AK_Project Circle
18 D ubai Design Week: A Retrospective
The identity team were actively involved in Dubai Design Week and Downtown Design, capturing collaborations and taking part in key dialogues with the industry. Here’s an overview
24 Cover Story: Where Design Meets Experience
Fady Friberg has created a space that unites more than 70 brands under one roof, fostering community connection while delivering an experience unlike any other
40 id identity Design Awards 2025
Peruse through the winning projects as well as glimpses of our gala night
64 Alpine Chic
In Quebec, this ski chalet with contemporary interiors offers the perfect cosy escape
Surface Solutions, Designed
Editor-in-Chief
Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
Managing Partner and Group Editor
Ian Fairservice
Chief Commercial Officer
Anthony Milne
Group Content Director
Thomas Woodgate
Editor
Aneesha Rai
Senior Art Director
Olga Petroff
Designer
Vibha Monteiro
Sub-editor
Max Tuttle
Senior Partnerships Manager
Sharmine Khan
General Manager - Production
Sunil Kumar
Production Manager
Binu Purandaran
Assistant Production Manager
Venita Pinto
Head Office: Media One Tower, PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE; Tel: +971 4 427 3000, Fax: +971 4 428 2260; E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae
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Saudi Arabia: Regus Offices No. 455 - 456, 4th Floor, Hamad Tower, King Fahad Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Tel: +966 11 834 3595 / +966 11 834 3596; E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae
London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK; E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae
Editor’s Note
As we wind down toward the end of the year, it’s only natural to look back at all we’ve accomplished. Last month, the identity Design Awards took place at W Dubai – The Palm, and it was such a lovely reminder of why we do what we do. The warmth and ingenuity of the industry never fails to inspire; and celebrating the best of the best was a very special moment for us at team identity. Our sincere gratitude goes to our sponsors for helping us bring the awards to life with immersive, experiential settings that our guests genuinely loved. You can catch a glimpse of the glamorous night and view the esteemed winners and highly commended on pages 40-63.
In this issue, we also take a retrospective look at our presence during Downtown Design and Dubai Design Week. With the wonderful weather upon us here in Dubai, our design focus turns to outdoor living, offering fresh inspiration for reimagining the terraces, balconies and other open-air spaces we’re all eager to enjoy. And ahead of us gathering with loved ones during the festive season, we’ve curated touches of interior inspiration to look forward to as well.
Our cover story shines a spotlight on IF Hub, the visionary concept created by entrepreneur Fady Friberg. Bringing together more than 70 international brands under one roof, the space on Umm Suqeim Street is fast becoming a must-visit destination for the industry – fostering community, championing design and delivering an experience unlike any other.
On a personal note, this season holds even more meaning for me, as my husband and I prepare to welcome a new member of our family. Looking ahead with excitement and gratitude, I’m reminded of the beauty of new beginnings –both in life and in design.
As we close out the year, we wish you a wonderful festive season and a bright, inspiring start to the new year ahead.
Aneesha Rai Editor identity
On the cover Houdini chair by Myface, available at IF Hub
An Enhanced Event Experience
This newly transformed venue with maritime-influenced forms offers a seamless blend of modern design, advanced technology and a space for memorable moments
Nestled along the serene waters of Dubai Creek, with the iconic skyline rising in the distance, Events by InterContinental at InterContinental Dubai Festival City features both architectural innovation and design sophistication.
Spanning over 15,000 square metres of meticulously curated event space, the venue is a harmonious marriage of form and function, with a reimagined 5,000-square metre Event Centre featuring elegant ballrooms and flexible meeting rooms, each designed to evoke a sense of effortless grandeur.
The design, crafted by renowned architect David T’Kint, draws inspiration from Dubai’s maritime heritage, channelling the fluid, sculptural forms of the city’s iconic dhows. Rich materials such as polished marble, sleek metal and warm wood are woven throughout the interiors, creating a tactile experience that is both contemporary and timeless. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light to flood the spaces, framing breathtaking views of Dubai Creek and the skyline beyond. The result is a venue that feels seamlessly connected to the city’s natural and architectural landscape, blurring the lines between interior and exterior.
Every design element at Events by InterContinental has been carefully considered to create an immersive and unforgettable experience. The integration of the region’s largest built-in LED screen and a 16.5k-lumen projector ensures that every presentation is rendered with exceptional clarity and vibrancy. From acoustics to lighting, every detail has been thoughtfully calibrated to offer the highest standard of functionality, while maintaining an atmosphere of understated elegance.
The ballroom is an example of how design can elevate the experiences both of event organisers and guests. It is not just a venue, but a statement where sophisticated design pairs with modern functionality in perfect harmony.
Waldhotel by Bürgenstock
Where architecture, wellness and sustainability become one
High above Lake Lucerne, on the sunlit southern slope of the Bürgenberg mountain, stands Waldhotel by Bürgenstock, a retreat where architecture is more than design, wellness is more than ritual, and sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the building. Belonging to the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne and conceived by world-renowned architect Matteo Thun, the hotel is a rare example of hospitality shaped by a deep respect for nature, place and the healing power of landscape.
For Thun, whose Milan- and Munich-based studio is known globally for its responsible, holistic and site-specific philosophy, the guiding principle was clear: the hotel must grow from the mountain, not sit on it.
Inspired by the simplicity and intelligence of Walser traditions, Thun designed it as a terraced structure that steps gently down the slope, fully south-facing to capture light and energy. Using local larch wood, natural stone and gabions filled with excavated material, the building is visually and physically anchored to its surroundings. Over time, the façades will continue to green and evolve naturally, allow-
ing the hotel to blend even more deeply into the Alpine landscape.
Inside, the boundary between exterior and interior dissolves. Every room, suite and spa space opens onto generous terraces with sweeping views of an untouched valley, creating a constant dialogue between guests and the environment. The design, with its emphasis on natural materials, light and subtle colour palettes, aims to support vitality, grounding and a sense of holistic wellbeing.
The architecture is inseparable from the wellness experience. Here, wellness unfolds as a journey shaped by air, light and landscape, including panoramic spa pools and quiet terraces that encourage stillness and reconnection.
The hotel continues a legacy that began on the Bürgenberg mountain in the 1870s, when it became known as a place of cure with the Grand Hotel, the very first hotel of the resort. Far from being an add-on, sustainability is the structural backbone of Waldhotel by Bürgenstock. The building itself is an ecological achievement: 165,000 cubic metres of excavated material was reused in construction, avoiding 18,000 lorry journeys and preserving the
natural slope. Green roofs, natural insulation and south-facing orientations significantly improve energy efficiency. Gabions and planted façades create habitats for flora and fauna, while the surrounding landscape has been enriched with new woodland and vineyard.
The resort benefits from its groundbreaking lake-water energy system, which covers 100% of cooling and 80% of heating needs using water pumped from Lake Lucerne. This nearly CO₂-neutral cycle also supplies irrigation, spa pools, refrigeration and even electricity through a turbine as the water returns to the lake. Adding to this system is the Waldhotel by Bürgenstock’s highaltitude photovoltaic installation, designed to take advantage of the Alpine climate. With an installed capacity of 212.85 kWp, it produces enough to cover nearly half of its primary energy needs and roughly a quarter of its overall energy consumption.
Through the Bürgenstock Resort’s pioneering environmental systems, the property becomes more than a place to stay. It becomes a hotel where architecture, ecology and wellness meet in perfect equilibrium.
Salone del Mobile.Milano Paints Riyadh Red
Riyadh’s skyline takes on a new hue this November as Salone del Mobile.
Milano unveiled its first Middle Eastern showcase, Red in Progress. Salone del Mobile.Milano meets Riyadh, at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
Conceived as a vibrant prelude to the full Salone Riyadh fair in 2026, the exhibition transformed the district into an immersive red landscape where design meets momentum.
Part installation, part encounter, Red in Progress – presented in strategic partnership with the Architecture & Design Commission at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture – marks a new chapter between Italy’s design heritage and Saudi Arabia’s fast-rising creative scene.
