The design of the Ruwais Hotel, a model for hotel development in the region, is driven by the desire to develop a highly identifiable hotel brand, create a first-class experience for the business traveler and be extremely energy and water efficient. The building is organized around two courtyards, with guest rooms are arrayed around and face directly into them. Because they are shaded and enclosed, the courtyards create a microclimate cooler than the surrounding area. A terra cotta screen surrounding the building also shades up to 70% of the building. All this shading significantly reduces the heat entering the building, reducing the amount of energy required for air conditioning.