Temporary cultural and religious environments require more than visual transformation. Structure, circulation, durability, safety and finish must work together to create a space that is practical for its intended use while respecting the significance of the environment.

For Hai Ramadan at Expo City Dubai, Evolution Scenic transformed an existing Al Faris tent into a fully functional mosque designed to serve visitors and staff throughout the Ramadan programme.

The project incorporated substantial structural enhancements, a mezzanine level to maximise usable space, separate ablution facilities for men and women, a purpose-built foyer and a combination of specialist internal and external finishes. Delivered within a limited timeframe and against approved drawings, material samples and safety requirements, the mosque demonstrated Evolution Scenic's ability to apply its fabrication and construction capabilities to complex temporary environments.

The Challenge

The project required an existing temporary tent to be developed into a functional place of worship while working within an approved budget, agreed drawings, safety requirements and a restricted delivery programme.

The structure needed to accommodate the practical requirements of a mosque, including sufficient prayer space, separate male and female ablution areas and effective circulation between internal and external environments.

The scale of the build also required a robust approach to construction and finishing, with materials delivered in accordance with approved samples while ensuring the completed environment remained appropriate for regular use throughout the Ramadan programme.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed the existing tent through a combination of timber construction, steel framing, specialist boarding and architectural finishing.

The existing structure was upgraded using a double-wall system incorporating 18mm PSP board and timber formers, finished with a textured paint treatment.

Externally, steel framing supported concrete-board cladding to create a more substantial and durable outer envelope.

A mezzanine level was constructed to increase the available usable space, while two dedicated ablution areas provided separate facilities for men and women.

Finishes were selected according to the operational requirements of each area. High-quality carpet was installed throughout the main prayer hall, vinyl flooring was used within the ablution and foyer areas, and grass carpet completed the external spaces.

The foyer required its own heavy-duty steel-framed structure, clad with concrete boards to provide a durable transition between the exterior and the main mosque.

Together, these elements transformed the original temporary tent into a structured, functional and welcoming environment designed specifically for its use as a mosque. 

Delivery Highlights

• Existing Al Faris tent adapted and enhanced
• Double-wall construction
• 18mm PSP board and timber formers
• Textured painted finishes
• Steel-framed external construction
• Concrete-board exterior cladding
• Purpose-built mezzanine level
• Separate male and female ablution areas
• High-quality carpet throughout the main prayer hall
• Vinyl flooring within the ablution and foyer areas
• Grass carpet to external areas
• Heavy-duty steel-framed foyer
• Construction against approved drawings and material samples
• Delivery within a restricted project programme 

Outcome

The completed Hai Ramadan Expo Mosque transformed an existing temporary tent into a substantial and fully functional place of worship capable of serving visitors and staff throughout the Ramadan programme.

By combining structural enhancement, bespoke fabrication, additional usable space, dedicated ablution facilities and carefully selected finishes, Evolution Scenic delivered an environment that balanced practical requirements with the quality expected of a high-profile destination such as Expo City Dubai.

The project demonstrates how Evolution Scenic's fabrication expertise can extend beyond conventional event scenery into complex temporary structures where construction, functionality, durability and finish must operate as one integrated solution.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Structural development, bespoke fabrication, mezzanine construction, timber works, steel framing, concrete-board cladding, foyer construction, finishing and installation.

The existing Al Faris tent and six large AC units were provided by the client. Specialist suppliers supported flooring and smoke-detection requirements. 

Prestigious ceremonial events often require temporary environments that combine architectural scale, hospitality, cultural detailing and operational functionality. For the launch of The Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, Evolution designed and delivered two large-scale temporary majlis structures for VVIP male and female guests on the lawn of Emirates Palace.

The project combined 10-metre-high branded scaffolding walls, bespoke backlit mashrabiya cladding, a 50-metre entrance ramp, a 1,000-square-metre covered temporary structure, CNC-cut scenic panels, custom lighting effects and bespoke white furniture. Together, these elements created a refined hospitality environment designed to reflect the significance and prestige of the occasion.

The Challenge

The event required two substantial temporary structures capable of hosting VVIP guests while maintaining a high standard of visual finish and cultural relevance.

The majlis environments needed to feel refined and permanent despite being temporary installations. The structures also had to combine large-scale architectural elements with detailed interior finishes, furniture, lighting and imagery relating to Sheikh Zayed.

The outdoor location added another layer of consideration. The covered structure needed to provide a suitable event environment while also allowing for water drainage in the event of rain.

