Design Middle East May 2022 by Design Middle East

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M AY 2 0 2 2 | D E S I G N M ID D L E E A S T

Interiors and architecture from the Gulf, Levant and beyond

Bassel/Omara

THE FUTURE OF BIM TECHNOLOGY

Chad/Oppenheim

DESERT ROCK, A REGENERATIVE RESORT COMING UP IN KSA

Adriana/Hoyos

A BRAND-NEW FURNITURE LINE AVAILABLE AT BLOOMINGDALE'S HOME

TRÈS BIEN

TR88

HOUSE

is a recreation complex on Dubai's Bluewaters Island that is the epitome of architecture, extravagant design, and unlimited fun.

Surface Solutions, Surface Solutions, Designed By Nature Designed By Nature

MARBLE | GRANITE | QUARTZITE | ONYX | TRAVERTINE | LIMESTONE | PRECIOUS STONE MARBLE MARBLE || GRANITE GRANITE || QUARTZITE QUARTZITE || ONYX ONYX || TRAVERTINE TRAVERTINE || LIMESTONE LIMESTONE || PRECIOUS PRECIOUS STONE STONE

TOLL FREE 800 GLAZE (45293) | TEL: +971 6 5353 123 (SHARJAH) | TEL: +971 2 5502

www.glaze.ae/ www.glaze.ae/ 390 www.glaze.ae/ (ABU DHABI) | MAIL:

info@glaze.ae

TOLL FREE 800 GLAZE (45293) | TEL: +971 6 5353 123 (SHARJAH) | TEL: +971 2 5502 390 (ABU DHABI) | MAIL: info@glaze.ae

OUT OF THE BOX

Check out architect SHAHROOZ ZOMORRODI'S latest project Tr88House, an entertainment complex on Dubai's Bluewaters Island that everyone love

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TECHNOLOGY BIM is Boon

PROJECT Welcome Home

TÊTE-À-TÊTE Blooming GEM

Bassel Omara, Dorsch Gruppe Middle East’s lead design architect and BIM manager, discusses his passion for human-centric designs, his future goals and the benefits of the groundbreaking BIM technology

Drink Dry's founder and entrepreneur Erika Doyle, owns a magnificent home in the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club villas, and it's a slice of life we wish to experience.

Adriana Hoyos, principal and head designer at Adriana Hoyos Furnishings, discusses her family-owned business, emerging trends, expansion plans, and the brand-new furniture line available at Bloomingdale's Home.

INTERVIEW Going Beyond Sustainability with Regenerative Development

DESTINATION YES to YAS!

DÉCOR REVIEW Contemporary, with a nod to Emirati culture

Chad Oppenheim, principal and founder at Oppenheim Architecture, discusses the Desert Rock project, that is now under construction in collaboration with The Red Sea Development Company. 22

OP-ED The Power of Porcelain Kader Mithani, CEO and Founder of Casamia, discusses some of the unique characteristics of this material that make it everyone's favourite.

Let's discover why Yas Island, located on the beautiful sands of Abu Dhabi, is the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination.

St. Regis Downtown is every bit exquisite, with an excellent location along the Dubai Water Canal, on the bustling business district's famed Marasi Drive.

TALKING POINT Multi-Layered Experiences

NEW LAUNCH Disney introduces new home furnishings brand, Disney Home

Ron Drake, General Manager at Ain Dubai, discusses the unique attractions and offerings of the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel in the world.

Disney is launching its own dedicated home and interiors brand in the UK, bringing a range of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars-themed homewares, furniture, and design elements to the market.

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Editor's note

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ummers can be brutal, and everyone wishes for indoor activities. The best thing about Dubai is that you can wish for something and it will come true. One such fantastic location that has made it onto our cover story is TR88HOUSE, a recreation complex designed by architect Shahrooz Zomorrodi on Dubai's Bluewaters Island, it is exactly what we need in this heat. The architects experimented with scale to maximise the scale capacity and volume of the spaces, including double-height ceilings in the food hall and triple-height ceilings in the outdoor lounge deck. It's a must-read and must-visit place, both! This year, we're working on a number of special editions in order to cover a wider range of design and architecture topics. We are excited to be preparing yet another powerlist for the year 2022, this time with a focus on the Fit-Out industry. It's difficult to imagine the industry reaching these heights without recalling some of the leading fit-out players in the region. The June issue will focus on the top fit-out contractors and what makes them unique and successful. Please contact us if you want to be a part of this feature.

CEO WISSAM YOUNANE

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rabih@bncpublishing.net GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR JOAQUIM D’COSTA

jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR RABIH NADERI

rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818 EDITOR ROMA ARORA roma@bncpublishing.net CREATIVE LEAD ODETTE KAHWAGI

This month, I'm crushing on the Alia Cabinet by Custom No. 9, which is featured in our Pick of the Month section. It's simple yet striking. Roma Arora Editor roma@bncpublishing.net

design@bncpublishing.net ART DIRECTOR SIMONA EL KHOURY MARKETING EXECUTIVE AARON JOSHUA

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For all commercial enquiries related to Design Middle East, contact our Group Publishing Director JOAQUIM D’COSTA jo@bncpublishing.net | T +971 504402706 All rights reserved © 2021. Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors. Design Middle East is exclusively licensed to BNC Publishing. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher. Images used in Design Middle East are credited when necessary. Attributed use of copyrighted images with permission.

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Conca - basin 80cm Conca - mirror round Ø 100cm Conca - vanity unit 200x37x55 cm, matt sunset color

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IDEAL STANDARD MENA Tel. +971 4 804 2400 | Email: idealstandardgulf@idealstandard.com IDEAL STANDARD DESIGN BATHROOM CENTRE Sheikh Zayed Road, near Nour Bank metro station, Dubai, UAE | Tel. +971 4 309 6000 www.idealstandardgulf.com design-middleeast.com

News

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Al-Futtaim to launch first IKEA flagship store in Oman

Designed to have a positive impact on the environment and promote sustainable living, this store will contribute to the sultanate’s Green Agenda with innovative solutions that help reduce waste, save energy, and conserve natural resources.

wedish home furnishings giant IKEA, has announced the opening of its first store in Oman in June 2022. Spanning 25,000sqm, the two-level flagship is set to launch in Lulu Group’s Oman Avenues Mall. Bringing customers affordability and a comfortable shopping experience, the new IKEA will be located in the centre of the city making it more accessible for the many people. It will feature inspirational room setups and creative solutions for visitors with over 9000

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articles across living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and other home furnishing accessories. Leveraging digital innovation, Oman’s first IKEA store will also be available virtually, making it easier for shoppers to browse and buy the latest products. The new IKEA store will be home to some of the most innovative customer experience solutions, including wall projectors to facilitate planning and product selection. Throughout the main showroom, digital signage and in-store technology will help customers find the right furnishings, visualise room setups and schedule deliveries in simple, easy steps. Oman’s first IKEA will also comprise a 394-seat restaurant, directly connected to the shopping centre for easy access and convenience. Featuring self-service kiosks, the IKEA restaurant extends into the mall for more seating options for customers. Customers can shop from the Swedish Food Market for their favourite Scandinavian

ingredients and enjoy fresh pastries, cookies and more at the IKEA Bistro. Vinod Jayan, managing director – IKEA UAE, Egypt, Qatar and Oman, said: “AlFuttaim IKEA’s first store in the Sultanate of Oman reflects our commitment to making sustainable living affordable and accessible, while creating a better everyday life for the many people. As part of the AlFuttaim Group, we live by the same ethos of enriching the lives and aspirations of our customers at every turn and we aim to do this for our customers across Oman. We are now closer to our Omani customers and are confident that the experience and home furnishing ideas we provide at IKEA will inspire our customers to refresh their homes.’’ Furthermore, all IKEA products are crafted with sustainability in mind, inspiring and enabling more than 70mn people in the region to live a better everyday life by 2025. The Swedish brand also recycles 90% of its dry operational waste annually on a global level. The new IKEA store in Oman will also provide its customers with the Click and Collect service to enjoy a convenient and contactless shopping experience. The “Click & Collect” works in three simple steps. Additionally, the new IKEA store will also offer a wide range of services such as assembly and delivery, measurement facilities, kitchen services at affordable prices in addition to gift cards and easy finance options.

Purity opens a new showroom in Dubai, featuring dedicated space for Boffi|DePadova collections

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Nizam Abdul Baki, managing partner of Purity Trading, said: “Dubai has always been a place where taste and trends evolve. Despite the pandemic, we have witnessed a growing luxury market and are expanding our presence to maintain our client’s expectations of quality service, as we have been doing for 18 years. Our new showroom in Jumeirah, which includes a dedicated space for our Boffi|DePadova collections is a step closer towards our vision of creating a unique luxury experience for the modern home in the region.”

