Al Nokhba, Abu Dhabi
Client
Presidential Court of Abu Dhabi
Size
13,000 sqm. (G+3)
Location
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Status
Complete
Al Nokhba is a warm, nature-connected ecosystem that connects young primary students directly to outdoor gardens and community spaces
About the Project
Commissioned by the Royal Commission for Al Ula (RCU), this ambitious design framework establishes an architectural template to upgrade over 200 existing regional schools. Developed by Köda in just three months, the guidelines span kindergartens, K-12 facilities, IB institutions, and hospitality academies. The framework pairs modern educational trends with Al Ula's distinct cultural context, creating adaptable, inspiring learning environments rooted in local heritage.
Key Highlights
Double-skin aluminium Mashrabiya facade screen.
Central library hub with elegant arches.
Direct outdoor garden access for kindergarteners.
Optimised space for reading nooks and breakout areas.
Shaded central courtyard covered by a geometric fabric canopy.
Design Approach
The master layout draws inspiration from Al Ula’s natural landscape: oases inspire collaborative hubs, rock formations prompt quiet focus rooms, and shifting sands inspire adaptable classrooms. Early childhood spaces feature vibrant earth-toned role-play zones, micro-theaters, and reading nooks. To maximize existing footprints without heavy structural changes, open courtyards across the network were retrofitted into enclosed, glass-walled libraries as central gathering hubs. Additionally, a former hostel was transformed into a sleek Hospitality and Culinary Institute, featuring an open gathering hall, a floating glass mezzanine library, commercial kitchens, and a lightweight rooftop restaurant overlooking the Al Ula mountains.
The project integrates indoor and outdoor learning, encouraging interaction.
Client
Presidential Court of Abu Dhabi
Project Type
Campus Planning
Typology
Education — K-12 Government School
Completion
Complete
Built-Up Area
13,000 sqm. (G+3)
Certification
Gold LEED (in progress)
Outcome & Impact
Delivered in three months, Köda’s transformative framework provides a unified, scalable benchmark for more than 200 schools across AlUla. By retrofitting underutilized spaces and honoring the region’s unique environment, the project elevates regional educational standards. It ensures future-ready, high-performance learning spaces remain deeply connected to local terrain, culture, and community needs for generations to come.