At its heart lies a modular installation by Giò Forma, turning the language of construction into a striking metaphor for a city, and a
Red in Progress was presented in strategic partnership with the Architecture & Design Commission at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture at KAFD
design culture, in motion. Inside, visitors move through a curated path of 38 leading Italian brands, a cross-section of craftsmanship and sustainable innovation that defines Made in Italy. They might journey through timeless furniture collections that merge industrial precision with elegant restraint, discover how lighting brands sculpt light into atmosphere, or see office-furniture specialists reimagine the workspace with quiet intelligence, while bathroom and wellness design turns function into private ritual, and performance design becomes an aesthetic experience.
Exhibiting companies: Alchymia, Argenteria Schiavon, Arper, Artemide, Bonaldo, Calligaris, Cassina, Citco, Desiree, DGA, Edra, Fantoni, Florim, Flos, Foscarini, Gessi, Giorgetti, Guzzini & Fontana Projects, Henry Glass, LaPalma, Lema, Listone Giordano, Living Divani, Loloey, Minotti, Molteni&C, Nardi,
Natuzzi Italia, Officina della Scala, Pinetti, Poliform, Poltrona Frau, Porro, Rugiano, Technogym, Venini, Villari, Visionnaire.
Beyond its business engine, Red in Progress also featured a series of talks and masterclasses, co-curated with the Architecture & Design Commission, which extended the experience towards the region’s evolving design culture and featured speakers from 10 different countries. The Commission will also highlighted national initiatives such as Designed in Saudi, which champions local talent and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a global design destination.
If Red in Progress is a first act, the next one promises to be even bigger. In 2026, Riyadh will host the full-scale Salone del Mobile. Milano Riyadh, a trade fair of international standing, larger in scope, richer in content and deeply attuned to the rhythm of the region.
Past Reveals Future
Maison&Objet Paris returns from 15 to 19 January 2026 under the banner of excellence and savoir-faire
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
With a theme of ‘Past Reveals Future’, the January edition of Maison&Objet is paying homage to the creators and companies who, through technical mastery and a contemporary lens, are reinventing the way we inhabit the world. Here, tradition speaks to innovation, ancestral gestures meet future-forward visions, and heritage fuels a new era of creation.
Unfolding across seven halls and six sectors, Maison&Objet offers an immersive, curated journey where scenography, design expression and craftsmanship converge. Throughout the fair, visitors can explore a varied yet carefully crafted offering, ranging from high-end design and hospitality solutions to décor and design.
Designer of the year 2026
This year, Maison&Objet honours visionary designer Harry Nuriev, founder of Crosby
Studios and a leading voice in contemporary minimalism. Based between New York and Paris, Nuriev pushes boundaries through a practice he calls Transformism – a process that elevates and reshapes existing objects, amplifying their memory and meaning. With collaborations spanning the Mobilier National, Louvre, Balenciaga and Baccarat, Nuriev is celebrated for bridging design, art and culture with uncommon sensitivity.
For Maison&Objet, he unveils a new, immersive scenography – a meditative exploration of how design can transform the way we perceive everyday life.
WHAT’S NEW?
In Decor – By Elizabeth Leriche
Elizabeth Leriche offers a poetic journey from Antiquity to Art Deco, weaving connections
between past and present. Through layered installations, she reveals how decorative arts carry a shared memory, inspiring new aesthetics that are rooted in tradition yet shaped by experimentation.
In Retail – By François Delclaux
In a shifting landscape, François Delclaux explores how contemporary creation blends past forms with technology. What’s New? In Retail guides visitors and buyers through materials, textures, and scenographic devices. The store of tomorrow? “A place where we dream.”
In Hospitality – By Rudy Guénaire
With Suite 2046, Rudy Guénaire redefines hospitality as a cinematic experience. His Maison&Objet installation evokes a room that is simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic, drawing inspiration from In the Mood for Love to explore a visionary, timeless approach to tomorrow’s hospitality.
CURATIO
Returning in an expanded format curated by Thomas Haarmann, CURATIO brings together 40 international participants. Blending exhibition with experiential design, the January edition offers a deep dive into collectible design, where the intention behind every piece becomes central to the narrative.
The Eco-Responsible Design Collective
Halls 1 & 2 will host a dynamic collective spotlighting eco-designed materials and sustainable innovations. From surface solutions to new-generation coverings, this space reinforces Maison&Objet’s commitment to marrying aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
Outdoor: The Art of Enhancing Outdoor Living
In Hall 3, the Outdoor space explores how exterior environments have become meaningful extensions of the home. Showcasing 50 global brands, from furniture to lighting and pergolas to rugs, this platform aims to reveal how craftsmanship and creativity are redefining outdoor living for residences, hospitality, fine dining and even yachting.
Extending the fair into the fabric of Paris, In the City (14–19 January) connects 100 exceptional locations – from studios and galleries to heritage maisons and artisan ateliers. This B2B journey allows professionals to experience products and creations in real settings, reinforcing Paris as a global capital of design and craftsmanship.
Through craftsmanship, creativity and visionary collaboration, the fair unveils a world where every gesture carries legacy, and every creation becomes part of a continuum shaping the future of design.
This page –Restaurant PNY in Grenoble by Rudy Guénaire ©Ludovic Balay; Left page –CURATIO at the Maison&Objet J25 show ©Piet-Albert Goethals
Things to Covet
Here are the objects and furniture pieces to elevate your festive gatherings
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
1. Cutlery by Buccellati Buccellati celebrates the magic of the holiday season with creations that embody the art of living and the timeless elegance of Italian craftsmanship. Use this silver cutlery to elevate your festive dining get-togethers.
2. Etoile bar cabinet by Chiara Provasi
Inspired by Art Deco furniture, this piece has been handcrafted of rosewood and maple and rests on a base in Toulipier wood with a gold finish. The two doors feature stunning maple inlays that create a geometric decorative pattern with a round central element, adorned with mother-of-pearl inserts. The interior is painted with red lacquer and features three drawers and two glass shelves with a back mirror.
3. Objet Luxe
Lobster Silver-Plated and Mother-of-Pearl Caviar Dish
Drawing influences from the sea heritage of the Objet Luxe brand, this caviar dish, held up by a silver-plated lobster, features a wide expanse created using an intricate mosaic of mother-of-pearl.
4. McQueen suspension lamp
As feminine and bold as its collection, the McQueen suspension lamp transforms
any residential or hospitality project with the allure of each hand-made brass leaf and the delicacy of the amber crystals. This suspended light can be used alone or in a lighting installation through the use of multiple pieces, giving it some modularity.
5. Vero Table with Cono marble leg
Designed by Michele Marcon and produced by Arte Brotto, each Vero table is a unique, one-off work of art, created from twin planks of solid wood carved from the central section of the same trunk and joined together using special handmade joints, which are also made from wood or metal with different finishes. The edges of the walnut or oak planks are those of the trunk they are carved from, resulting in an irregular, natural effect that is extremely pleasant and distinctive. The table comes in a rich variety of finishes, from natural oiled to more contemporary solutions. The table top can be teamed with designer legs crafted in wood, metal or marble.
6. Perspectives: A Collection Designed by Mathias Kiss for Christofle
For Christofle, Mathias Kiss has dissected, recomposed and liberated the elements of a moulding to create sculptural candleholders, a vase and candelabras. Revisiting a vocabulary of classical forms, he designs unique decorative objects, slightly surreal and full of character, yet rigorously structured. True to his mastery of decorative motifs, Kiss has imagined a new functionality for ornamentation with alternating projections and recesses. Transforming wall mouldings into sculptural candleholders and candelabras, he breaks, reshapes and rethinks their continuous lines.
Compiled by Vibha Monteiro; Photography by Marcello Ney
When Colour Becomes an Experience
Asian Paints Berger’s Design-Driven Approach at Downtown Design Dubai
Asian Paints Berger, India’s leading paint company founded in 1942, established its Middle East presence in 1999, beginning in Oman. Today, the brand continues to deepen its dialogue with the region’s design community, reinforcing its commitment to innovation through its second participation at Downtown Design Dubai. This year, the brand introduced its new wall-tofloor concept, an integrated surface solution that blurs traditional boundaries and redefines how designers approach continuity, texture, and material expression within a space.
Building on this momentum, Asian Paints Berger is advancing a perspective that places materiality, colour behaviour, and experiential surfaces at the forefront of architectural thinking.
“Paint is no longer viewed as a decorative final touch; instead, it is positioned as a transforma-
tive design instrument, one that defines spatial identity, influences atmosphere, and interacts with light in dynamic ways.” said Joseph Eapen, Chief Executive, Asian Paints International.