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urity Trading, a leading name in luxury homeware with a focus on design-conscious living, has launched its second location on Dubai’s prestigious Jumeirah Road, housing a range of premium, designer living solutions and an exclusive space dedicated for their prestigious Boffi|DePadova collections. The eclectic studio offers a myriad of design solutions that complement the long-time collaboration between Purity and Boffi|DePadova and promises a space dedicated to lovers of creativity blended with functionality, tactile details and visual combinations. Known for connecting the world with its architectural Boffi systems and innovative ADL partitioning systems, the studio will feature iconic furnishing elements of De Padova and the minimalism of MA/U Studio. “We are thrilled to strengthen our collaboration with Purity once again,” said Roberto Gavazzi, CEO of Boffi|DePadova. “We share the same point of view on the offer of exclusive bespoke and high-end proposals. Presenting the new solutions and company’s strategy in this stunning new ambiance, after these two challenging years, means that we are ready to start again stronger than ever to consolidate the business in the EMEA region. Purity is, in fact, able to enhance our presence and design in the most impactful way.”

From its headquarters in Dubai, Purity caters to an exclusive market. Its customers view design and fashion as an integral part of their everyday lives.

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RMJM Dubai’s Meydan office park will have its unique seasonal concept

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MJM Dubai was appointed as a lead architect for the Meydan project – an interconnected office park located in an upcoming area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following the client’s directions and ambitious vision, RMJM focussed on creating a venue to attract top talent and become a popular entrepreneurial hub. A place that grows and evolves with the times, changing from day to night, from season to season. The master plan was developed based on many factors such as the workplace environment, its adaptability, accessibility, and sustainability. The studio produced three distinct densities of façades for each office building, based on their understanding of the site context and solar studies. The idea was to simply “pull out” one side of the façade so that each model may cast a shadow on its own face. Each building’s corners have rounded edges, symbolising the continuous and seamless nature of the building’s core business functions.

Each building will have a distinct characteristic corresponding to the four seasons following the landscape concept. The rooftops talk back to the programming of the project. The spaces between some buildings are deliberately kept narrow, to reflect the best examples of cities that have incredible life on narrow streets. The studio team saw this as an

opportunity to bring F&B that could express itself with such character, the shaded nature of these spaces giving a chance to use outdoor dining nearly all year round. An infinity park was designed to welcome the visitors with a sculpted statement gate, an infinity mirrored boundary walkway, ‘Instagrammable’ components and a generous amount of relaxed seating furniture. The team studied the sun path carefully and created mounds and berms with trees at the crests. “To make the development truly unique and outstanding, we have developed a cultural speciality – “Arabic headscarf” as our key design concept. The park also embraces the concept of the seasons by hosting flowering trees and flora that change through the year.

The unique master plan and the detailed designs proposal show the uniqueness that RMJM Dubai takes care to incorporate in each of the designs and projects they create.

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trends and topics. The forum will welcome “Big-Box” senior buyers & decision-makers, as well as luxury, high-end, online retailers and of course a variety of analysts, experts and trend forecasters. Key topics will include the future of the industry post-pandemic, what key buying trends there are for 2023 and how to adapt a retail brand identity. An essential part of INDEX is the Design Talks, in association with GEBERIT, bringing together many of the region’s experts and thought leaders, this is a unique opportunity to interact with a wide range of industry stakeholders and ensures that it captures a wide range of discussion about the technical, aesthetic market and strategic issues on which the industry revolves. The Work Design Summit offers a fascinating insight into the future of office interiors, a cutting-edge event now a hub for regional and international architects, interior designers, purchasing and buying managers, as well as CEOs, GMs and MDs. Among the highlights of this year’s Work Design Summit are insights into post-pandemic workplace trends, adapting to current trends, and employees’ new expectations. Workspace, a core component of the event for the last 20 years, will also return for 2022, this area is dedicated to connecting businesses with the latest and most innovative commercial design solutions. For over 20 years, Workspace has served as the Middle East’s annual commercial interior design event that connects buyers to workplace product manufacturers, smart-office technology solutions, fit-out and design concepts, and corporate wellness solutions.

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he Middle East’s leading design trade show INDEX returns to Dubai on the 24th – 26th May. Bringing some of the industry’s biggest names to the world-renowned trade event, as well as showcasing the region’s home-grown talent, INDEX is set to welcome thousands of visitors for its 31st edition. Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the trade show will offer a range of expert talks, interactive activations and conferences with key industry players, making it the ultimate meeting place for regional professionals from across the design and fit-out industry. The Middle East remains unlike any other interiors market in the world, it is estimated that the interior fit-out market in the UAE alone will grow by US$ 973 million by 2022, according to Ventures Onsite. INDEX offers direct and comprehensive access to serious buyers in this extraordinary market; buyers who rely on INDEX to procure everything from contract furniture to accessories, décor and limited-edition pieces. Key speakers include Isabel Pintado, the Senior Vice President of Design and Innovation of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Paul Bishop, Owner & Founder of Bishop Design, Thomas Lundgren, the Founder and CEO, of THE One Total Home Experience LLC, Gilbert Boustany, General Manager of Projects Delivery at Chalhoub Group and Chris Barnes, Owner and Founder of Broadway Interiors. New for 2022, will be the Retail Leadership Forum, a dedicated conference for senior retail buyers and leaders providing retailers insight and intelligence into the latest

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INDEX returns In May 2022 with all-new events and forums

The three-day experience serves the industry by showcasing innovative products, content, features and inspiration while acting as the definitive link for those to access the lucrative MEA market.

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12 News

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This is how you can give your home a Spanish feel panish interior designs have remained increasingly popular since the early twentieth century. This is largely because of the sense of sophistication it exudes, while at the same time presenting a homely, relaxing environment. The refreshing flair of rustic, warm, nostalgic tones makes these shades the perfect setting for your space, adding both elegance and sentimentality. Consequently, a growing number of residents in the country are favouring these soft, subtle colours for their homes and offices. In keeping with this trend, Brands For Less Group has recently broadened its reach to include Muy Mucho – a bohemian-inspired one-stop shop for interiors and home decor. The Brands For Less Group, which operates flagship stores such as Brands for Less and Homes for Less in the region, offer an exquisite collection of home and interior decor. The addition of Muy Mucho, a Spanish decor brand, further reinforces this trend as pastel colours are becoming increasingly popular for home decor, thanks to their elegance and simplicity. As residents’ tastes for these warmer shades grow, Muy Mucho’s mixed collection of European homeware, gift items, unique decor items, personal accessories, and Bohemian decor essentials become excellent choices for spaces at affordable prices. Residents have enjoyed the pastel decor and interiors, as it provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Simply put, pastel shades are the perfect summer hues, which is why shopping for interiors in a place like the UAE, where weather conditions can be

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hot, is an important aspect for residents. Today, interior designs have become very popular, offering a variety of possibilities for different settings. The usage of neutral and subtle colours like beige, white, ivory, taupe, and grey opens up a variety of design possibilities for your home, allowing you to use other colours as accents. As a result, many leading retailers such as Muy Mucho, offer a wide selection of interior goods to offer their customers a delightful shopping experience.

The brand’s range of decor is distinguished by its Spanish flavour, representing mid-century modern and bohemian designs in pastel shades, lending a delicate air of elegance to your interiors.

Interior designer Gauri Khan launches online masterclasses

quaint to luxurious.” – Gauri Khan Enrolled students can also expect to learn how to create unique opulent spaces that tell a story, the interplay of colour, texture and material, as well as how to creatively play with lighting. Transforming spaces as intimate as homes through to more commercial projects as well. Samarth Bajaj, founder of The Designers Class, said: “We are so excited to have Gauri Khan join our immensely talented pool of instructors. She has worked with Ace global brands and masterfully transformed the homes of celebrities, therefore, we firmly believe she comes with an immense pool of experience and knowledge that all our students can definitely benefit from.” Bajaj adds: “We are proud to have built a premium platform that will add significant value to

Gauri Khan’s course launches globally on May 5, 2022.

anyone interested in studying and pursuing design across the globe. Being an online platform, we have the advantage of reaching out to learners across geographical boundaries and our aim is to offer these celebrity driven design master classes to talent in some of the remotest locations of the world, giving them the same experience and opportunities as urban students. As an added bonus, we plan to offer an extensive in person mentorship program as an opportunity to be mentored under the umbrella of our celebrity designers. The opportunity will be open to all ages and applicants from across the globe.”

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fter gracing countless covers, curating dream homes, and forging a brand synonymous with luxury, Interior designer to the Stars Gauri Khan is all set to disrupt the education space with ‘The Designer’s Class.’ Gauri adds to an exclusive list of Celebrity Mentors and Industry experts on the exciting new platform dedicated to tackling traditional design education head-on. Giving burgeoning designers, both young and old, an all-access opportunity to learn from the very best in their class. Known names include Masaba Gupta, Rhea Kapoor, Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla, and Tanya Ghavri to name a few. The course will enable designers of all levels to forge their signature approach to interior design, drawing inspiration from Gauri Khan’s own, immensely successful, journey, as well as learn the fundamentals, best practices and industry insights from the veteran designer herself. All are captured with unparalleled production values, that anyone can enjoy from a desktop or smartphone. “The thought of teaching a new breed of up-and-coming designers and helping them connect to the wondrous world of Interior Design brings immense joy to me. As a self taught designer myself, I strongly believe in breaking barriers of tradition and adopting a more open educational model. Art and design should be available to be consumed by all and not just a selected few. Most importantly, I can’t wait to share my own ‘secret’ ingredients that will help them elevate every space from

14 Technology

Bassel Omara is a multi-awardwinning Egyptian architect and designer with a humanitarian vision who has received numerous regional and global prizes and honours

BIM is

BOON

BASSEL OMARA, Dorsch

Gruppe Middle East’s lead design architect and BIM manager, discusses his passion for humancentric designs, his future goals, the benefits of the groundbreaking BIM technology, and why he pushes for it.

