Why Abbas Sherif Alaskari Refuses to Follow Global Design Trends
In an industry where designers race to keep up with what’s “in,” one architect stands firm in his refusal to conform. Abbas Sherif Alaskari, a respected architect engineer based in Dubai, is carving a different path one that ignores fleeting global design trends in favor of something deeper: authenticity, locality, and cultural memory
At a time when minimalism, industrial chic, and Scandinavian palettes dominate architecture and interior design, Abbas is asking a bold question: What do these trends really mean to the people of the UAE? And more importantly: Do they belong here?
“Design is not just about what looks good on Pinterest,” Abbas says “It’s about what makes sense in our climate, culture, and way of life. We should not be importing identities we should be expressing our own ”
Global Trends, Local Blind Spots
Modern design trends often begin in Western markets, with influences from Europe or North America shaping aesthetics around the world. While these trends offer innovation and beauty, they’re not always aligned with the climate, culture, or social habits of the Middle East.
Take, for example, the popular open-floor, glass-heavy homes with minimal shade. They might work well in cloudy cities, but in the UAE’s arid, sun-drenched environment, they can be impractical and unsustainable Similarly, materials like concrete or steel are often favored for their sleekness, yet they perform poorly against the heat compared to traditional Emirati techniques like thick mud walls or shaded courtyards
A Commitment to Cultural Continuity
Abbas believes that the UAE doesn’t need to mimic the world to be relevant. With a rich architectural legacy rooted in centuries of desert life, trade, and Islamic art, there is more than enough inspiration to draw from locally His work reflects this principle drawing on elements like Mashrabiya for privacy and airflow, earthy materials for temperature regulation, and spatial layouts that encourage family interaction
This isn’t nostalgia. It’s strategy. Abbas sees the past as a design manual, not just a museum piece “Our ancestors knew how to live comfortably in this environment without air conditioning or imported materials,” he explains. “Why would we abandon that wisdom for short-lived trends?”
The Problem with Uniformity
Another concern Abbas raises is the global homogenization of cities From Singapore to London to Dubai, many modern buildings look nearly identical International branding has started to influence architecture, pushing developers to adopt “modern” styles that align with luxury and globalization, even if it means erasing local character
“In 20 years, will people be able to tell the difference between a street in Abu Dhabi and one in Toronto?” Abbas asks “That’s not progress—that’s dilution ”
Designing for Identity, Not Impression
For Abbas, resisting trends isn’t about being difficult it’s about designing with identity. He wants architecture to serve as a cultural anchor, especially for future generations growing up in an increasingly digital, borderless world
His designs often feature subtle but intentional Emirati cues patterns in the stonework, shaded terraces that evoke old courtyards, or window placements inspired by historic layouts. To the average observer, these choices may not scream “trendy,” but they whisper heritage and that’s the point.
A Growing Movement
While Abbas’s approach may once have been viewed as unconventional, he’s no longer alone. A growing number of architects across the region are advocating for design rooted in place, not platforms. Universities in the UAE are encouraging students to research vernacular architecture, and sustainable practices are naturally leading designers back to local techniques.
As the world moves faster, Abbas Sherif Alaskari is doubling down on timelessness. And in doing so, he’s reminding the region and the world that design doesn’t have to follow trends to be meaningful. It just needs to be honest.
“In the end,” Abbas says, “true architecture isn’t about following the world. It’s about knowing who you are and building from there.”