MIDDLE EASTERN HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS IN MODERN ARCHITECTURE OF THE ARAB EMIRATES
This article considers the possibility of synthesizing new architectural forms, technological progress, the Arab architectural tradition, heritage and symbols, on the example of Abu Dhabi. The development of modern architecture in Abu Dhabi can be divided into several stages, each of which is strongly associated with the economic processes taking place in the country. Urban construction of low buildings in Abu Dhabi in late 20 <sup>th</sup> century, thanks to the economic recovery, gradually transformed into high-rise construction. There was a well-known practice of attracting foreign architects and application of technological innovations. By the early 21 <sup>st</sup> century, the city came up with a completely developed urban planning system, but with certain pretentious trends which in no way reflect regional identity. The desire of the authorities to efficiency and approval of prestige in architecture has resulted in the imposition of the urban environment futuristic architectural images in dissonance with the historical environment, religion and tradition. Architectural conflict of ideas at the beginning of the first decade of the 21 <sup>st</sup> century was resolved by including of concepts of the historical traditions and cultural heritage of the emirate in modern construction. In a complicated dialogue of the modern architecture and regional heritage, a new architectural language appears, which embodies the concept of international and regional architectural space. They are united by rationalization and innovative approach to the traditional architectural elements, which retain their functionality. Thanks to the balance between the past and the present, modern architecture of Abu Dhabi manages to retain a unique image of architectural space of the city, to find a regional color and retain historical and architectural significance. Refs 24. Figs 7.