Central to this evolving approach is the Colour Lab, a dedicated exploration of how shades shift under varying lighting temperatures. By allowing specifiers to examine surfaces under warm, cool, and neutral light, the Lab underscores a fundamental truth: colour is fluid. Its mood, depth, and presence adapt to the environment, offering architects and designers a valuable reminder of the intricate relationship between material and context.
This philosophy extends into a curated portfolio of luxury interior and exterior finishes, designed to offer structure, tactility, and architectural coherence. These textured systems and premium coatings illustrate the pro-
gression of paint as a versatile material, one capable of achieving the depth and richness of heavier finishes while maintaining design flexibility. Whether applied to form a hero wall or create nuanced, tone-on-tone detail, each surface showcases the potential of innovative coatings in elevating contemporary spaces. By prioritising colour research, design forecasting, and material experimentation, Asian Paints Berger is empowering the creative community with tools that enrich decision-making and support more intentional design outcomes.
In a landscape where clients seek both aesthetic refinement and functional performance, the brand’s message is unmistakable: paint is no longer simply applied. It is experienced, shaped, and integrated into the architectural narrative, becoming an essential element of modern interior design.
Dubai Design Week: A Retrospective
The identity team were actively involved in Dubai Design Week and Downtown Design, capturing collaborations and taking part in key dialogues with the industry. Here’s an overview.
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
On building to last with GROHE
At our studios, we hosted a panel in collaboration with bathroom brand GROHE under the theme of ‘Building Spaces that Endure’. The session brought together leading voices in architecture and interior design to explore how innovation, sustainability and collaboration shape spaces that stand the test of time. Participants included: Stefan Schmied, Leader of
IMEA region at LIXIL International; Bruno Gomes, Design Director at Dewan Architects & Engineers; Adriana Graur, Design Director at dwp; and Hiten Pankhania, Design Leader at Nikken Sekkei. The discussion covered the collaboration between brands and architects and how each can adapt to creating futureready spaces through interventions in design, technology, innovation and sustainability.
L-R: Aneesha Rai, Editor of identity; Adriana Graur, Design Director at dwp; Stefan Schmied, Leader of IMEA region at LIXIL International; Bruno Gomes, Design Director at Dewan Architects & Engineers, and Hiten Pankhania, Design Leader at Nikken Sekkei Dubai
Conversations with Huda Lighting
At Huda Lighting’s Downtown Design booth, we interviewed the Founder and Managing Director Khaled B. Alami on the founding of the brand and its subsequent success, expansion and future plans. We spoke to visiting product designers Lee Broom and Tom Dixon at the booth, both of which had some of their most exquisite collections on display. We also interviewed Yeghya Mardirossian, Group Head of Showrooms on the secret to delivering a consistent standard of quality to their clients, and to Dubai Showroom Manager, Romy Abi Warde on the curation of the booth beyond products into an experience that integrates sound, light control and lighting elements.
From top – Khaled B. Alami, Founder and Managing Director of Huda Lighting; Huda Lighting booth at Downtown Design
An Ideal Standard x Villeroy & Boch panel on shaping hospitality design experiences
We also held a panel at the Ideal Standard x Villeroy & Boch showroom in City Walk, on shaping experiences for hospitality, especially those with a focus on health and wellness. The concept of sustainability as a checklist was discussed by the panel, which included: Constantin von Boch, Head of Sales A&D Europe, Villeroy & Boch Group; Diane Thorsen, Hospitality and Design Director at Gensler; and Henrique Dias, Hospitality Director at DLR Group.
We also explored how, while materiality, touch, colour and functional performance have always been fundamental, sustainability has now become a leading driver of product development. This shift has also transformed the way products are developed, tested and adapted for different global markets, each of which now has unique certification requirements. One of the strongest themes running through the panel was the need for sustainability to move past ‘box-ticking’ and become a deeply embedded design ethos.
From top – La Dolce Vita collection by Ideal Standard; (L-R) Panel with Aneesha Rai, editor of identity as moderator, Henrique Dias, Hospitality Design Director at DLR Group, Diane Thorsen, Design Director at Gensler- Dubai office, and Constantin von Boch, Head of Sales A&D Europe, Villeroy & Boch Group
In conversation with Karine Obegi and Mauro Nastri
We caught up with Karine Obegi, CEO of OBEGI Home and Mauro Nastri, Global Export Manager of Italian brand Porada, at their collaborative stand in Downtown Design. It was Porada’s debut exhibiting at the fair. The brand – originally from Cabiate, Italy – showcased its modern living philosophy, the Porada House, in an exclusive space alongside OBEGI Home, which is the brand’s local partner and official dealer.
Partitions, screens and a palette of warm colours created a welcoming and refined atmosphere that introduced visitors to the world of the Porada House – a vision of Italian savoir expressed through high-end furniture and modern interior spaces. The OBEGI Home booth itself hosted a multi-brand showcase featuring over 20 leading international brands and artists.
Besides panel discussions at its showroom, OBEGI Home also hosted an event celebrating Porada’s mastery of wood craftsmanship, tracing its evolution since 1968. The week also included dedicated events for the next generation of designers from American University in Dubai (AUD) and Heriot-Watt University, underscoring a commitment to nurturing future talent.
You can watch the interview with Obegi and Nastri on our YouTube channel, @identityae
From top – Karine Obegi, Co-founder of OBEGI Home and Mauro Nastri, Global Export Director of Porada; Sinks by antoniolupi
KOHLER Talks
Besides interviewing Marco Maximus – the designer behind Kohler’s immersive and tactile booth at Downtown Design, called ‘Colours of Nature: The Desert Chapter’ – we hosted a panel talk along with Inge Moore, Co-Founder of Muza Lab, and Rakan Jandali, Creative Director of KCA International. ‘Sustainable Futures’ uncovered what it truly means to be sustainable in a space where sustainability is now rapidly becoming mandatory across projects in the region. We also discussed regenerative design principles, as well as how important it is for brands to have regular communications with designers for product research.
You can grab snippets of the talks in collaboration with identity on our Instagram feed, or watch the full video on our YouTube channel, @identityae
From top – Panel discussion with Inge Moore, Co-founder of Muza Lab and Rakan Jandali, Design Principal at KCA International; Kohler Artist Editions Derring Collection Bathroom Sink, photography by Natelee Cocks
Made in the UAE
Finasi delivers a bold statement at Downtown Design 2025
What does it mean to be made in the UAE today? At Downtown Design 2025, Finasi answered that question not with a panel or a product brochure but with a full-scale installation that blended interiors, fashion, hospitality, and storytelling into one powerful platform: Dreamed in the UAE. Made in the UAE.
More than just a stand, the showcase became a tangible expression of what’s possible when local talent, production, and creative intent align. At its heart were two statement pieces: The Carved Kitchen, designed by award-winning interior designer Pallavi Dean, and The Dressed Wardrobe, designed by the Finasi in-house team, and styled by UAE-born fashion label KAGE. The immersive environment was completed by a live culinary collaboration with The Host Café, an Emirati-owned brand that made a bespoke dessert inspired by the kitchen’s sculptural form.
For Pallavi Dean, founder and creative director of Roar, ‘Made in the UAE’ is about more than manufacturing. It’s about authorship. “The UAE is no longer just a place where ideas are executed,” she said. “It’s a place where they originate.” Reflecting on her collaboration with Finasi, she described The Carved Kitchen as a moment of perfect alignment between vision and execution: “When you have a partner that understands the creative vision at a deep level, it’s no longer about compromise; it becomes about co-creation.”
Born in Sharjah and now leading a globally recognised practice, Dean reflected on the evolving perception of local design. She said: “There used to be a perception that ‘Made in the UAE’ was of a lesser quality. But now, as a local practice doing projects globally, I feel like this is a ‘made it’ moment for me.”
Ahmed A. Sultan, partner and general manager at Finasi, sees this shift not as symbolic, but structural. He explained: “With the whole ecosystem of Dubai, being able to showcase what’s possible through local production and do it at a global standard, was really the message of this Made in the UAE platform.”
