Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the architecture, interior design, engineering, and urban planning firm, has strengthened its regional presence with a new office in Dubai.

Staff within this office will oversee current MENA projects, and will also be tasked with generating new project proposals.

Beyond business development and project management, the office will also offer urban planning services through SOM’s City Design Practice.

Thomas Behr, SOM managing partner in the Middle East and North Africa, will oversee the region, while Uwe Nienstedt, SOM senior regional manager, will lead the office operations in Dubai.

“Our new office allows SOM to build upon decades of experience in the Middle East. By establishing a formal presence in Dubai – an important business center for the region – we are better equipped to serve our local clients, to work with consultants and officials, and to further develop our design and technical expertise specific to the region,” Behr said.

The company has operated in the Middle East for almost 60 years, and has worked on more than 180 projects including Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa.

Some of the firm’s recent and ongoing MENA projects include the King Abdul Aziz Boulevard Hotels and Serviced Apartments in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Kuwait University Student Activities and Athletic Facilities in Shadadiya, Kuwait, the Kuwait University Administration Facilities in Shadadiya, Kuwait; and Mashreq Bank Headquarters in Dubai.

The office is located in the Maze Tower, on Dubai’s main artery, Sheikh Zayed road.