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What does a BIM manager do? How do you summarise what is great about BIM? BIM Managers help with the adoption of BIM technology while also directing the production of project information models, which bring together data, drawings and schedules related to the design and construction phase of a project. Early in 2008, I began using BIM technology and I believe it has revolutionised the way architects and engineers approach any design. Because each element has enough data to explain its function

2017 SHELTAINER Where Humanity Meets Hope “Multi-Award Design”

2022 EARTH SCHOOL Competition “Honorable Mention”

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and purpose from day one, this technology empowers us to behave as engineers rather than as drafting tools. Briefly, reduce the amount of double work and RFI’s when it is taken to the construction phase.

How do you see the future of BIM and innovation in this region? BIM has been a powerful trend that is evolving every day to serve our sector better. Looking into the future, where governmental municipalities will mandate the implementation of BIM on every submission is a promising step toward smart city development. This information can serve future settlements and align with UAE’s 2050 vision.

What is your guiding design principle? I believe it is our responsibility to design for a better future. That has been my motto since day one when I see that design is a combination of art, engineering and responsibility. We have the power to change and influence the future by creating forms that inspire generations to come. It is a huge responsibility to create a building that will stand for 30-40 years and can adapt to forthcoming developments.

My designs are always driven by my morals to design for a better humanity, more sustainable existence and co-living between the urban fabric and the ecosystem. I am always keen to find out what the problem is by asking myself: “What are people doing now and how do they feel about it? How will this affect their lives, especially in terms of health, safety and well-being?” I look back over the past 15 years and I am honoured by the extensive global experience I have accrued, covering both the public

and private sectors on a wide variety of projects spanning from Egypt to UAE, KSA, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Libya, France, Mali, Senegal, Iceland, and Germany.

What is your vision for humanitarian architecture? How do you apply the principles and practices of human-centred design and architecture? Humanitarian architecture is about problem-solving at both the micro and macro scale while focussing on the welfare and happiness of individuals and communities. >>> design-middleeast.com

16 Technology

All my projects are close to my heart and have a unique connection to me. If I have to mention then LLFP Meydan School, which is a Lebanese school with a French system located in Dubai, where combines different cultures in one place. The design represents the act of teaching through a typographical screen on the educational blocks and received multiple awards and amazes me to still receive feedback from the client appreciating the design and passing on the impressive feedback also from both the parents and students.

2021 JUMEIRAH PARK VILLAS

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What have been the most fulfilling projects you have worked on and why?

How important is sustainability for you and how do you define it?

Our architecture design should strive to offer security, well-being and sustainable living that offers dignity to any occupant regardless of their social standards. I trust architecture reaches its ultimate goal when you can create a free-developing form that can accommodate the needs through time by expanding or shifting to adapt to one's needs. That is why I enter multiple international competitions focussing on solving natural crises or benefiting unfortunate societies.

What’s a well-designed building? It is when you succeed to balance the form of the building and surrounding context, the function and the need of users, the construction cost and the local economy within the given constraints. All this would lead to a positive impact on the end-user and society with the maximum benefits.

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Sustainability is a very important pillar in any design. Following the first-rate regulatory requirements is a respectable benchmark, though we need to perceive different approaches beyond the required. In my opinion, to obtain a sustainable design we need to understand closely the relationship between the function and the user within the context to be able to achieve a balanced harmony.

Where do you turn for inspiration, and which architects or designers have had the biggest influence on your work? I generally turn to nature as we are all born on a harmonious planet the way God created it. This inspires my designs in various ways from the feel, form and structure. Various architects have a vast influence on my work today. Yet Hassan Fathy is one of the main influencers with his earth architecture and simple design techniques. I believe he is one of the reasons I gravitate towards human-centric designs with localised materials.

2020 – “APLOMB” Mega Dunes Eco Lodges

My commitment to enhancing urban communities and reinterpreting basic human needs have always been the motivator behind my rigorous explorations and architectural activities. One of these instances is my collaboration with UNICITI as one of the International Working Group of Experts to lead groups of volunteers across the world to guide improving the dense urban fabric for better affordable solutions under the “Third Way of Building Asian Cities” initiative. Currently, I am leading a group to explore reusing/utilising various abandoned buildings to make them more liveable and sustainable through the post-COVID-19 lens and how to solve existing problems while setting a standard for new developments. Another group I am involved with is looking into alternative construction materials and reusing shipping containers not only to tackle waste accumulation by the circular economy but also to create affordable housing in informal settlements. Our findings will be released to the public within this year. On the other hand, my passion for spreading knowledge and teaching architecture is considered a moral duty, and I have conducted professional speeches at various summits, conferences and universities. Being a member of the Advisory Board at Abu Dhabi University is one of my dearest commitments, focussing to open the minds of young future architects. Last but not least, being selected as Chair Judge for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) & WAFChina 2019-2022 is an ongoing responsibility that I certainly look forward to this year in Lisbon, Portugal.

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Recently, I have finished setting up a substantial master plan vision for one of the major cities within the region. The vision revolves around the city’s strengths: it's natural setting, its rich heritage and its pleasant humble lifestyle. The project aimed to enhance its economy by developing strategic places allowing for better-managed traffic flows, creating public spaces where people can meet, reducing waste disposal costs, encouraging green spaces and a healthy lifestyle and building smarter transport networks.

What other activities and endeavours keep you engaged, aside from your architectural projects? How do outside interests influence your approach to architecture?

What are you working on currently? What will you be doing 10 years from now?

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

Humanitarian architecture is about problem-solving at both the micro and macro scale while focussing on the welfare and happiness of individuals and communities. Our architecture design should strive to offer security, well-being and sustainable living that offers dignity to any occupant regardless of their social standards

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18 Interview

Going Beyond SUSTAINABILITY With R e g e n e r a t i v e Development BY ROMA ARORA

Chad Oppenheim,

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PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER AT , OPPENHEIM ARCHITECTURE, DISCUSSES THE DESERT ROCK PROJECT, A REGENERATIVE RESORT IN SAUDI ARABIA'S DESERT THAT IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN COLLABORATION WITH THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.

Tell us all about the Desert Rock Mountain Resort?

Desert Rock is a regenerative resort located in the desert of Saudi Arabia. It is currently under construction in partnership with The Red Sea Development Company. The resort’s goal is to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment, all while allowing guests to connect with nature and the local culture of the region. The resort’s architecture is fully integrated into the rocks and mountains, using the excavated material to build the structure. Stone is used for interior and exterior walls and floors,

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while ground stone and existing sand are used for concrete aggregate, the main building material for the entire structure. Beyond the sustainable materials and construction methods, the incorporation of energy, wildlife, and historic preservation identifies Desert Rock as a pioneer in regenerative tourism. Phase one of the Desert Rock project is on track to welcome guests by the end of 2023. Veiled behind a hidden valley and nestled between the glorious mountains of the desert, the resort offers its occupants a choice of 48 villas and 12 hotel rooms

to connect to nature and the history of the land. Ground level dwellings, hotel suites, excavated rooms in the rock massif and a number of other accommodations will also be available. To ensure uninterrupted views, most roads leading into the resort will be pushed to the edge of the main wadi and hidden behind landscape mounds. This will also minimise sound and light pollution, allowing guests to fully absorb the dramatic desert landscape. Although regeneration and sustainability were the top priorities, the resort still is extremely luxurious.

IMAGE COURTESY LUXIGON

CHAD OPPENHEIM is a Miamibased architect whose work has been praised for its ability to transform the prosaic into the poetic. Through passion and sensitivity towards man and nature, Oppenheim creates monumental yet silent architecture that elicits a site’s inherent power.

Technology has been the catalyst for allowing the quick exchange of ideas/ updates among the team regardless of where everyone is located. With offices and partners across the globe, we are still able to brainstorm and ultimately design Desert Rock from different locations around the world. The use of technology also aided in the visualisation of the project and helped us realize our ideas in a more tangible way. Where do you think the movement is going? What is the next evolution in design and architecture?

Architecture is definitely headed in the direction of working to reverse human effects on the environment. Recently, there’s been a hyperfocus on how individuals can implement

The project defines new territory for sustainability and sustainable tourism at every level; across planning, construction, and operation.