He shared how Finasi evolved from being a premium Italian importer to a regional manufacturing leader, delivering bespoke interiors at a very high-end level. “We’ve invested in our factory, in our people, and in raising the benchmark for what ‘local’ can mean.”
For Sultan, this year’s stand was a strategic collaboration. He added: “It was important for us to work with local professionals like Pallavi, Basma Abu Ghazaleh from KAGE, as well as with Hind Bin Desmal, co-founder of Host Café. The booth became a synergy of disciplines, a real collaboration grounded in quality and intent.”
He added that the advantage of working with local manufacturers is the flexibility, the faster timelines, and the fact that “we’re here on site, ready to support. But we don’t cut corners. Service at a high standard always comes at a cost, no matter where in the world you are.”
For Basma Abu Ghazaleh, founder and creative director of KAGE, the journey started in 2010 when she co-founded her label to bring affordable luxury to the market. She said: “Made in the UAE holds more weight today and we’ve earned that. We didn’t have many creatives in the market back then. Approaching buyers was hard. They wanted to take our pieces on commission instead of investing in the brand.”
Today, her designs are manufactured locally, with a hands-on production process rooted in her UAE atelier. “It was an opportunity to show that creativity isn’t siloed,” she said of the collaboration with Finasi. “Whether you’re dressing a person or a space, it’s about storytelling, refinement, and self-expression.”
Innovation, creativity, and loyalty. These are the words used by Hind Bin Desmal, cofounder of The Host Café, to describe what Made in the UAE means to her. Her team created The Carved Amber, a dessert inspired by Pallavi Dean’s kitchen concept, which they prepared live throughout the fair. She explained: “As an Emirati-led concept, being part of this collaboration with Finasi at Downtown Design was a privilege,” she said. “It’s exciting to see more homegrown culinary voices shaping the hospitality landscape – and being recognised for it.”
The stand was part of Finasi’s larger mission to redefine what “Made in UAE” means, moving beyond manufacturing into design innovation, material storytelling, and collaborative process.
From left – The Carved Kitchen, designed by award-winning interior designer Pallavi Dean of ROAR; Pallavi Dean, Founder of ROAR, Ahmed A. Sultan, Partner and General Manager at Finasi, and Basma Abu Ghazaleh, Founder of KAGE
Where Design Meets Experience
Fady Friberg has created a space that unites more than 70 brands under one roof, fostering community connection while delivering an experience unlike any other
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
While designing his own home, entrepreneur Fady Friberg travelled across numerous international destinations in search of the perfect brands and finishes. He soon recognised a gap in the market after checking showrooms locally too – the lack of a customer-centric experience, with multiple quality interior brands available at one cohesive space. Friberg envisioned a single destination where designers and clients could find everything they needed, explore the latest trends, and engage with the finest European and global brands in a seamless and inspiring environment.
This led to him founding IF Hub, which officially opened its doors this year in October. With a focus on delivering the best experience possible, IF Hub was envisioned as a space where ideas flow as freely as materials, and partnerships form naturally through a shared
passion. Spanning 6,000 square metres over two storeys, the ‘hub’ is designed like a museum for design connoisseurs, where every corner holds something new to discover – from curated brands and unique finishes to immersive installations that designers and clients alike can take advantage of while envisioning their next project. It showcases over 70 high-end Italian and international brands, including Reflex, Tonelli Design, Pellizzoni, The Cut, IDL and Monograph, alongside other leading luxury names. “Fantini, Mariner and Tonino Lamborghini are some of the other interesting brands that we also have under our umbrella,” Friberg shares.
A Colosseum-style arena hosts panel talks and community events, while a barista station encourages informal, inspiring conversations. The material gallery allows designers to explore and select finishes thoughtfully, and the wallpaper and fabric gallery adds yet another layer of inspiration. To make visits convenient
and fuss-free, IF Hub also offers 18 dedicated parking spots, ensuring convenience for clients and designers. Through intimate events, hands-on workshops and conversations that spark new perspectives, IF Hub is steadily cultivating a vibrant community grounded in storytelling, craftsmanship and a deep respect for design in all its forms.
Like any ambitious venture, IF Hub faced its fair share of challenges. From identifying the right location in Umm Suqeim to transforming a bare grey structure into a fully realised design destination, the journey from concept to completion took eight months. The result is a space that brought together aesthetics, functionality and experience.
Friberg’s fascination with design extends far beyond aesthetics. “Design, for me, is an extension of art,” he explains. “It’s a way of shaping experiences within spaces: a tangible expression of creativity that resonates both emotionally and functionally.” This ethos has been central to the development of IF Hub, guiding every decision so that each brand, product and corner of the Hub embodies both beauty and purpose. With a background in real estate, Friberg approaches his brand selections with the same lens, assessing the functional and spatial demands of projects, and – more importantly – making a statement. This blend of aesthetic sensibility and functional insight ensures that IF Hub remains a relevant, inspiring destination for professionals across residential, commercial and hospitality sectors.Even the smallest touches were considered with both customer and designer experiences in mind. Today, IF Hub is shaping up to be a destination that any designer or creative in Dubai would want to visit – a place where ideas, collaboration and innovation naturally come together.
ON ALIGNING WITH BRANDS AND THE CURATION PROCESS
“The brands that align best with IF Hub are those that tell a story through their craft, philosophy and design approach,” shares Friberg. “IF Hub seeks out companies that combine authenticity, creativity and exceptional craftsmanship; brands that don’t just produce products but create experiences that resonate with both designers and clients.” He shares that most partners are chosen based on how well they complement the hub’s vision: “Ultimately, the ideal brand for IF Hub is one that enhances the narrative of a space, inspires collaboration and contributes meaningfully to Dubai’s design community.”
IF Hub brings together a thoughtfully selected lineup chosen not just for what they make, but for the story and spirit behind their work. “Our curation process is very intentional,” Friberg shares. “We’re drawn to brands that offer something meaningful, whether it’s a distinct product, a fresh design philosophy
or a way of working that feels genuinely inspiring. Every brand we bring in has to align with the values we hold close at IF Hub: creativity, authenticity and true craftsmanship.”
BRAND SPOTLIGHT: CREATIVE SALANSKY
One of the standout names in IF Hub’s portfolio that epitomises its values is CREATIVE SALANSKY, an international studio based in Dubai, with deep manufacturing roots in the Czech ‘Crystal Valley’ of Liberec. Specialising in bespoke glass installations and sculptural
lighting, the studio works exclusively with authentic Bohemian Czech crystal – a material celebrated for its brilliance, purity and centuries-old artisanal legacy. Contemporary in nature, CREATIVE SALANSKY’s bespoke sculptural lighting and glass installations elevate architectural concepts into artistic experiences and decorative lighting solutions.
The studio’s philosophy is built on close collaboration with architects, designers and leading showrooms, helping them fully realise and expand their creative visions. At the core of its work is the belief that light and glass can
Right page – Myface’s Nodo Hanging Armchair; Below – CREATIVE SALANSKY does bespoke lighting installations with Bohemian crystal
shape space and evoke emotion. From monumental installations to delicately layered glass structures and sculptural pieces for luxury residences and cultural spaces, every project is conceived as a dialogue between architecture, light and material.
“We create objects that speak the language of space,” shares Ludek Feno, Managing Director of the brand. “Each project is designed to bring a strong visual identity and an authentic artistic expression.” What sets CREATIVE SALANSKY apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and ethics. Every component is crafted entirely in Czechia, a commitment so central to the brand’s philosophy that its production carries official certification from the Czech government. This integrity in craft and origin allows the studio to offer something rare in the world of decorative lighting: an extraordinary 100-year warranty on its crystal chandeliers. The brand sees its role as a creative partner with designers, and it creates bespoke installations that bend boundaries. Its beating heart installation at IF Hub’s Downtown Design booth was an experience on its own. Building on more than three centuries of Czech glassmaking tradition, the studio works with glass, metal and other materials that are sustainable, recyclable, nearly eternal and
designed to elevate the character of a space. Teams of Czech master craftspeople and technicians create components that carry the emotion of handiwork while meeting the technical demands of modern architecture.
Dubai serves as a key hub for the studio, in line with its dynamic spirit where innovation, ambition and architectural experimentation thrive. The brand works on projects for residential developers, hotels, galleries and public spaces, while also expanding its own collection of limited sculptural lighting pieces.
