FABIO GRILLI

DUBAI PEOPLE

THE FORM OF BEAUTY

FABIO GRILLI, DESIGN DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT EMAAR PROPERTIES text Teresa Favi

@EMAARDUBAI

SINCE 2013, I HAVE BEEN WATCHING A MULTITUDE OF PROJECTS TRANSFORMING THE CITY’S SKYLINE

What is your role?

I manage the whole design process from a client’s perspective: from the concept phase to supervising the consultants involved in the development of the project’s details.

Is it a demanding job?

At a time of great fervour in the real estate market, we are developing dozens of projects in the UAE and beyond, hoods and special projects.

Your greatest satisfaction so far.

transforming the city’s skyline, with the advantage of being how fast the buildings are coming up.

The project you are the most proud of?

many other uses which are transforming this area into a new urban centre and much more.

Is being Italian an added value?

The real added value is having been raised surrounded by the beauty of our urban, landscape and cultural spaces.

What are the most interesting architectural works in Dubai from a sustainable point of view?

An emblematic project is the The Mohammed bin Rashid panels with the world’s largest innovation and research center on sustainable energy.

A few of your favourite places in Dubai in terms of architecture, art, design and food.

from Cipriani to Zuma and Amazonico. A place for those who love architecture, design and arts, off the tourist path, is Alserkal Avenue: industrial warehouses converted into art galleries, design ateliers, cultural spaces. For a glimpse into the local traditional architecture I suggest Bastakiya and Al Seef: Dubai’s oldest neighborhood, renovated to artisan workshops, restaurants, markets, with a lovely view over Dubai’s lagoon framed by the old town.