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How does technology help you deal with design challenges and meet sustainability goals?

sustainable living into their personal lives, and as that’s achieved, a push for hotels, restaurants and other commercial spaces to respond to this demand is likely. This next evolution in design and architecture now includes consumers’ values and encourages them to engage with environments without disturbing the history or wildlife, giving them an inside look at sustainability and its effect on all aspects of life. This is especially relevant for hotels and travel destinations— we can use smart, regenerative architectural strategies in an attempt to combat the energy taken to travel there. >>>

Our design philosophy is based on building with the land, not just on it. This led the design process in the creation of a resort that is truly regenerative at its core. We let the site guide our design and used its existing elements to add to the resort’s natural authenticity. We wove this ideology throughout the project and incorporated regenerative ideas into the elements that power the resort. Water retention and distribution systems will be utilized to harvest rainwater to renew and flourish the surrounding Wadi that will be used throughout the resort. On top of its sound and light pollution reduction and energy conservation, the resort will also house a 100-hectare Landscape Nursery that will provide 15 million local and native plants for the resort and the local community. The resort will also include a circular waste management system to achieve

zero waste contribution to landfills. Sustainability was not our only goal for the resort, but also regeneration.

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

Can you describe the design process for Desert Rock, some challenges you had, and the sustainable solutions you landed on?

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20 Interview In 2022, we believe a lot of architectural trends offer minimalism, a connection to nature, and options to reduce energy-consumption, so we’re really happy with the progress the industry has made in recent years.

Dispersed facilities minimise the resort’s footprint and invite wider site exploration, adventure, and discovery; introducing guests to all the cultural, archeological, and geological dimensions of this awe-inspiring place.

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How would you preserve Saudi Arabia's culture and heritage while bringing contemporary design to life?

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Desert Rock’s design was centered around the culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia and the surrounding ecosystems. We understand the importance of the Kingdom’s history as a hub for trade routes and a meeting point for many civilisations. Our team took the concept of regeneration one step further by supporting the local communities around the resort. With an understanding of the ancient history of the desert, the excursions that the resort offers will integrate the rituals of the local community by offering visitors educational tours led by local residents. There, they will be able to learn about the incense trade route and the

Nabateans - an ancient Arab people who inhabited northern Arabia and the southern Levant. The

resort, instead of disrupting, also supports Saudi Arabia’s ecosystem by regenerating its native flora and encouraging visitors to explore the beauty of the country by offering dune buggy tours along with spaces to stargaze and hike.

IMAGE COURTESY LUXIGON

Is there any trend in architecture that you are against?

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In 2022, we believe a lot of architectural trends offer minimalism, a connection to nature, and options to reduce energy-consumption, so we’re really happy with the progress the industry has made in recent years. Trends that perpetuate adverse impacts on the environment or ignore/disrupt

Our work has evolved many times since the inception of the firm in 1999. We’ve always led with the idea of creating breathtaking projects that highlight the earth's natural beauty while still maintaining a luxurious atmosphere. Luxury at the forefront of our designs is always important, but as climate change has become an integral part of life over the past few decades it has ultimately reshaped our process. An emphasis on sustainability has become more prominent, and our designs reflect that, just as they do with increased focus on wellbeing and health. Each new climate issue adds a new facet to our designs, with our team working to solve these problems and changing the role that architecture plays as an impact on them. With new designs in new areas, the evolution of our work encompasses what we’ve learned in past projects and applies that to uncharted territories of architecture design that we’re looking forward to continuing to explore. What is the most powerful and amazing thing about the architecture in the region?

Just as the Desert Rock resort does, much of the architecture in Saudi Ara-

Are you planning to expand in this region? What kind of projects would you like to do?

Desert Rock itself is a growing project. We’re on track to complete phase one by the end of 2023, but there are plans for additional phases to expand what the resort has to offer. With its rich history and abundance of natural features, continuing to build projects to aid in increasing tourism in Saudi Arabia is something that we’d like to do to encourage people to immerse themselves in new, interesting cultures and environments.

Can you describe the evolution of your work?

bia highlights the beauty of its culture by working with its desert climate and geography. The architecture is timeless in a sense, as it embraces the history but also shows the potential for architecture to develop as the years pass. We have a project in Aqaba, Jordan that exemplifies this – the Ayla Golf Clubhouse, a mixed-use resort at the intersection of Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. After a full look through of the site, shotcrete pumps were decided as the sole machinery used to build the clubhouse, with everything else done by hand. The project was made with the land’s mineral-rich soil and its concrete shell works with Jordan’s climate with openings to capture coastal breezes and screens to filter sunlight. The Ayla Golf Clubhouse pairs with the desert landscape to emphasize its natural beauty, just as much of the architecture in the area does.

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the area’s heritage and surrounding environment are ones that we would say we do not support.

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Is there anything that you are afraid of regarding the future?

Most construction materials will be recycled from the site, so that building impact is minimal and new forms embody the same colours and minerals as their surroundings.

While the shift to sustainable tourism is encouraging, there is a concern that when the demand for eco-friendly amenities isn’t as prevalent, that hospitality architecture will revert back to a main generator of wasteful and unsustainable practices. That said, rather than fear it, we use the future as a point of encouragement recognizing that there is no threshold for greatness but rather an endless journey of new developments and creativity. We look at the wonderful projects our firm has designed since its inception, and use them as inspiration to create more innovative, regenerative projects.

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22 OP-ED

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hoosing excellent materials that are durable, easy to clean and maintain, can survive daily wear and tear, and are not only still affordable, but also considerably more hygienic than natural materials is critical whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one. When it comes to high-end home decor, this luxurious-looking material is stealing the show. Porcelain is a form of ceramic that is manufactured from refined clay and baked at high temperatures to make it durable. It's a versatile material that may mimic marble, granite, slate, hardwoods, limestone, and other natural materials. While many people still prefer marble in their kitchens, dining rooms, and floors, the advantages of porcelain greatly surpass those of marble. Because marble is a porous stone, it absorbs stains and bacteria more easily, making it less resistant to wear and tear and less hygienic. Kader Mithani, CEO and founder of Casamia explained: “In the UAE, we have seen marble and natural stone-looking porcelain as the top trends in both residential and commercial designs. These chic surfaces can be styled any way to give an elegant, high-end and clean appearance. "The large-format, full-body, Italian, porcelain slabs with varying thickness, allow the porcelain brands offered at Casamia to be installed in various design applications. Unlike other surfaces, these slabs are suitable for contact with food, which means they are hygienic, stain proof, mold proof and easy to clean. Porcelain stoneware is unaffected by high temperatures, scratchproof, completely waterproof and also withstands UV rays and all kinds of weather. We have seen a notable year on year increase since the start of the pandemic in porcelain sales. Key customer factors have been; resilience to weather conditions and wear and tear, affordability compared to marble and hygiene - a new element to the interior design decision making process.” Mithani provides the reasons for porcelain becoming the material of choice for homes across the UAE:

The power of porcelain Kader Mithani, CEO and Founder of Casamia, discusses some

of the unique characteristics of this material that make it everyone's favourite. design-middleeast.com

23 Porcelain with a PEI of four or five is recommended for high-traffic areas such as kitchen and living room floors, as well as hotel lobbies. A PEI grade of three or four for four

counters is sufficient, and a PEI rating of one or two for walls.

Porcelain is extensively used to decorate this contemporary bathroom.

Cost effective

Porcelain tiles are less expensive than natural items, and with the wide range of styles available, the customer can pay a fraction of the price of actual stone or wood while yet getting the same design appeal.

and bathrooms, you'll be able to extend a vein across a wide wall or cabinet bank with book-matched slabs for a typical upmarket aesthetic. When selecting porcelain for various areas of your home, keep in mind the PEI hardness rating—the Porcelain Enamel Institute rating, which shows the material's hardness. Porcelain with a PEI of four or five is recommended for high-traffic areas such as kitchen and living room floors, as well as hotel lobbies. A PEI grade of three or four for four counters is sufficient, and a PEI rating of one or two for walls.

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Porcelain tile's remarkable water and sun damage resistance makes it a perfect alternative for surface coverings that other materials aren't suitable for. For outdoor applications such as ventilated facades, swimming pools, and patios, it has traditionally been the chosen solution. The material's endurance makes it ideal for commercial uses such as retail malls, hospitals, restaurants, and airports. The superior technical performance and beauty of porcelain tiles have permitted the exploration of new applications such as countertops, furniture, and home accessories. Porcelain is an extremely hard surface that isn’t prone to the etching, staining and other damage that daily household life can inflict on natural marble, however, it can be manufactured with comparable beauty, thanks to ink jet production technologies. Unlike marble or granite, each porcelain slab is uniform. If you choose a marble effect, which is currently one of the most popular porcelain styles for both kitchens

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Resilience

Hygiene

Viruses require water to stay alive and active. Viruses cannot thrive on a porcelain surface because it is inorganic, impermeable, and water resistant. Porcelain has become the leading choice for high-end finishes this year due to increased awareness of this information, as well as its adaptability and beauty. It is now considered one of, if not the most important material to use in post-pandemic interior design projects. In response to client demand, certain manufacturers have gone above and beyond in terms of hygiene. Laminam Tiles, for example, uses bio-active treatments in the production of its products, giving them antibacterial and pollutant-eradication capabilities. It also possesses self-cleaning qualities on exterior surfaces, allowing organic compounds to be naturally eliminated as a result of polluted substances' aggression. In addition, according to the tile industry informational resource WhyTile.com, ceramics are considered to have the lowest carbon footprint of any flooring material, the lowest global warming potential, and the lowest fossil fuel resource depletion. design-middleeast.com

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24 Cover story

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SHAHROOZ ZOMORRODI & ASSOCIATES started their activities in the year 2006 with the purpose of creating new and unique structures and spaces by using the latest executive techniques and sciences and new ideas in the field of design and architecture.