BRAND SPOTLIGHT: MYFACE
“MyFace is a brand that dares to go beyond the ordinary,” shares Friberg. Created to bring comfort and sophistication to the outdoors, the brand focuses on creating products with such stunning finishes that many find hard to believe they are made for outside. Through extensive research to ensure its pieces are durable and built to withstand the elements, the brand hosts a contemporary aesthetic. “It’s a brand with a high commitment to creating a vision that embodies who we are as IF Hub,” shares Friberg.
The Nodo hanging armchair pictured is a favourite piece; combining durability with elegance, it is crafted from a coated stainless steel frame for optimal strength and outdoor
resistance. Its golden accents bring an air of subtle sophistication, infusing contemporary outdoor settings with a refined, enigmatic elegance that captivates and inspires. With every component being adaptable to the end-user in terms of finishing, it affords a superior sense of personalisation.
Another piece that has been highlighted is the Fable Swing, which captures the playfulness of childhood with elevated fabrics, offering a serene place to unwind and reconnect with treasured memories. Crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials, the Fable Swing is built to endure the outdoors while retaining its pristine look, year after year. Its soft, padded seat delivers exceptional comfort, complemented by a sleek, elegant silhouette that brings both lightness and timeless sophistication to any setting.
What makes IF Hub truly special is the way it brings every part of the design journey together. Whether searching for sculptural lighting, artisanal flooring, refined sanitaryware or contemporary furniture, designers and clients can find it all within a single, inspiring environment. This multi-sector curation positions IF Hub as a catalyst for the next era of design thinking in Dubai: integrated, experiential and boldly collaborative.
Above – Settle outdoor chair and Fable Swing by Myface
Design of the Year: Interior design
Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay – Medi-Spa Muza Lab
Design of the Year: Architecture Shebara Resort Killa Design
People’s Choice Award: Residential Mushrif villa
Masoomeh Hilal Design
People’s Choice Award: Commercial Peak Fitness
Saccal Design House
A Dialogue Between Memory and Material
Robi Renzi’s sculptural side table for Paola Lenti reimagines the urban palimpsest at the intimate scale of furniture
In Palinsesto, designer Robi Renzi captures the architectural soul of historic cities – those living palimpsests where eras overlap, structures are rewritten, and materials carry the imprint of time. Much like the façades of ancient streets, where reclaimed stones nestle beside new brickwork and stories accumulate in layers, this side table embodies the beauty of continual transformation. Crafted with a natural ash heartwood base and outer frame, the piece anchors itself in
material honesty. A varnished blockboard support panel introduces structural clarity, while a multilayer wood top becomes a canvas for intricately handcrafted ceramic panels of varying dimensions. Together, these elements echo the rhythmic collisions of old and new that define the world's most evocative urban landscapes.
Renzi’s artistic language draws from the textures of industrial materials through its use of embossed metal, dimpled rubber and tex-
tured plastics, translating them into deeply tactile refractory ceramics. These unexpected surfaces gain the weight and permanence of stone, creating compositions that shift subtly from piece to piece, just as cities themselves evolve through time. Terracotta inserts appear where needed, grounding the design in the warmth of tradition. Palinsesto is less a table and more a fragment of a broader narrative, a small-scale homage to the constant rewriting of place.
Photography by Sergio Chimenti
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Grounded in Design
Nodo Italia’s outdoor rugs bring a sense of softness and comfort to the outdoors
In the Middle East, where design has long been defined by architecture, light and material presence, the humble rug is undergoing a quiet renaissance. As outdoor living continues to expand, from private terraces to resort courtyards and shaded communal spaces the surface beneath our feet has become central to how a space feels, not merely how it looks. The outdoors here is no longer about open expanses; it is becoming layered, textural and expressive. Available at Casamia in Dubai, Nodo Italia leans into that evolution, creating pieces that invite touch, soften acoustics and enrich atmosphere without overwhelming the natural surroundings.
Dama, with its subtle geometry, grounds outdoor lounges and dining areas with a structured elegance that aligns seamlessly with contemporary desert architecture. Bellagio brings tonal depth and quiet texture, making it well suited to verandas, breezeways and shaded seating areas where materials must transition effortlessly from indoor refinement to outdoor resilience. The Antonio Marras rugs add an expressive dimension, with abstract gestures woven into surfaces that interact beautifully with sunlight, creating shifting impressions throughout the day. These rugs don’t compete with the landscape; they anchor people within it. Their presence emerges slowly, through the way fibres respond to changing light or how the patterns reveal themselves as one moves through the space.
As designers and homeowners increasingly seek outdoor environments that feel intentional, layered and emotionally resonant, Nodo Italia’s collection finds natural relevance. These rugs hold the space together, quietly, beautifully and with a sense of permanence that feels entirely at home under an open sky.
Go with the Flow
Designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, the Flow collection places comfort front and centre
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Comfort and multi-materiality define this collection, which evokes a sense of fluidity and effortless wellbeing, encouraging moments of pure relaxation. Enveloping cushions, elevated by refined materials and striped fabrics with strong decorative character, help bring the warmth and atmosphere of indoor living into outdoor spaces.
The aluminium structure, offered in elegant warm white or the bolder mocha finish, blends seamlessly with the collection’s graceful wooden elements, showcasing Talenti’s expertise in harmonising materials that traditionally feel worlds apart. The result is a sophisticated, natural fusion: the timeless warmth of teak paired with the bold visual presence of lacquered surfaces. Together, the pieces create a complete and versatile family that includes modular sofas, lounge armchairs, dining tables and seating. The collection has dedicated relaxation elements designed to elevate outdoor living with comfort, fluidity and enduring style.
Photography by Mocchegiani Giordano
by Al Shamsi
Concrete Crafted
This Pedrali monoblock table brings forest-inspired serenity and festive elegance to contemporary interiors
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Pedrali’s Caementum table takes on a new seasonal allure with the introduction of glossy olive green and deep brown finishes, hues that echo the stillness and mystery of a winter forest. Designed by Marco Merendi and Diego Vencato, the piece brings a refined, atmospheric touch to domestic interiors while maintaining the architectural clarity that defines its form.
At its core, Caementum is a monoblock table crafted entirely from concrete – a single sculptural volume defined by its soft, balanced geometry and central base. The designers have elevated the material’s performance by incorporating carefully selected additives, ensuring superior durability, ease of cleaning, resist-
ance to mechanical stress and weather, and low permeability to liquids and stains.
Thoughtfully engineered, the table features a nylon foot to protect delicate surfaces, while its hollow interior allows for easier movement without compromising structural integrity. This combination of weight and practicality makes Caementum as functional as it is expressive.
Highly versatile, the table is conceived to form multiple configurations and adapt seamlessly to diverse environments. Whether placed in a convivial indoor setting or anchoring an outdoor space, Caementum stands offers timeless materiality, innovative craftsmanship and design rooted in both utility and atmosphere.
Photography by Ottavio Tomasini
Living the Season in Luxury
GYMKHANA by SANIPEX GROUP elevates alfresco living with Mediterranean-inspired collections crafted for comfort, durability and timeless style
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
From sumptuous sofa sets and sunbeds to entertainment-worthy dining sets and accessories like umbrellas, planters, rugs and cushions, GYMKHANA brings all the comforts of indoors to the outdoors. “Outdoor living should feel effortless and beautifully considered, no matter the setting,” says Shannon Flynn, Brand Ambassador for the brand.
Launched earlier this season, the Dubai brand’s new Mediterranean-inspired outdoor
collections expand the choice for both residential and contract projects. Fully upholstered bolster-back modular sofas, Umbria and Milos, pay homage to laid-back living, with Umbria available in trending Terracotta. Menorca journeys back to the essentials with a two-seater sofa, lounge chairs, dining chairs and counter stools available in on-trend Olive Green woven rope. Athena features a dining table with round porcelain tabletop in a choice of stone-effect finishes, as well as luxuriously woven chairs, while Mykonos reclining sunbeds turn bathing by the pool into pure indulgence.
Made from the finest all-weather fabrics, quality Indonesian teak and durable aluminium, GYMKHANA furniture stands the test of time in even in the harshest climates, ensuring furniture stays looking good-as-new with a little care and maintenance, year after year. Quality, thoughtful design starts with responsible sourcing, and GYMKHANA sets the standard. “We collaborate with SVLK-certified suppliers from Indonesia to source fully traceable, sustainable teak,” shares Flynn.
