A New Cultural Sanctuary

Among the abundance of new creative spaces in Dubai is a unique new landmark: The Meld Concept. Located in Jumeirah, the space opened late last year and is founded by sisters Afra and Shama Al Ghurair with the mission to offer a cultural sanctuary and escape within the city through inspiring cuisine, design and fashion. 

Designed by Dubai-based VSHD Design, the multi-use concept store and café blends features and a structure that masterfully repurposes a 1970s residential villa in Dubai’s Jumeirah neighbourhood and transforms it into a contemporary setting featuring a minimalist design with great natural lighting. The design offers an open layout divided into curated spaces, providing gallery-like spaces for young artists and homegrown brands, where Afra and Shama Al Ghurair and clients can showcase their products, such as the sisters’ contemporary abaya label, Fold. There is also Kadi boutique, presenting a curated selection of artisanal objects and Bayn Coffee, the homegrown, specialty Emirati café from Al Ain, enhancing the space for intimate, communal gatherings. The design, aligned with VSHD Design’s signature design, evokes minimalist refinement and a strong interplay of natural lighting, textures and proportion. A key feature of the layout is the visual and physical connection to the outdoor courtyard which includes a water feature and a shaded seating area extending the retail and café experience into the garden space.

“One of the first things we noticed on site were these beautiful trees, already thriving,” says interior architect Rania Hamed, founder of VSHD Design. “Rather than removing it, we chose to build around it. The existing trees became a key part of the design story, shaping how the space flows and how light filters through.”

The Meld was designed as more than just a concept store, emphasises Hamed. Its tranquil colour palette and unfinished paper-like backdrop offered a canvas for creativity and experimentation. “What began as a constraint became a guiding force,” she adds. “We embraced the site as it was, letting it inform the design rather than erase it.” VSHD Design wanted the space to offer the look of a creative lab rather than a traditional retail store.

The Meld Concept is designed as a cultural ecosystem that is mean to breathe life, creativity and inspiration, grounded in Emirati heritage. The space also offers workshops, talks and collaborations with emerging brands, adding to Dubai’s evolving cultural community.