Guest arrival was equally important. A long elevated approach had to be incorporated into the design to create a smooth and appropriately formal entrance experience.

The Solution

Evolution delivered two custom-built majlis enclosures incorporating 10-metre-high branded scaffolding walls clad with bespoke wooden backlit mashrabiya panels. The mashrabiya treatment introduced a traditional architectural language while the backlighting added depth and visual presence to the large-scale façades.

A 50-metre-long custom entrance ramp was installed to provide an elevated and considered arrival sequence for guests.

The main covered area utilised an I-Novation temporary structure spanning approximately 1,000 square metres. A fabric roof was incorporated with provision for water drainage, helping protect the event environment in the event of rain.

Inside the majlis structures, 5.3-metre-high CNC-cut scenic panels were fabricated and finished in a custom white spray treatment. Rare photographs of Sheikh Zayed were incorporated into these panels, allowing them to function both as decorative scenic elements and as elegant spatial dividers.

A bespoke lighting treatment was developed to project detailed shadow patterns throughout the interior, adding another visual layer to the mashrabiya-inspired aesthetic.

Custom white furniture was also produced and installed to complete the interior environment and maintain consistency with the client’s visual direction.

Delivery Highlights

• Two large-scale temporary VVIP majlis structures.
• Male and female guest enclosures.
• Installation on the Emirates Palace lawn.
• 10m-high branded scaffolding walls.
• Bespoke wooden backlit mashrabiya panels.
• 50m-long custom entrance ramp.
• Approximately 1,000m² covered temporary structure.
• I-Novation temporary structure system.
• Fabric roof with water drainage provision.
• 5.3m-high CNC-cut scenic panels.
• Custom white spray finish.
• Rare Sheikh Zayed photographic displays.
• Scenic panels used as interior space dividers.
• Bespoke shadow-projection lighting effects.
• Custom white furniture.
• Large-scale scenic fabrication and installation.

Outcome

The completed Sheikhat Majlis environments provided a distinguished setting for VVIP guests attending the launch of The Founder’s Memorial.

Large-scale structural elements established the architectural presence of the event, while backlit mashrabiya panels, photographic scenic features, lighting effects and bespoke furniture created a more detailed and culturally informed interior experience.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to combine temporary structures with high-end scenic fabrication, architectural detailing and hospitality interiors, creating large-scale ceremonial environments that retain both functionality and visual refinement.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Temporary majlis structures, branded scaffolding treatment, bespoke mashrabiya panels, entrance ramp fabrication, CNC-cut scenic panels, interior scenic detailing, bespoke furniture, lighting integration, delivery and installation.

Ideas festivals need environments that encourage conversation, discovery and collaboration among audiences with different interests and backgrounds. For the 2019 Ideas Festival at NYU Abu Dhabi, Tamkeen commissioned Evolution Scenic to create an engaging event environment centred on culture, knowledge and innovation.

The festival welcomed adults, teenagers and young professionals while providing a platform for thinkers, innovators and influencers from the UAE, the GCC and beyond.

Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated large-scale artistic installations combining geometric timber structures with vibrant graphics. Multi-functional scenic spaces were also created for discussions, workshops and networking activities.

The Challenge

The event environment needed to appeal to a broad audience while supporting several different forms of participation. Discussions, workshops, networking and informal interaction each required spaces suited to their specific purpose.

The scenic design also needed to communicate Abu Dhabi’s identity as a modern, knowledge-driven capital while celebrating UAE culture and the city’s growing role as a centre for creativity and innovation.

These ideas had to be translated into visually distinctive structures without limiting the flexibility required by the festival programme.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated large-scale art installations using geometric timber structures and vibrant applied graphics.

The combination of three-dimensional forms and bold graphic treatments created a recognisable visual identity for the festival while expressing themes of culture, knowledge and innovation.

Versatile scenic elements were produced to support discussions, workshops and networking activities. These multi-functional environments enabled the event programme to accommodate different formats and audience groups within a coordinated setting.

Thematic features inspired by UAE culture and Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for knowledge and creativity were incorporated throughout the scenic approach.

Detailed fabrication and high-quality finishing ensured the individual installations formed a polished and immersive environment across the festival.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for the Ideas Festival
• Installation at NYU Abu Dhabi
• Large-scale artistic installations
• Geometric timber structures
• Vibrant applied graphics
• Multi-functional festival spaces
• Discussion environments
• Workshop areas
• Networking spaces
• Design for adults and younger audiences
• Integration of UAE cultural themes
• Visual storytelling around knowledge and innovation
• Detailed scenic fabrication
• High-quality finishes
• Venue installation

Outcome

The completed environment supported a varied programme of discussions, workshops and networking while giving the festival a strong visual identity.

