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, while having the potential to become an iconic landmark in its own right.