The National Diabetes Centre will be a national institution for diabetes, containing research and central functions, as well as treatment for complicated cases. It will in effect be a miniature hospital, with outpatient facilities, radiology, a large polyclinics department, bed wards, and counselling and education.

The layout contains three wings (bed wards, treatments and laboratories) around an inner oasis in the form of a three-storied, shaded atrium under a large floating roof slab filtering the intense sunlight. The buildings design is aimed at an optimal use of natural light, and screening from the heat. The atrium houses the reception, a restaurant and other common functions. The three wing layout gives a clear, straightforward organisation, and effective logistic routes.

The choice of materials reinterprets local tradition, combined with modern pre-fabrication methods. The three wings are pre-fabricated, textured concrete, set with a deep relief to provide shading and an interesting play of light in the almost vertical sun. Set back beneath the floating roof slab are larger expanses of glazing, allowing for a high transparency without overheating or use of darkened, mirrored glass. The roof slab, which houses plant rooms, is clad with a pattern reflecting the local ornamental wooden latticework, mashrabiya, which acts as a light-filter.