Large-scale geometric installations and colourful graphics created distinctive focal points throughout the venue. Flexible scenic spaces allowed different audience groups to participate in the festival’s activities and connect with one another.

Through considered design, specialist timber fabrication and detailed finishing, Evolution Scenic created an environment that reflected the festival’s focus on culture, creativity and knowledge sharing.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic design, large-scale art installations, geometric timber fabrication, graphic integration, multi-functional event spaces, cultural features, finishing and venue installation.

Transforming an open site into a complete entertainment destination requires scenic production to operate at an exceptional scale. For Diriyah Season 2019, the Diriyah Oasis Festival transformed a 130,000-square-metre car park into a fully functioning entertainment hub comprising four major festival zones.

Delivered within an intensive 90-day programme, the destination welcomed more than one million visitors during its two-month run. Evolution Scenic worked alongside local scenic providers to translate creative concepts into immersive environments, large-scale scenic elements, bespoke landscaping and illuminated installations.

The project required coordinated delivery across a vast site, combining specialist fabrication with local collaboration, logistical management and consistent quality control.

The Challenge

The primary challenge was the scale and speed of delivery. A 130,000-square-metre car park needed to become an operational entertainment destination containing four distinctive festival zones within 90 days.

Each zone required its own immersive visual environment while remaining part of the wider Diriyah Oasis identity. Scenic structures, custom props, landscaping, flooring and lighting all needed to be coordinated across the extensive venue.

Delivering this volume of work required Evolution Scenic to collaborate with and manage multiple local scenic providers. The combined teams needed to work efficiently while maintaining consistent fabrication, finishing and installation standards across every zone.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic translated the creative concepts into practical scenic-delivery requirements for the four principal festival zones.

Large-scale scenic elements and custom props were fabricated to establish the individual character of each environment. Bespoke landscaping and flooring treatments helped transform the original car park into a more complete and engaging visitor destination.

Illuminated scenic installations and wider lighting solutions introduced colour, energy and atmosphere across the site, supporting both the visual identity of the zones and the festival’s evening operation.

Evolution Scenic worked closely with local scenic providers, coordinating their specialist capabilities with its own team and overseeing delivery across the project. This multi-company approach enabled production to scale in response to the size of the build while maintaining common quality expectations.

Logistics and installation were managed across all four festival zones, allowing multiple workstreams to progress within the demanding 90-day programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Transformation of a 130,000-square-metre car park
• Intensive 90-day delivery programme
• Four major festival zones
• Immersive scenic environments
• Large-scale scenic fabrication
• Custom props
• Bespoke landscaping
• Festival flooring treatments
• Illuminated scenic installations
• Coordinated lighting solutions
• Management of local scenic providers
• Multi-company production collaboration
• Site-wide logistics and installation
• Two-month public operation
• More than one million visitors

Outcome

Diriyah Oasis opened as the entertainment hub of Diriyah Season 2019 and welcomed more than one million visitors during its two-month operation.

The four completed festival zones transformed the original car park into a varied and visually engaging destination. Scenic fabrication, landscaping, flooring and illuminated features gave each area its own identity while contributing to the atmosphere of the wider festival.

By coordinating multiple local providers and managing simultaneous workstreams across a substantial site, Evolution Scenic delivered the large-scale scenic package within the 90-day programme. The project demonstrated the company’s ability to scale its delivery model for complex festival environments in Saudi Arabia.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic development, large-scale fabrication, custom props, landscaping, flooring, illuminated installations, local-provider management, logistical coordination and site-wide installation.

Technology-focused events require environments that communicate innovation while supporting presentations, meetings, hospitality and formal recognition.

On 4 November 2024, the ADNOC ENACT Majlis took place at the ADNOC Business Center in Abu Dhabi. Focused on artificial intelligence and incorporating an awards ceremony, the event required a contemporary environment delivered within a highly compressed programme.

Evolution Scenic created and coordinated curved scenic walls, illuminated features, screen cladding, branded meeting-room backdrops, photography settings and hospitality structures. The complete installation was delivered within two days.

The Challenge

The existing venue needed to be transformed using decorated walls, wide curved screens, entrance features and branded environments without permanent changes to the space.

