Read ‘Regional Excellence’ – Note from the editor
Read the magazine on issuu or grab it off newsstands now.
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!
The Latest
Marvel T – The latest launch by Atlas Concorde
Atlas Concorde launches Marvel T, a new interpretation of travertine in collaboration with HBA.
Read ‘Regional Excellence’ – Note from the editor
Read the magazine on issuu or grab it off newsstands now.
Chatai: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Calm
Inspired by Japanese tea rooms and street stalls, the space invites pause, dialogue, and cultural reflection in the heart of Dubai Design District
A Floating Vision: Dubai Museum of Art Rises from the Creek
Inspired by the sea and pearls, the Dubai Museum of Art becomes a floating ode to the city’s heritage and its boundless artistic ambition.
Heritage Reimagined
Designlab Experience turns iconic spaces into living narratives of Emirati culture, luxury, and craftsmanship.
Nakhla by Nada Debs
Nakhla symbolises resilience, prosperity and a deep connection to the land
Wave: The New Mediterranean Haven in Dubai
IDST’s design invites exploration with a thoughtful blend of artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary style.
The Chedi Wadi Safar
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and KCA International are collaborating to launch this new hotel
A New Era of Early Learning
Roar crafts the PIF Daycare Centre in Riyadh with a calming, sensory-rich environment where design, nature and childhood development come together.
When Art Meets Light
Brush and Switch by Sans Souci bend light in unexpected ways
The Importance of Community-Driven Design
We speak to Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International on the story of Seed & Bloom – a café designed to nurture connection and community engagement
Finasi x ROAR presents – Made in UAE
For this year's Downtown Design, Finasi and Pallavi Dean will unveil a bold new installation that speaks the language of material honesty, exceptional craftsmanship, visionary design, and local identity.