The firm provides services for the construction of projects of various sizes. They provide architectural plans, detailing, 3D designs, and other services, as well as execution management and civil engineering consultations.

OUT OF THE

BOX

Shahrooz Zomorrodi's

IMAGES COURTSEY NAVEED SIRAJ

| DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

he fantastic Tr88 House recreation complex on Bluewaters, designed by multi-awardwinning architect Shahrooz Zomorrodi, incorporates exaggerated scale and is pushing design and recreation in the Emirates to new heights.

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Check out architect latest project TR88HOUSE, an entertainment complex on Dubai's Bluewaters Island that everyone loves.

The approximately 100,000-square-foot (9290-square-meter) complex offers a multisensory experience that was designed by the architect exclusively for this outof-the-box project. From a magical make-believe forest-like Hive Food Hall to the sophisticated 88 Terrace, the complex offers a multisensory experience that was designed by the architect exclusively for this out-ofthe-box project. >>> design-middleeast.com

26 Cover story

“THE USE OF FAMILIAR SHAPES LEADS TO A SENSE OF DÉJÀ VU, OF CHILDHOOD NIGHTMARES, YET THE EXAGGERATED SIZES MAKE THE SCENOGRAPHY A LITTLE WEIRD." SHAHROOZ ZOMORRODI

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The interiors were created utilising bionic architectural principles to ensure that they are both environmentally friendly and relevant to the concept. To be the major protagonists of the forest environment, Zomorrodi imported approximately 190 sustainably cultivated pine tree trunks from New Zealand.

The interiors were designed using bionic architectural concepts to ensure that they are environmentally sustainable and complement the concept. Zomorrodi imported over 190 sustainably grown pine tree trunks from New Zealand to be the main protagonists of the forest setting. “The interior is a visualisation of a dream or even a nightmare that I had as a child – one that centres around both the lure and the fear of the forest. A place where you can get lost, discover new things, a place where you never really know where to look or who and what is

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The architects experimented with scale to maximise the scale capacity and volume of the spaces, which included double-height ceilings in the food hall and triple-height ceilings in the outdoor lounge deck.

observing you!” he says. The architects played with scale maximising the scale capacity and volume of the spaces, which includes ceilings of double-height in the food hall and triple-height in the outdoor lounge deck. Tree trunks spanning from six to 16 metres were used to emphasise the design concept. Zomorrodi adds: “The design is empirical but also relates to the human subconscious.” In keeping with the client’s brief, the design team created purposedesigned spaces, with activities for all age groups.

Hive Food Hall The illusory design expedition begins on the ground floor, where Zomorrodi and his team have recreated a natural forest, complete with almost 200 towering pine tree trunks, which house ten tree houses. Among the pine trunks hang numerous cocoon lantern lights which reflect and multiply in the octagonal mirrors on the walls. Vertical slivers of aluminium, wood and metal panels were strategically placed between the wall cladding to add to the ruggedness of the space. The strategically placed concave mirrors generate optical illusions and give the impression there are considerably more tree trunks than there really are. “The use of familiar shapes leads to a sense of déjà vu, of childhood nightmares, yet the exaggerated sizes make the scenography a little weird,” he says, adding “I wanted to create spaces that would create unique reactions and emotions in every person who visits.” The rustic and casual ambiance is accentuated by the wood, metal and concrete tables that sit atop the macro

cement floor. An element of comfort and softness is created by the customdesigned low sofas and enormous cosy oversize bean bags that encourage diners to linger and unwind as they enjoy any of each of the seven different cuisine options. Zomorrodi has been working over the past 18 months on this project that includes entertainment facilities for the whole family – from a fun-filled trampoline zone, a soft play area, ‘Mystic Mini Golf’, and a futuristic laser tag games centre. Beyond the concept, Zomorrodi also designed every detail of the three-floor complex, down to the baby changing stations in the children’s rest room . All the spaces are enticing and radiate positivity. “I always prefer to design everything; that way the theme is more fluid and obvious and is more harmonious,” he says. A gallery-like lounge area, where adults can recline on custom-made sofas and gigantic oversize bean bags and play board games, overlooks the treetops of the Hive food hall. >>>

The illusory design journey begins on the ground floor, where Zomorrodi and his team have recreated a natural forest, complete with nearly 200 towering pine tree trunks that house ten tree houses. Numerous cocoon lantern lights hang among the pine trunks, reflecting and multiplying in the octagonal mirrors on the walls.

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28 Cover story

88 Terrace The more sophisticated 88 Terrace offers a completely different sensation. There is no doubt that this recently opened lounge is going to be one of Dubai’s most sensational nightspots. 88 Terrace seems to hover just metres below the iconic Ain Dubai Ferris wheel and provides a unique view of the Dubai Marina skyline. Here, the seven-metre-high walls that

wrap the outdoor space provide a canvas for provocative hand- painted wall murals of beautiful faces, legs and, of course, entwined hands. Sitting on an aluminium and stainlesssteel frame, a stunning illuminated Barrisol canopy, comprising 140 octagonal panels, shades the bar and provides an intriguing attraction when viewed from the nearby Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. The designer combined the panels to form the shape of the digit eight, which is more apparent when observed from above. In contrast to the monochromatic colour scheme of the roof top terrace, the walls of the guest washrooms are painted in a bold traffic light red and feature hand-painted wall murals. A large white fibreglass sculpture of hands and arms by Zomorrodi welcomes guest at the entrance to the comfort rooms. The hands were also conceived to lead guests upwards on the path to infinity.

Artwork Having created the concept, the design team commissioned Iranian artists to create the artwork found throughout the spectacular complex.

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Together they hand-painted every blade of the grass that decorates the walls of the ground and first floor, as well as the murals and fibreglass animals. Bespoke welcoming or guiding fibreglass hand sculptures can be found throughout the spaces. According to Zomorrodi, “In this mysterious world, the hands beckon and point us in the right direction. Exaggeration adds imaginative spice to this hallucinatory environment.” Perched on the side of the roof top is a giant seven-metre-high fibreglass and wood red teddy bear, which is the symbol and mascot of the terrace lounge, The bear’s design was conceived by the client, in keeping with the brand identity is best seen from the entrance to the Tr88 House complex. Zomorrodi has succeeded in creating a contemporary entertainment and recreation destination that offers unique spaces for all ages, strategically spiked with the latest state-of-the-art technologies, from lighting to sound, to encourage total immersion into a design forest which is rich in ideas, textures, and experiences.

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Find inspiration at cosentino.com | Follow Us F CosentinoMiddleEast COSENTINO CITY DUBAI Dubai Design District (D3) Building 4-A, Unit 401 042428131 - infomiddleeast@cosentino.com The Silestone LOFT series have been registered by Cosentino S.A.U. Find inspiration at cosentino.com | ®Follow Usdesigns F CosentinoMiddleEast

COSENTINO CITY DUBAI Dubai Design District (D3) Building 4-A, Unit 401 042428131 - infomiddleeast@cosentino.com

Find inspiration at cosentino.com | Follow Us F CosentinoMiddleEast Find inspiration at cosentino.com | Follow Us F CosentinoMiddleEast The Silestone® LOFT series designs have been registered by Cosentino S.A.U.

COSENTINO CITY DUBAI Dubai Design District (D3) Building 4-A, Unit 401 COSENTINO CITY DUBAI Dubai Design District (D3) Building 4-A, Unit 401 042428131 - infomiddleeast@cosentino.com 042428131 - infomiddleeast@cosentino.com The Silestone® LOFT®series designs have been registered by Cosentino S.A.U. The Silestone LOFT series designs have been registered by Cosentino S.A.U.

30 Project

Home

Welcome

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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Drink Dry's founder and entrepreneur ERIKA DOYLE, owns a magnificent home in the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club villas, and it's a slice of life we wish to experience.

BY ROMA ARORA

rika Doyle founded Drink Dry which is the UAEs' first and only premium non-alcoholic beverage marketplace. Drink Dry began as an e-store and has since become a firm mainstay in the UAE's retail and hospitality industries, with the product offering now available in many famous pubs and restaurants across the city. Doyle, in addition to being a successful entrepreneur, has a keen eye for interior design, as evidenced by her home. Doyle loves her home's decor, which was inspired by her vacation to Italy's Amalfi coast, as well as the use of tranquil and soft colours. “We lead very busy lives, so my goal was to create a room at home where we could relax and unwind,” explains Doyle. The interiors are done by the wonderful designer Gabby Garvey from Style ME Interiors Design.

