Read ‘Regional Excellence’ – Note from the editor

Design season is well and truly upon us and this year, the excitement around it is palpable. We’ll be kicking off Dubai Design Week with numerous panels, talks and roundtable discussions in and around Downtown Design. We also have an insider’s guide for you enclosed within these pages – from the exhibits you can’t miss, to debuts that are bound to make an impact at Editions. Stay tuned to our Instagram on @identityae to catch all the action.

In other huge news, Salone del Mobile.Milano comes to Riyadh this month. Called ‘Red in Progress’, the world’s most influential design fair is making its Middle East debut. We also recap our visit to Feria Habitat this September, where we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in Spanish design. 

For our cover story in collaboration with Casamia, we brought the Edra Standard Outdoor sofa to the outdoors at Bab Al Shams. From the courtyards to serene arches and the comforting shade of ghaf trees, we explore the relationship of community and comfort in the contemporary sphere.

We have some architectural icons opening soon, the first of which is the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi, designed by Mecanoo. We also explore regional homes viewed through a contemporary lens, from Dubai to Muscat. Globally, we visit a unique clinic in Turkey and a stunning home in Toronto.

The identity Design Awards shortlist is out – you can now peruse the shortlistees in this issue and on our website. Seats and table reservations are now live on Platinum List – we are excited, and look forward to celebrating with you on 20 November 2025. It’s going to be a night to remember.

See you there!

Read the issue.