A Contemporary Rewriting of Outdoor Classics
Antonio Citterio’s latest collection for Kettal blends
mid-century inspiration with modern engineering, offering a refined new vision for outdoor living
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
Unveiled at Salone del Mobile 2025 in Milan, Kettal’s Tilos collection marks a fresh chapter in the brand’s ongoing collaboration with renowned architect and designer Antonio Citterio. “With Tilos, the goal was to merge tradition and innovation,” shares Citterio. “Balancing
artisanal references with the precision of contemporary industrial craftsmanship – creating pieces that feel both timeless and perfectly suited for today’s outdoor environments.”
This philosophy is woven into every element of Tilos. The collection spans armchairs, twoseater options, modular sofas and dining chairs,
all conceived for outdoor lounging and dining. Inspired by the bamboo and rattan silhouettes that defined the 1950s and ‘60s, the pieces reinterpret these familiar forms through advanced materials and modern craftsmanship.
At the heart of the series is a sculptural shell structure crafted from metal and woven acrylic rope. Designed to cradle generous cushions, the shell balances comfort, durability and weather resistance. Beneath it, a structural frame that is available in either wood or metal allows for seamless interchangeability, giving designers and homeowners the flexibility to shift between natural warmth and sleek minimalism.
The dining chairs further express this versatility, being offered in two variations: a stackable armless version for adaptable layouts and a non-stackable model with armrests for enhanced comfort.
The collection will be available to purchase in the UAE in September.
Weaving Worlds
Eight creatives reimagined Bottega Veneta’s iconic Intrecciato in a cross-cultural celebration of craft at NOMAD Abu Dhabi
WORDS – NILUFER NAJEEB
Bottega Veneta opened Destinations at NOMAD Abu Dhabi, presenting an exhibition that explored the symbolism and practice of weaving while honouring the fiftieth anniversary of its iconic Intrecciato leather technique. Set within the fair’s warmly lit setting, where visitors sat quietly observing the works against minimal, sandtoned walls, the showcase gathered eight creatives from across the Middle East and North Africa. Each responded to the house’s signature weave through their own materials, histories and artistic languages, creating an experience shaped by encounters, memory and craft. Curated by Rana Beiruti, the presentation unfolded like a journey, where every piece told a story, rooted in place yet open to exchange.
Among the contributors was Emirati architect Abdalla Almulla, founder of the multidisciplinary design studio MULA. His contribution reflected his distinctive practice, merging cultural narratives with formal experimentation. Known for using geometry and pattern as structuring principles, his process relied on research, prototyping and refinement, allowing ideas to evolve through dialogue between theory
and form. In Destinations, his vision illuminated how Intrecciato could be read not only as a method of making but as a system of thinking – precise, iterative and deeply rooted in environment.
Alongside his work were creations by Moroccan artist Amine Asselman, who combined scientific precision with cultural geometry in ceramic and zellige work. Architectural studio bahraini – danish drew on history and surroundings to craft objects that bridged furniture, installation and space. Textile artist Esna Su channelled identity and memory into evocative handcrafted pieces, while lighting designer Nader Gammas merged storytelling with function. Sayar & Garibeh offered playful sculptural forms, Shaha Raphael created intuitively shaped pieces grounded in natural forces and collaborations with artisans, and Zein Daouk introduced biomorphic ceramic beings from The Third Kingdom, a world where narrative, craft and the natural realm intertwined.
Each piece honoured the house’s longstanding dedication to craftsmanship and creativity, revealing weaving as an act of unity, an interlacing of elements that strengthen when brought together. This ethos echoed Bottega Veneta’s
Venetian roots, shaped by centuries of encounter and cultural exchange. The title Destinations evoked both this heritage and the house’s code of movement. Rana Beiruti described the works as diverse interpretations that honoured Intrecciato while carrying each designer’s personal gestures some grounded in traditional craft, others reimagining weaving as a metaphor of overlapping identities, narratives and cultures. Together, they celebrated artisanal communities and the creative power that arises from tradition.
Intrecciato, first introduced in 1975, was born from the weaving of slender leather strips ( fettucce), arranged in precise proportions and typically diagonal patterns. Over fifty years, it evolved into one of the brand’s most recognisable signatures, inspiring countless reinterpretations in various textures, scales and attitudes. Through Destinations, this icon entered a new realm of meaning, seen through the eyes of designers who expanded its possibilities into sculpture, light, ceramics, textiles and architecture.
The exhibition stood as both a tribute to fifty years of Intrecciato and a reminder that weaving, in all its forms, remains a symbol of encounter, unity and creative evolution.
GLAZE – Shaping the Future of Surfaces
Building on its strong track record in the industry, the company has now launched its own brand: NOBILITA, a premium porcelain brand
For more than three decades, GLAZE has been a defining name in the MENA region’s natural stone industry. As a pioneer in redefining how natural stone is perceived and presented, GLAZE continues to lead with distinction, offering the widest range of high-quality stone sourced directly from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Brazil, and Turkey. The company’s unwavering commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and unrivaled quality has cemented its reputation as a cornerstone of excellence across the UAE and beyond.
What began as open warehouses of raw stone has evolved into state-of-the-art stone galleries that rival those in Italy – the global heart of marble and design sophistication. This transformation can be traced back to Umesh Punia, the founder of GLAZE, who reimagined marble as a luxury product rather than a construction material. By elevating stone presentation to an art form, Punia reshaped the regional industry narrative, inspiring architects and designers to view marble and granite as centrepieces of creative expression.
Working hand in hand with architects and designers, GLAZE has consistently anticipated the needs of modern spaces by merging durability with distinction. Its exclusive partnerships with leading global brands of engineered stone – including NEOLITH, XTONE by Porcelanosa Group, and quartz surfaces from Coante and Caesarstone – have further
strengthened its position. Through its inhouse brand KOZO, GLAZE ensures that every stone it offers meets the highest standards of precision, sustainability, and beauty.
Now, GLAZE prepares to unveil its latest chapter of innovation with the launch of NOBILITA – il gres imperiale d’Italia, or the imperial stone of Italy. This premium porcelain brand embodies a legacy of Italian artistry and sophistication. Produced in Modena, Italy – a city celebrated for craftsmanship from Ferrari sports cars to Brioni tailoring – NOBILITA captures the essence of luxury with its largeformat slabs (160 x 320 cm), available in 6.5 mm and 12 mm thicknesses suitable for flooring, cladding, and countertops.
Drawing inspiration from the Italian nobility who once resided on the piano nobile – the noble floors of baroque palaces – NOBILITA celebrates elegance, heritage, and refinement. Each design emerges from the meticulous selection of marble models sourced from Italy’s most renowned quarries, bridging the authenticity of natural stone with the innovation of engineered surfaces.
With this launch, GLAZE once again sets a new benchmark in the natural and engineered stone sectors. NOBILITA represents not only the brand’s evolution but also its enduring influence on design culture across the UAE, where luxury is defined not merely by materials, but by the craftsmanship, story, and legacy behind every surface.
INTERIOR DESIGN ARCHITECTURE INNOVATIONS IN DESIGN
The 11th edition of the annual identity Design Awards took place on 20 November at a gala hosted at W Dubai – The Palm. An independent international jury evaluated this year’s submissions, recognising projects that exemplified design excellence, originality, sustainability, and aesthetic innovation. Supported by leading brands in the industry, the event welcomed some of the region’s most distinguished interior designers and architects.