ERIKA DOYLE graduated from the University of Nottingham with a bachelor's degree in history and politics. She is a determined leader with an instinctive desire to pioneer the alcohol-free drinks market in the UAE's F&B business. Doyle has doubled the workforce since January 2022, and moved into a new office space to allow for the growth of the brand.

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COURTESY OF JAMES WARD OF JAMES WARD PHOTOGRAPHY

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The best part is that Erika’s home is extremely sophisticated and devoid of passing design trends. Doyle put her business sense to use when it came to beautifying this place. She believes that it is all about value for money and the quality-to-price ratio. “I don't mind spending money on products that provide quality and comfort and hence represent good value for money, but I would never buy a piece for my home based on the designer's name or some such vanity project. When running a business, you must look long term, and I do the same when purchasing items for my home,” she adds. Ekrika's home has lovely white walls, and the vibrant cabinets, sofas, and paintings bring a splash of colour to the space. Green plants bring tranquilly and positivity to the space. The large windows let in plenty of light, making the space appear fresh and airy. Doyle also explains that the most distinctive aspect of the Middle Eastern design landscape is that it is possible to find almost anything under the sun here and create incredible designs. “This would be difficult to accomplish anywhere else in the world!”, finishes Doyle.

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32 Project

The white colour scheme is calming to the eyes and the house oozes warmth and inviting vibes.

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“I DON'T MIND SPENDING MONEY ON PRODUCTS THAT PROVIDE QUALITY AND COMFORT AND HENCE REPRESENT GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY, BUT I WOULD NEVER BUY A PIECE FOR MY HOME BASED ON THE DESIGNER'S NAME OR SOME SUCH VANITY PROJECT. " The bright blue artwork in the dining area adds a splash of colour and fun to the space.

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34 Destination

Yes YAS TO

Yas Island

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Let's discover why , located on the beautiful sands of ABU DHABI, is the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination.

as Island (yasisland.ae) is one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations, located on the golden shores of Abu Dhabi - just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai. Yas Island offers holiday makers a diverse mix of award-winning leisure and entertainment experiences, from one-of-a-kind theme parks, world-class shopping and

superb dining to a links golf course, exciting water and motor sports, and the most enjoyable musical and family events… all within the 25sqkm Island. Today, Yas Island is home to the award-winning theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the record-breaking CLYMB Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit (home to the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIXTM), Yas Marina, Yas Links golf course, as well as Abu Dhabi’s largest mall, Yas Bay Waterfront - Abu Dhabi’s vibrant day to night destination featuring Pier71, a three-kilometre Boardwalk, and a variety of world-class dining, leisure and entertainment brands - more than 165 dining experiences, ten hotels, and indoor and outdoor concert venues- all of which are complemented by a range of visitor services that connect all attractions to one another.

Ferarri World Abu Dhabi Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the award-winning Ferrari inspired theme park, opened its doors to fans in 2010. The theme park celebrates the spirit of the legendary marque and is home to numerous thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, state-ofthe-art simulators, live shows, as well as popular seasonal events and festivities that bring together extraordinary performances from around the globe. Ferrari

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It is the largest indoor theme park and the first Ferraribranded theme park in the world, located in the heart of the fascinating Yas Island. In between rides, one gets to see magical shows, savour the flavours of Italy and get exclusive access into the fast, prestigious world of luxury Italian supercars and their racing legends.

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W ABU DHABI - YAS ISLAND is a luxury playground spread over two buildings, located in the heart of buzzing Yas Island, revealing the best of Abu Dhabi’s history, heritage, and culture. Defying convention, pushing the boundaries, and creating a fashionably unforgettable experience, the design draws inspiration from traditional and artistic surroundings complementing the landscape with architectural elements.

World Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, as well as record-breaking roller coaster Flying Aces. The Park’s guests can enjoy a range of exciting experiences that include Benno’s Great Race, Karting Academy, Junior Training Camp, Driving Experience, Fiorano GT Challenge, and many more.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Located in Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld is a one-of-a-kind waterpark that draws inspiration from the UAE’s

pearl diving heritage offering families fun-packed adventures, the warmest welcome, and the most engaging themed experience. Home to more than 45 exhilarating rides, slides and attractions, and a diversity of seasonal events and shows, guests of Yas Waterworld can enjoy the chance to create new memories with every visit. Considered the pearl of Yas Island, the UAE’s premium leisure and entertainment destination, Yas Waterworld combines fun aquatic adventures with local personality to provide guests with an experience unlike anything else. >>>

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36 Destination

While at the Park, guests are transported to six truly immersive lands, including DC's Metropolis and Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza, and enjoy 29 state-of-the-art exhilarating rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and unique live entertainment.

Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi is the world's largest indoor theme parks, delivering an unparalleled fan experience. While at the Park, guests are transported to six truly immersive lands, including DC's Metropolis and Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza, and enjoy 29 state-of-the-art exhilarating rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and unique live entertainment. From the action and adrenaline-fueled adventures of DC Super Heroes to the wacky and wonderful world of Looney Tunes, the captivating and interactive experiences bring together some of the world’s most iconic characters and stories under one roof for the first time in the region including: Batman, Superman

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and Wonder Woman as well as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry and The Flintstones, among others.

Yas Mall Yas Mall is the largest mall in Abu Dhabi, offering an unparalleled retail selection combined with world-class dining, entertainment and leisure attractions. Established in 2014, it houses more than 370 leading international and regional retail brands, F&B outlets, a 20-screen state-of-the-art cinema operated by VOX Cinemas an award-winning children's 'edutainment' Zone, KidZania and the region’s first mall-based coworking space, CLOUD spaces. Recently, Aldar Investment announced an AED 500 million redevelopment plan

Feel the rush of a looping freefall waterslide, surf the waves of excitement, and hang on the Middle East's longest suspended rollercoaster ay Yas Waterworld. With more than 40 exhilarating rides, slides, and attractions, it is the world's leading water park right here in Abu Dhabi.

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Driven by a passion for flavour and fuelled by diversity, Garage Restaurant at W Abu Dhabi is a great place to hang out with friends and family. There is something exciting for everyone- the midnight snackers, the food truck groupies, the well-traveled palettes, and the gourmet party goers.

to further reinforce Yas Mall’s position as the centerpiece of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s fastest growing residential and leisure destination. Set for completion in Q3 2022, the major redevelopment project will introduce new innovative concepts, enrich the retail experience and deliver a new and diversified offering to both tenants and visitors. It is in line with Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision for its future, contributing to boosting the economy, and adapting to the evolving needs of customers and developing global retail trends.

W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island With 499 rooms, including two-floor ‘wow suites’ with private pools, and an amazing view of Yas Marina Circuit, the W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island is one of the most exciting properties in the capital. Food and beverage outlets include Garage, W Lounge, WET Deck and Roastery. They join Italian restaurant Amici and Indian venue Angar.

Garage, W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island Garage is one of Yas Island’s leading culinary destinations. With unparalleled views across Abu Dhabi, Garage provides gastronomical innovation paired with global epicurean vision. Garage creates moments defined by full of flavour and crafted to create the ultimate culinary experience

Every room comes with plush amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the racetrack or Yas Marina. All accommodations feature high-energy interiors, iconic design, advanced technology and modern amenities for the guests.

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38 Talking point

RON DRAKE, General Manager at Ain Dubai, discusses the unique attractions and offerings of the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel in the world

MULTI-LAYERED Experiences Since the launch of Ain Dubai, have the level of expectations set at the beginning for the success of Ain Dubai been achieved so far? Since Ain Dubai’s inauguration, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel has welcomed hundreds

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of thousands of visitors from the UAE and across the globe. Many firsts have been achieved and celebrated at Ain Dubai in addition to multiple stellar events which have truly fortified Ain Dubai and Bluewaters as a thriving lifestyle island destination.

Located on Bluewaters Island, AIN DUBAI stands at a staggering height of 250m making it the highest and largest of its kind in the world.

RONALD DRAKE is the General Manager for Ain Dubai. A specialist in commercial entertainment project revitalization, Drake is responsible for creating and delivering the strategic vision of Ain Dubai through its launch and operations, as well as developing and nurturing growth for Ain Dubai, establishing it as one of Dubai’s iconic landmarks on the global stage. Joining the project in 2017 as the project manager from Caesars Entertainment, Drake was charged with building a multi-layered, connected entertainment destination through innovative sales, product and experience delivery aligned to a commercial framework.

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Why is Bluewaters the perfect location for Ain Dubai? With Ain Dubai, we are truly completing the Bluewaters experience and positioning it as an entertainment hub – the entertainment offering creates the destination.

Beyond Ain Dubai, the Island also includes the Ain Dubai Plaza, Madame Tussauds, Caesar’s Palace Hotel, 160+ retail, restaurants, and bars and it is easily accessible, whether you are traveling by car, taxi, foot or boat. >>>

eye view of the Palm, to the changing vibrant colours when Dubai goes from day to night, we can assure guests the best photo spots for that perfect shot.