Only two days were available to complete the build. Scenic fabrication, screen installation, graphics, furniture and first-floor deliveries all needed to be carefully sequenced, leaving little tolerance for delay or rework.

The curved LED screens required custom scenic cladding that followed their form while preserving access and maintaining a refined finish. The different wall features also needed to stand independently and integrate wallpaper, branding and illuminated details.

All construction activity had to comply with the health and safety standards established by the venue and remain within the approved budget.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed freestanding curved walls finished with custom wallpaper and integrated LED strips. The illuminated edges emphasised the geometry of the structures and supported the event’s technology-led visual identity.

Custom cladding was produced around the wide curved LED screens, integrating the technical displays into the wider scenic treatment. The screens were supplied by CITI Company, with Evolution Scenic coordinating their incorporation into the environment.

A dedicated photography stage and branded back wall created a clear setting for guest and event imagery. Additional freestanding wall features were fabricated for branding and decorative use throughout the venue.

Meeting rooms were fitted with customised backdrops aligned with the event theme. Furniture was incorporated to create a more refined and functional setting for discussions and guest interaction.

Hospitality areas were defined using additional freestanding walls, creating professional and welcoming spaces without requiring permanent venue construction.

Graphics produced by Zenith Printing were coordinated with the scenic structures, while Maestra supported scenic deliveries to the venue’s first floor. Detailed sequencing enabled the combined teams to complete the installation within the two-day programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Two-day venue build
• Installation at the ADNOC Business Center
• Custom curved scenic walls
• Wallpaper wall finishes
• Integrated LED-strip effects
• Cladding for wide curved LED screens
• Screen integration coordinated with CITI Company
• Branded photography stage
• Custom photography back wall
• Freestanding decorative features
• Branded wall installations
• Custom meeting-room backdrops
• Furniture integration
• Freestanding hospitality walls
• Graphics coordination with Zenith Printing
• First-floor delivery coordination with Maestra
• Delivery within the approved budget
• Compliance with venue health and safety requirements

Outcome

The completed environment transformed the existing business-centre spaces into a coordinated setting for the ADNOC ENACT Majlis and its artificial-intelligence awards programme.

Curved walls, illuminated edges and integrated screens established a contemporary visual identity, while meeting-room backdrops and hospitality structures supported the event’s practical requirements.

The photography stage and branded wall features extended the identity across guest-facing areas. Through close coordination between the scenic, screen, graphics and delivery teams, the full installation was completed within the two-day timeframe.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic development, curved wall fabrication, LED integration, screen cladding, photography environment, meeting-room backdrops, hospitality structures, supplier coordination and on-site installation.

Why Some Of The Best Scenic Solutions Come From The Crew

Technical drawings establish how a scenic structure should be manufactured, but the people building, finishing and installing it often identify practical improvements that cannot be seen on screen. Their experience helps turn an approved design into something that can be produced, transported and installed successfully.

Not every strong scenic solution begins in a meeting room. Some are identified when a carpenter starts assembling a structure and notices that a fixing will become inaccessible later.

Others come from a metalworker who recognises that a connection could be simplified, a scenic painter who spots that a joint will remain visible beneath the finish, or an installer who recommends dividing a structure differently so it can pass through the venue. These observations do not replace technical design, engineering or project control. They strengthen them.

Scenic fabrication turns drawings, models and specifications into physical structures. During that process, materials behave differently, tolerances accumulate and practical constraints become clearer.

The people closest to the work often identify these issues first.

They also frequently identify the most effective solution.

The Workshop Sees What The Drawing Cannot

Technical drawings establish dimensions, materials, geometry and construction requirements. However, they cannot always show how easily a component can be handled, whether a fixing will remain accessible or how a material will respond once it has been cut, formed and finished. The workshop sees the structure at full scale.

A connection that appears straightforward on a drawing may become difficult to reach after surrounding panels are fitted. A curved form may need temporary bracing during assembly. A transport joint may need to move so it does not pass through a prominent finished surface. The crew also understands the order in which the work must happen.

They know which components need to be fitted first, where access must remain open and when a finish or technical element will restrict later work.

This practical perspective helps identify problems before they become embedded within the build.

Fabrication Feedback Should Start Early

Workshop feedback is most valuable during technical development and early production. Once materials have been ordered, CNC files prepared and major components manufactured, even a sensible improvement can create rework or delay.