Winners announced
WINNERS
DESIGN OF THE YEAR: INTERIOR DESIGN
Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay – Medi-SpaMuza Lab
DESIGN OF THE YEAR: ARCHITECTURE
Shebara Resort - Killa Design
PEOPLE’S CHOICE RESIDENTIAL
Mushrif villa - Masoomeh Hilal Design
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD- COMMERCIAL
Peak Fitness - Saccal Design House
Interior Design
OFFICE BELOW 20,000 SQFT
Government Experience Exchange OfficeKart Group
OFFICE ABOVE 20,000 SQFT
Summit Technology SolutionsSpaces Architects
FIT OUT
Julphar Avenue and Towers, Ras Al KhaimahHTS Interior Design
RESTAURANT
Gerbou - Kristina Zanic Consultants Daily Press - Styled Habitat
RETAIL
Avantcha - XO Atelier
NIGHTLIFE
The Copperhead Pub - KCA International
RESIDENTIAL – APARTMENT
Penthouse 309Lestro Italian Luxury Design
RESIDENTIAL – VILLA
Bay Villa - LW Design Group
HOTEL
Desert Rock Resort - Studio Paolo Ferrari
HEALTH + WELLNESS
Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay – Medi-SpaMuza Lab
EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Samar Mouazen - KCA International
Basant Ibrahim - DLR Group
Architecture
RESIDENTIAL
EA Residence - NAO
COMMERCIAL
Green Coast - Rqitects
PUBLIC BUILDING
AlUla South Gas Station - SAL Architects Al Fanar School - EMKAAN
HOTEL
Mandarin Oriental DowntownUN Studio with Werner Sobek
CULTURAL BUILDING
Saddling Boxes & Private Deck - Studio D04
Innovations in Design
PRODUCT DESIGN
Ze+Met - Studio Aya Moug
PROJECT OF THE FUTURE (BIG SCALE)
Burj Azizi - AE7
PROJECT OF THE FUTURE (SMALL SCALE)
Bayt Al Nakhl - Wolfgang Regner Architects
OUTDOOR SPACE
Abu Dhabi Maritime’s ‘Community activation Programme’ pilot projects - LWK + PARTNERS
DESIGN OF THE YEAR - INTERIOR DESIGN
Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay – Medi-Spa Muza Lab
WINNER WINNER
PEOPLE’S CHOICE - RESIDENTIAL
Mushrif villa
Masoomeh Hilal Design
WINNER
DESIGN OF THE YEAR - ARCHITECTURE
Shebara Resort Killa Design
WINNER
PEOPLE’S CHOICE - COMMERCIAL
Peak Fitness
Saccal Design House
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - OFFICE (>20,000 SQFT)
Summit Technology Solutions Spaces Architects
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - OFFICE (<20,000 SQFT)
Government Experience Exchange Office Kart Group
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - OFFICE (>20,000 SQFT)
Global Management Consulting Firm ROAR
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - OFFICE (<20,000 SQFT)
UAE Space Agency MOMA International
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - FIT OUT
Julphar Avenue and Towers, Ras Al Khaimah
HTS Interior Design
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - RETAIL
Avantcha
XO Atelier
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - FIT OUT
The Dubai Mall – The Gold Souk Enhancement Dutco Interiors
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - RETAIL Elyah IDST
WINNER WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - RESTAURANT
Gerbou
Kristina Zanic Consultants
INTERIOR DESIGN - RESTAURANT
Daily Press
Styled Habitat
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - RESTAURANT
Studio Frantzen
Bishop Design
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - NIGHTLIFE
The Copperhead Pub KCA International
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGNRESIDENTIAL APARTMENT
Penthouse 309
LESTRO ITALIAN LUXURY DESIGN
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - NIGHTLIFE
Formula 1 Lounge Agata Kurzela Studio
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGNRESIDENTIAL APARTMENT
Duplex at One Za’abeel Nakkash Design Studio
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - RESIDENTIAL VILLA
Bay Villa LW Design Group
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - RESIDENTIAL VILLA
Grande Dame Blush International
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - RESIDENTIAL VILLA
Sobha Villa DIPIUGI
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - HEALTH + WELLNESS
Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay – Medi-Spa Muza Lab
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - HEALTH + WELLNESS
Center for Prenatal Pediatrics at Latifa Hospital SAY Studio
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - HEALTH + WELLNESS
Al Qasr Kids Club
Lulie Fisher Design Studio
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - HOTEL
Desert Rock Resort
Studio Paolo Ferrari
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Samar Mouazen
KCA International
Highly Commended
INTERIOR DESIGN - HOTEL
The Penthouse – Delano Hotel
La Bottega Interiors
WINNER
INTERIOR DESIGN - EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Basant Ibrahim
DLR Group
WINNER
ARCHITECTURE - RESIDENTIAL
EA Residence
NAO
Highly Commended
ARCHITECTURE - RESIDENTIAL
Verdigris Wanders Wagner Architects
Highly Commended
ARCHITECTURE - RESIDENTIAL
Villa Gaia VSHD Design
WINNER WINNER
ARCHITECTURE - PUBLIC BUILDING
AlUla South Gas Station SAL Architects
ARCHITECTURE - PUBLIC BUILDING
Al Fanar School EMKAAN
Highly Commended
ARCHITECTURE - PUBLIC BUILDING
King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station Zaha Hadid Architects
WINNER
ARCHITECTURE - COMMERCIAL
Green Coast Rqitects
WINNER
ARCHITECTURE - HOTEL
Mandarin Oriental Downtown
UN Studio with Werner Sobek
Highly Commended
ARCHITECTURE - COMMERCIAL
Zest Café
Vahid Joudi Studio
Highly Commended
ARCHITECTURE - HOTEL
Shebara Resort
Killa Design
WINNER
ARCHITECTURE - CULTURAL BUILDING
Saddling Boxes & Private Deck
Studio D04
WINNER
INNOVATIONS IN DESIGNPRODUCT DESIGN
Ze+Met
Studio Aya Moug
Highly Commended
ARCHITECTURE - CULTURAL BUILDING
Bait Elowal
MADA 360
Highly Commended
INNOVATIONS IN DESIGNPRODUCT DESIGN
Peas in a Pod
Kidzink
WINNER
INNOVATIONS IN DESIGNOUTDOOR SPACE
Abu Dhabi Maritime’s ‘Community activation Programme’ pilot projects LWK + PARTNERS
WINNER
INNOVATIONS IN DESIGN -
PROJECT OF THE FUTURE (BIG SCALE)
Burj Azizi
AE7
Highly Commended
INNOVATIONS IN DESIGNOUTDOOR SPACE COVEBEACH
Prospect Design International
Highly Commended
INNOVATIONS IN DESIGNPROJECT OF THE FUTURE (BIG SCALE) 140
International Design Associates
WINNER
INNOVATIONS IN DESIGNPROJECT OF THE FUTURE (SMALL SCALE)
Bayt Al Nakhl
Wolfgang Regner Architects
Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended at the identity Design Awards 2025. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors. Submissions for the 2026 edition of the identity Design Awards will open in August 2026.
Highly Commended
INNOVATIONS IN DESIGNPROJECT OF THE FUTURE (SMALL SCALE)
Villa Mila Nellis Architecture
THE WINNERS
THE WINNERS
THE WINNERS
PEOPLE’S CHOICE RESIDENTIALMushrif villa - Masoomeh Hilal Design
Vera Dieckmann receiving the award on behalf of Saccal Design House
The White Company winner’s gift bags
Tonino Lamborghini foosball activation area by IF Hub
The ballroom at W Dubai - The Palm Table arrangement with GLAZE Granite & Marble macarons
Activation by Gaggenau
Jazz band Lady-J Duo provided entertainment for the night
The winners’ photo
L-R- Neel Shukla, Founder and Creative Director of Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery; the honoree Ramesh Shukla and Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editor - Motivate Media Group
Trophies by Sans Souci with marble bases by GLAZE Granite & Marble
Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editor - Motivate Media Group
ClayArk photobooth
GLAZE Granite & Marble bar
DJ Sara G Marble bathtub by GLAZE Granite & Marble
The Arabian Gallery showcased artwork from contemporary artists Kitchen by Merise - Valcucine Dubai
The Flourish showcase at the valet entrance by CasamiaLive art by artist Andrea Sampaolo from HMA Living
The claw machine by ClayArk was full of little surprises
A chocolate bouquet bar against a flower market setting by Casamia
Alpine Chic
In Quebec, this ski chalet with contemporary interiors offers the perfect cosy escape
WORDS – KARINE MONIÉ
In the pantheon of winter destinations, no locale can beat Canada. The immensity of its nature, the freezing temperatures and – especially in Quebec – the true sense of hospitality and kindness make it one of the top countries in which to enjoy the beauty and fun of snow. For some, this means hitting the slopes or ice-skating; for others, it means sitting with a hot chocolate and a book in front of a stunning, peaceful panorama. And when the weather gets warmer, many other outdoor activities are within reach – from hiking to biking. All these possibilities were taken into consideration by the team of lifestyle-driven design studio ACDO at the start of the transformation of this 253-square metre chalet.