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Being the world's largest and tallest observation wheel in the world gives Ain Dubai a unique advantage to view the skyline of Dubai. What are the other steps taken by Ain Dubai to attract the crowd to this iconic landmark? Ain Dubai eclipses anything that has come before it, heralding a new era in the world of entertainment. The world’s largest and tallest observation wheel will prove a must-visit experience for visitors and residents in the UAE. More than just an attraction, Ain Dubai is a unique entertainment proposition that provides multi-layered experiences that provides a different experience to its visitors each time. From sundowners, dining in the sky and unique celebration packages to bespoke corporate & event offerings, Ain Dubai brings truly unique & customizable experiences, all against the backdrop of Dubai’s dazzling skyline for breath-taking land and seascapes. Open both day and night, Ain Dubai will invite visitors to experience two very different sides of Dubai from stunning Bluewater’s views to night-time entertainment hub. Gaze at sunrise’s golden rays glittering across the skyscrapers or watch Dubai’s spectacular LED lights switch on as darkness falls across the backdrop of the sea. Personally, my favourite thing about Ain Dubai is the multiple, unique photo-taking opportunities this project affords. Every moment is a great photo that is distinctly Dubai. From stunning views of the JBR skyline, to a bird’s

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40 Talking point

What are some of the unique offerings that Ain Dubai has to offer for both local and international tourists? More than a bucket-list, Ain Dubai is the ultimate celebration destination that has captured the imagination of the world and provides customizable experiences for a different perspective each time. With Ain Dubai, we are delivering a range of new and unique experiences for guests that are looking for something truly different. And that is not just limited to the views and ride – this entertainment venue is unique in several ways from photo opportunities to food and beverage and hospitality which provide multiple moments of enjoyment for all those that visit.

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“From stunning views of the JBR skyline, to a bird’s eye view of the Palm, to the changing vibrant colours when Dubai goes from day to night, we can assure guests the best photo spots for that perfect shot.”

In terms of private events, Ain Dubai caters to both consumer events and business events. Tell us what are the offerings, features given for business and consumer events? At Ain Dubai, we talk about it being ‘more than just a view’ and what we mean by that is yes, people come to Ain Dubai for an incredible view, but beyond that Ain Dubai re-imagines the observation wheel experience, translating it into a world-class, landmark entertainment venue. We have six premium indoor and outdoor venues from the Plaza to the Seaview lounge with the ability to hold up to 8,000. Ain Dubai offers a range of event possibilities for both the MICE market and larger private events in-

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cluding catering, audio-visual equipment, entertainment, and activation support in a unique environment and with Caesars Palace Dubai on Bluewaters next door, we can even help with any accommodation needs. We believe Ain Dubai will have a profound effect on the MICE industry, with companies of all sizes wanting to take advantage of such an iconic asset to truly elevate their next event.

AIN DUBAI showcases the city’s beautiful coastline, Dubai Marina's sleek sights and dreamy glimpses of famous landmarks such as Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and the Burj Khalifa. Open day and night, visitors can take in two sides of Dubai on a ride – its skyscrapers shining bright in the sun’s rays or the landscape gradually glittering into the night as darkness falls.

Ain Dubai is designed to deliver a different perspective each time so our visitors can enjoy it time and time again – we can guarantee you will never have the same experience twice when you fly Ain Dubai. Catering and the food provided during these private events provides a unique experience. Are there any challenges when it comes to providing these services? Of course, when it comes to providing food and beverage the pressure is always on to ensure we provide the best possible experience. We are lucky to work with the best partners to provide the most premium food and beverage each and every time, whether it be in our lounge, in-cabin or at our on-site café, Coffee Planet. A specialist in commercial entertainment project revitalisation, Drake brings over 35 years of extensive experience developing global tourist attractions, retail,

and live entertainment projects. Can you tell us how different is managing Ain Dubai as compared to your previous entertainment project ventures? Personally, I have 35 years’ experience working within Caesars Entertainment and on the High Roller in Las Vegas, and we spent huge amounts of time there on consumer experience development – what did they like, what did they react to, what didn’t they like? So, we bring huge amounts of learning to this project. Of course, the Dubai consumer has its own wants and needs so a lot of time will be spent gathering consumer feedback here to constantly update and evolve the experience. We know a huge element will be variety, and we will work hard to deliver on that.

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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Ain Dubai is more than an elevated vantage point for transforming city perspectives; the wheel’s base serves as a world-class entertainment zone with a large LED screen mounted on it.

Can you tell us what excites you about taking on this role at Ain Dubai? Dubai has been a leader in the travel and tourism sector for several years with a reputation for pioneering projects that have placed our emirate firmly on the global map for making the seemingly impossible, possible. Dubai sets the bar when it comes to being a tourist destination and sees itself as its biggest competition with the city breaking records on a regular basis. This is what excites me as we set out to demonstrate how Ain Dubai is another icon for this mantra and is a testament to the many innovative initiatives developed in Dubai to further enhance its competitiveness as a destination.

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42 Tête-à-tête

Blooming

GEM DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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ADRIANA HOYOS THE PRINCIPAL AND HEAD DESIGNER AT ADRIANA HOYOS FURNISHINGS, DISCUSSES HER FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS, EMERGING TRENDS, EXPANSION PLANS, AND THE BRAND-NEW FURNITURE LINE AVAILABLE AT BLOOMINGDALE'S HOME.

How would you describe the Adriana Hoyos style? Charismatic, elegant, fashionable, and timeless Founded in 1994, how has the brand and designs evolved over the years? Founded in 1994 in Ecuador, Adriana Hoyos has evolved into a an internationally recognised global brand with headquarters now in Miami. I am grateful for the growth and success we have had over the years and although there have been many changes one thing has stayed consistent and that is that we remain a family-owned business and I believe that is something that has contributed significantly to the growth we have enjoyed. The dedication to constantly looking for ways to bring the very best to our clients, improving the way things are done, the client-centric nature of our business is very much tied to this. design-middleeast.com

What trends are you noticing while designing homes? There are a couple of trends we have been working with this year. The first has to do with color selection, this idea of creating soothing atmospheres through neutral and muted hues. Creating subtle contrast between colour combinations that ultimately contribute to making a sophisticated yet calming space. Next one has to do with diversification of materials through the integration of different textile textures, woods, metals and stones. Not being afraid to mix materials. This complements well with the previous trend because it adds a layer of elegance and balance.

What collections are being currently retailed at Bloomingdale’s? Have you noticed any specific buying pattern from the Middle East region? Currently, we have a mix of collections retailed at Bloomingdale’s including Galapagos and our newest collection GEM. It is inspired by fine jewellery, the precision, and craftsmanship behind their design as well as the delicate yet tough nature of precious gemstones, most notably the diamond.

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For the dining area it’s important to choose a dining table with the right kind of base. I always like to pay attention to the legs; I usually recommend more of a pedestal base because it’s easier to accommodate more people.

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

Adriana Hoyos has a distinct style that is reflected in her interior and furniture design – timeless, warm, and sophisticated. She has worked on hundreds of interior design projects and eleven furniture collections in her more than 27-year career.

Do you have any tips for people when they’re buying furniture? When buying furniture, I think it’s most important to look for pieces that resonate with who you are, your style and that match with your lifestyle. And that the pieces you choose are timeless, for example if you are looking for a sofa, I always advise to try and keep the fabric a neutral color because you can always add or change color with the pillows. If you love colour or print, I think adding lounge chairs are a great opportunity to integrate this pop or even go a little wild. For the living room I also suggest looking at nesting style tables for your cocktail table, this allows you to integrate different materials and create a more dynamic space.

You have worked across many residential, hospitality, and commercial projects. Does any one particular transformation stand out for you? Can you explain the process you go through while planning such projects? First and foremost, we need to understand the necessities of the people that are going to inhabit the space or if it’s a commercial project how the space will be used. Find the essence, if you will of the space. For example, with the restoration and >>> design-middleeast.com

44 Tête-à-tête

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The pieces of the GEM Collection available at Bloomingdale's is characterised by paying special attention to the details, creating amazing concepts, where finishes, stones, metals and the meticulous upholstery process, make each piece a true jewel.

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

Adriana Hoyos Furnishings has 7 showrooms across the americas and constantly present new introductions designed by Adriana and her team.

modernisation of the Vanderbilt Mansion at Fisher Island. For us it was really important to respect the history and DNA of the building by using elements, colors and textures that represent the Island’s essence while integrating memorabilia from the original home. It was also important to create spaces within the mansion that club members could enjoy at different points but that still felt like one home. For example, within the mansion there are four distinct ambiances, with four different uses. Our challenge here was to make each one unique based on what the club member usage was. For the drawing room, the club’s living area, we used Florida colors to lighten up the space and mixed modern furnishing such as our sleek Rumba crescent sofa with rattan upholstered chairs that are more rustic and looked like peacocks, the iconic bird of Fisher Island. In the snooker lounge, at the mansion’s bar, we used rich velvets,

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dark blue walls and crafted intimate seating areas that gave the space a speak-easy feel. City View, the terrace restaurant, was an underutilised space that has the best view of the Island. When I saw this space, I envisioned a fun and lively indoor-outdoor restaurant that invited guests to enjoy the views to the Miami skyline. To do this we adopted a Mediterranean feel that mixed nautical textiles with relaxed seating. What is new in the pipeline for the brand in the region? We’ll I’ve been fortunate to just return from an amazing trip to the Middle East where we visited the Dubai Expo and our locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and I can say there are so many great things coming. But right now what I’m most excited for is the opening our first store in Qatar. The store which will be opening soon in Doha’s Festival Village is our fourth store in the Middle East. As a part of this visit, I

actually went to Doha to meet with the new store’s design team and our partners at That’s Living and I could not be happier for what’s to come.