An early fabrication review may identify:

• Inaccessible connections
• Sections that are too large or heavy
• Joints positioned within visible surfaces
• Materials requiring additional support
• Complicated assembly sequences
• Insufficient space for technical equipment
• Difficult lifting or transport requirements
• Finishes requiring more preparation than expected

The purpose is not to redesign the project informally. It is to ensure the approved design and proposed fabrication method work together.

A structure may be visually correct and technically detailed but still be difficult to manufacture or install. Early workshop input exposes that risk while there is still time to resolve it properly.

Small Changes Can Make A Significant Difference

Many crew-led improvements appear minor. A carpenter may move a connection so it remains accessible after cladding is installed. A metalworker may revise a bracket so it can be secured from a safer position.

A CNC operator may adjust the component layout to improve material use. A scenic painter may request that a joint is moved away from a smooth finished surface. An installer may recommend numbering sections according to the installation sequence rather than the workshop production order.

These changes may not alter the appearance, but they can reduce fabrication time, simplify installation and prevent damage. A fixing detail repeated across fifty components can either save time or create the same problem fifty times.

The value of the idea is not always reflected by its size.

Installation Experience Improves Fabrication

Installation teams understand what happens after scenery leaves the workshop. They work within loading schedules, restricted access routes, shared work areas and fixed handover times. A connection that is easy to complete at floor level may be far more difficult several metres above a stage.

A large section that moves easily around the workshop may not fit through a venue corridor or goods lift. A delicate finish may need additional protection if it will be handled repeatedly during unloading and installation. These lessons should return to the technical and workshop teams.

The strongest process creates a clear feedback loop:

• The technical team develops controlled production information.
• The workshop manufactures and tests the solution.
• The installation team experiences how it performs on site.
• Relevant lessons are applied to future projects.

Installation experience should not only solve problems on site. It should improve how the next structure is designed and built.

The Crew Understands How Materials Behave

Specifications explain how a material is expected to perform. Workshop experience reveals how it behaves during production. Timber can move, bow or twist. Sheet materials may vary slightly in thickness. Foam can be damaged during handling.

Metal components may distort if heat and fabrication sequence are not controlled. Paint systems can reveal imperfections that were difficult to see before finishing. Experienced crew members recognise these behaviours.

A carpenter may know that a tight curve should be formed in layers. A metalworker may identify where temporary bracing is required. A scenic painter may recognise that a metallic finish needs additional preparation because it will expose every surface defect. 

Scenic structures frequently combine timber, metal, CNC-cut panels, carved foam, textiles, graphics, lighting components and paint systems. Each department’s work affects the next. The supporting structure affects the cladding. The cladding affects the finish. The finish affects handling and repair. The installation method affects how everything must be divided and connected.

Crew experience helps manage these relationships in practice.

Practical Suggestions Still Need Technical Control

Encouraging feedback does not mean allowing uncontrolled changes. A modification can affect dimensions, structural performance, fire requirements, cost, programme or installation. Every suggestion must be reviewed by the appropriate responsible person.

A controlled process should establish:

• What problem has been identified
• Why the current detail may cause difficulty
• What improvement is proposed
• Whether engineering or compliance is affected
• Whether cost or programme changes
• Who must approve the revision
• Whether drawings or CNC files need updating

This protects the project while allowing workshop knowledge to improve the outcome. The objective is structured collaboration, not redesign by conversation on the workshop floor.

Every Project Should Improve The Next One

A project should still provide useful information after installation is complete.

The team can review:

• Details that slowed assembly
• Components that were difficult to transport
• Fixings that were hard to access
• Materials that did not perform as expected
• Areas damaged during handling
• Finishes that were difficult to repair
• Drawings that required clarification
• Solutions that should become standard practice

These lessons can improve workshop details, technical information, packing methods and installation sequences.

Continuous improvement becomes meaningful when the next project is better because of what the team learned from the previous one.

The Best Solution Is The One That Can Be Delivered

Scenic fabrication needs creative ambition, technical development and engineering control.

It also needs structures that can be manufactured, finished, transported and installed within the programme.

The strongest solution is not automatically the most complicated.

It is the one that protects the approved appearance while making the structure practical, reliable and safe to deliver.

Sometimes that solution begins during technical design. Sometimes it is resolved through engineering. And sometimes it comes from a carpenter, metalworker, painter, CNC operator or installer who recognises a problem because they have experienced something similar before.

Their input does not weaken the design process. It completes it. The technical information establishes what needs to be built. The crew helps ensure it works when it leaves the drawing and enters the real world.