Located in the Laurentian Mountains of Canada’s French providence, the house was originally built a couple decades ago. With main living spaces and bedrooms spread over two levels, plus a basement, it blends modern design and a rustic sensibility with wood construction that pays homage to the timeless character of the material while allowing the structure to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape. “Recent enhancements – including refreshed wood siding – further
INTERIORS
Previous spread – The living room features ACDO custom designed rugs, a Marcy Montauk Sofa sectional, Lindsey Adelman
Drop sconces and a Custom Antler chandelier
Right page – The living room features Holly Hunt Mount side tables
Below – The outdoor area features a Montauk Sofa sectional (Geoffrey), a Baxter Nairobi Coffee Table, Kettal Riva armchairs, and a custom wool “bear” rug designed by ACDO
underscore its enduring appeal and harmonious connection to the rugged terrain,” say Abe Chan and Sam Khouvongsavanh, co-founders of ACDO. “And a metal roof addresses seismic snow loads within the area.”
The concept of the remodel – creating a holiday home for a large family who could gather under one roof – was straightforward, but not as easy to execute. The space was to feel “both grand enough to accommodate 14 people yet intimate, too,” describes the ACDO duo. To make it happen, the design team approached the existing structure with the precision of a jigsaw puzzle, meticulously reorganising the interior to give every square metre a clear purpose and function. Communal areas now extend to a generous covered and heated outdoor space that provides a flawless transition to the surrounding landscape, blurring the lines between inside and out. “Beyond mere renovation, the project embraced a more ambitious endeavour: to reimagine a once-generic dwelling as a dynamic winter escape, primed for grand-scale entertaining.”
The cosy and refreshed mountain aesthetic and atmosphere is achieved through the earthy architectural backdrop, complemented with accents of burnt oranges, sage greens and plaid patterns with textured neutrals. Raw materials – such as wire brushed plank flooring to clad the walls, hammered stone for the outdoor space, and cerused oak with metallic bronze for the millwork by Erik Cabinets – bring the right dose of the mountain spirit inside. At the same time, contemporary elements were introduced to capture the zeitgeist.
“The result is a home that, despite its roots, feels entirely new – a sophisticated alpine retreat where every space contributes to a cohesive, thoughtfully curated experience,” conclude Chan and Khouvongsavanh.
Photography: Scott Norsworthy
AN ODE TO MIGRATION
MAD’s first cultural project in Europe transforms a historic warehouse into a museum of migration
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
The central roof was opened up to introduce natural light, and a dramatic tornado-shaped spiral staircase was inserted into the core
Located in Rotterdam’s historic port district, a century-old warehouse has been changed into a cultural landmark that bridges past and present, paying tribute to the journeys of millions of migrants.
“Everything is in motion – people, time, light, the sea,” shares Ma Yansong, Founder of MAD, the firm behind the project. “This building invites us to rethink moments of arrival and departure, and to reflect on the reasons we set out in the first place.”
Rotterdam is one of Europe's most prominent cities of migration, home to residents from over 170 countries and regions. Historically, it was also a major departure point for millions of Europeans who set sail for North America. In 1940, devastating bombing levelled the centre
of Rotterdam. Since then, countless world-renowned architects have been drawn to the city, transforming it into a global hub for contemporary architecture.
Beginning in 2016, the Droom en Daad Foundation partnered with the City of Rotterdam to launch a citywide cultural revitalisation initiative. In 2018, the foundation commissioned MAD to transform the historic Fenix warehouse into a museum of migration.
MAD’s transformation began with a respect for history, preserving the original warehouse’s rugged structure as restored by Bureau Polderman. The central roof was opened up to introduce natural light, and a dramatic tornado-shaped spiral staircase was inserted into the core. The staircases intertwine to form a
structural system, at times intersecting, at times pulling apart.
If the path leading to the rooftop observation platform symbolises a journey, then along the way people will encounter others, reflect on themselves, and make choices at each point of intersection. Ultimately, visitors meet at the highest point, overlooking the city of Rotterdam and its riverfront, as if floating above the sea. It is a journey shaped by freedom, uncertainty and hope.
This staircase system is 550 metres long and reaches a height of 30 metres. Utilising a spatial truss structure, it cantilevers outward up to 17 metres at its longest point. The design was developed by MAD in collaboration with a team specialising in roller coaster engineering.
The outer surface of the staircase is clad in silver stainless steel, shaped and polished using CNC technology. Its reflective finish captures passing pedestrians and the activity of the port and the shifting sky, integrating these dynamic elements into the architecture. This brings a sense of movement and human presence to the otherwise industrial structure.
“Migration, in the narrow sense, refers to the relocation of individuals or families. But more broadly, it speaks to the movement and flow of entire populations. The shaping and shifting of global politics, geography, culture and art are largely rooted in these migrations,” says Ma Yansong. “We hope this museum not only commemorates the past or tells stories of hardship, but, more importantly, reveals hope and courage offering inspiration for people today and in the future to look ahead,” he adds.
Fenix’s growing collection of art and historical artifacts, along with commissioned works both by renowned and emerging artists
from around the world, is presented in an open layout. Visitors moving through the space become part of the work itself.
The roof of the building is covered by 6,750 square metres of green roofing, enhancing thermal insulation and significantly reducing energy consumption. The landscape design also enables rainwater to be retained within the planting substrate, allowing for natural evapotranspiration and water recycling.
The ground floor on the east side of the building has been opened up as a ‘Civic Square’, a space freely accessible to the public year-round. It hosts a wide range of community activities, including culinary events, cultural gatherings, performances and public programmes, serving as an open stage for urban life.
Through this work, MAD seeks to embody the concept of balance between old and new, movement and stillness, reflecting an Eastern philosophy where opposites exist independently yet remain deeply interdependent.
Left page – Fenix’s growing collection of art and historical artifacts, along with commissioned works both byrenowned and emerging artists from around the world, is presented in an open layout
Right – The outer surface of the staircase is clad in silver stainless steel, shaped and polished using CNC technology
Photography: Hufton + Crow
To Tokyo and Beyond
Klein Dytham architecture: to Tokyo and Beyond celebrates the Tokyo-based studio, famous for its playful yet thoughtful approach to design
WORDS – ANEESHA RAI
This vibrant, comprehensive monograph invites readers to explore 76 projects from Klein Dytham architecture (KDa)’s impressive body of award-winning, multidisciplinary work from around the world. The Tokyo-based design studio was founded in 1991 by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, along with Yukinari Hisayama, and since its establishment has been celebrated for its bold, imaginative and community-focused approach to architecture and design. The firm pushes the boundaries of creativity, pro-
ducing a diverse portfolio that spans architecture, interiors, installations and public spaces. Blending humour, experimentation and respect for tradition, these projects range from early works, such as Daikanyama T-SITE in Tokyo and Open House in Bangkok, to more recent designs, including the Fender flagship store in Tokyo and a Japanese cypress façade for the Cartier boutique in Osaka. This insightful monograph also highlights the studio’s contributions to global cultural phenomena like PechaKucha Night, and how KDa’s
innovative ideas intertwine with the cultural, social and architectural fabric of Japan.
Thought-provoking narratives explore the studio’s creative process and philosophy, while stunning full-colour photography captures the bold and vibrant aesthetics emblematic of KDa’s style. From camouflaging forty-storey towers in an alpine resort to transforming a commercial building with intricate, openwork cladding, KDa’s designs have a sense of whimsy that brings joy and curiosity to architecture enthusiasts and observers alike.
KEF Music Gallery Tokyo
Photograph by Yousef Al Harmoodi
Painting by Faisal Abdul Qader
The Soleil Armchair by Mavo Atelier
With its circular silhouette and radiant presence, Soleil celebrates the duality of function and fantasy. Its generously contoured seat is grounded by walnut legs, while a sweeping backrest arc embraces the sitter in an intimate yet theatrical gesture. A sculptural stone sphere and a removable accent cushion complete the composition, offering both tactile delight and giving a playful wink to balance and symmetry.
Framing Perfect Symmetry. Introducing the Gaggenau Expressive series.
The difference is Gaggenau
City Walk Building 10, City Walk, Dubai