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50 Décor review

D E SD I GE N SIG MN I DM D ILDE DELAES ET A S |T

O| C TMOABYE 2 R 022022 1 W

Contemporary with a nod to

Emirati culture

design-middleeast.com

BY ROMA ARORA

| DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

s soon as you enter the property, you are charmed by the calm and tranquil atmosphere; the interiors are just right, nothing too fancy, but right. Elegant décor and modern interiors are complemented with bespoke components such as two spectacular glass chandeliers and elegant gold chains in the foyer inspired by the jewellery seen in Dubai's Gold Souk. The stylish lobby is superbly lighted by a huge fireplace, and a spectacular artwork inspired by Dubai's cityscape silhouette reflected onto the Dubai Water Canal. The halls and meeting spaces are ornamented with a painstakingly picked collection of contemporary art as a homage to the brand's avant-garde character. >>>

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St. Regis Downtown is every bit exquisite, with an excellent location along the Dubai Water Canal, on the bustling business district's famed Marasi Drive. The chandelier that hangs above the main reception and foyer is shaped like a gold necklace, a reference to the Gold Souq's history.

The St. Regis Downtown Dubai boasts 298 lavishly appointed rooms and suites, overlooking local landmarks such as the Dubai Water Canal and the Burj Khalifa .

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DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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52 Décor review

he traditional aesthetic of the hotel exudes vibrance and comfort through its chosen palette of beautiful fabrics, drawing influence from the brand's rich past. The St. Regis Downtown Dubai features 233 guestrooms and 65 suites with timeless design, all offering guests an unrivalled luxury of space, larger than the average size of a bedsitter in Dubai, including a spacious room layout, luxurious Remède bathroom amenities, a rain shower and stand-alone bathtub, walk-in closets, and views overlooking the Dubai Water Canal or Burj Khalifa. Among its hallmark suites is the Royal Suite, which is 305 square metres and includes a huge living room, a pleasant dining space, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bar. The unique St. Regis experience is available in all bedrooms and suites. The enormous guestrooms have floorto-ceiling windows, wide open baths, walk-in closets, and lovely coral-inspired wall sculptures. A less is more approach has been applied to the design details and guest touchpoints, giving a subtle and authentic feeling, and making this St. Regis ‘not just a place to stay, but a place to be’.

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Dubai's rich history and heritage are central to the hotel's concept, creating a multi-layered and meaningful story that pervades all aspects of the design. The St. Regis Downtown Dubai is located on Dubai's most important water link, with Deira further down the creek having direct access to the harbour and housing the original souqs where Dubai's international trading began.

St. Regis beds are topped with crisp linens and down comforters, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Embrace the art of living with refined and contemporary furnishings in the rooms and signature suites. The luxury signature suite offers panoramic views of the Dubai Water Canal.

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THE ST. REGIS BAR promises an intimate and beautiful evening with a renowned service philosophy, a worldclass cocktail list, and a spectacular mirrored mural depicting the Arabian sky.

taste and atmosphere of a Roman Trattoria, Florentine Steakhouse, and Neapolitan Pizzeria, delivering traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. At Bleu Blanc Oysters & Grill, traditional French flavours are mixed with a relaxed continental style inspired by the convivial environment of the South of France to produce a perfect blend of comfortable Mediterranean fine dining. The St. Regis Bar has a mirrored mural with starry lights arching across the ceiling that depicts the sparkling stars at night as seen from the Arabian Desert. If you wish to relax and unwind, The St. Regis Spa offers personalised treatments, therapies, and an Arabian Hammam. Guests can work out in the exclusive Fitness Centre, which has a variety of cardio and strength equipment or take a leisurely dip in the magnificent outdoor infinity pool with views of the Dubai Water Canal.

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

Raja Zeidan, general manager at the St. Regis Downtown Dubai, shares: "The interiors of The St. Regis Downtown Dubai reflect the city’s cultural and historical past. The lobby chandelier is inspired by the jewellery found in Dubai’s Gold Souq, and the iconic St. Regis Bar is home to an Arabian Night ceiling mural which is inspired by the development of the astrolabe. The hotel also features subtle accents of leather and bronze detailing throughout, paying homage to the legacy of polo and the passion for horses in Emirati culture.” The finest aspect of the property is that it gives you the feeling of being at home. It provides a variety of gastronomic selections in a sophisticated atmosphere. The Library is an elegant gathering spot where guests may enjoy a locally inspired twist on the famed hallmark St. Regis Afternoon Tea. BASTA! is a vibrant Italian restaurant that masterfully combines the

design-middleeast.com

54 New launch

Disney introduces new home furnishings brand,

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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DISNEY HOME

isney is launching its own dedicated home and interiors brand in the UK, bringing a range of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars-themed homewares, furniture, and design elements to the market. Disney will offer the goods in its own stores as well as through a new home décor section of its shopdisney website. Disney Home brings together various existing products under one roof including kids’ bedding and homeware made by Disney and its affiliated designers and retailers. It also introduces some new products, with Disney promising “aspirational furniture” and “bespoke design pieces”. “As our homes are now more important than ever, we wanted to introduce a new homeware brand that brings iconic Disney storytelling into everyday living spaces,” a Disney representative said.

Blockbuster franchises including Star Wars, Marvel and various Pixar films are featured within the Disney Home range alongside classic characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse. “This newly defined interiors brand encapsulates homeware products from a range of our licensees and retailers and will also include new products such as aspirational furniture and one-off collaborations,” said Disney. Disney Home brand are created to complement every interior style and budget. Among the higher-end pieces in the Disney Home collection at launch is a life-size reimagining of Mickey Mouse created by interior designer Kelly Hoppen, along with figurines by “pop sculpture” studio Leblon Delienne. There is also a collection of rugs, which Disney says offers a “modern and sophisticated interpretation” of some of Disney’s celebrated characters and stories. Some of Disney’s previous homeware products include a Winnie-the-Pooh glassware set by Nendo and a Star Wars furniture collection by Filipino designer Kenneth Cobonpue, which features a wooly stool designed to emulate Chewbacca’s hair. The Mickey Mouse brand will also make the collection available online and in-store at a variety of third-party retailers, including Amazon, Wayfair, Dunelm, Primark, Selfridges, and Ruggable.

Disney Home concept art places its products in clean, streamlined spaces: There are Ruggable rugs with black and white Mickeys Mouse and star Wars space ships.

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24–26 MAY 2022

11:00 AM TO 7:00 PM

SOURCE, NETWORK AND COLLABORATE

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE

AT THE LARGEST AND MOST SIGNIFICANT INTERIORS EVENT IN MENA REGION INDEX is the largest international interior and fit-out trade show in the Middle East, connecting the world’s leading brands and manufacturers with regional hospitality, residential, commercial, and retail buyers. Co-located with

Organised by

D U B A I

#INDEXDUBAI

www.indexexhibition.com

To get in touch +971 4 438 0355 info@indexexhibition.com

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56 Pick of the month

Alia DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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Alluring

Custom No. 9, the unique UAE furniture brand has launched a new collection for Spring 2022. The homegrown company is synonymous with expertly crafted, innovative pieces that transform a home into an oasis of tranquillity and calm. Organic shapes and pure materials shape the direction of this latest collection. An emphasis on curves and the texture of raw, unrefined finishes give a calm and contemporary feel across the range. 100% natural seagrass has been used to reimagine a sisal rug onto a headboard, whilst solid woods and dark earthy colours give a warm and inviting feel to cabinets, chairs and sofas. Some pieces have evolved from earlier collections. The perennial favourite, the playful Alia Arch Shelf now has a big sister, the Alia Arch Cabinet. This handcrafted, bespoke unit can be styled in a myriad of ways. A favourite look is to display signature kitchenware or use it as a closed drinks cabinet. www.customno9.com

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15,714

NOW 6,482

AED

59%

WAS

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EVA VANITY

DUBAI SR04, MZ08, Al Waha Complex, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. ABU DHABI Plot 13, Showroom no. 5&8, M4, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi.

@casamilanouae

Casa Milano | www.casamilanoitaly.com | info@casamilanoitaly.com

800 9394

Occasion

C O L L E C T I O N

Fashioned to be the Center of Attention The OccasionTM faucet and accessory collection was inspired by the high fashion and effortless glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The flawless lines of each piece—from faucets to lighting and accessories—catch the eye and draw it across the entire design. Just like the era that inspired it, the Occasion collection is always graceful, ever refined, and fashioned to be the center of attention.

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