A Lounge Perched in the Sky

High above the city, on the 53rd floor of One&Only One Za’abeel, N53 has been designed as a sanctuary of taste and sophistication. It offers a hand-picked list of rare drinks and a collection of 90 premium cigars from around the world. Situated on the cantilever, ‘The Link’, the lounge is designed as an immersive experience rather than a traditional lounge. N53 honours Middle Eastern culture and contemporary luxury through beautiful materials and powerful design. The interiors were completed by Bergman Design House, a London-based studio co-founded by Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund. The space is conceived as an open-plan lounge, with a speakeasy VIP locked humidor for the VVIP, carefully zoned to encourage both privacy and social interaction. It flows seamlessly between seating clusters, the cigar display and retail area, and curated bar moments, all oriented toward the skyline views. 

“Every detail had to feel confident yet restrained,” shares Soliman. The design and execution unfolded over approximately 12 months, with extensive prototyping and bespoke craftsmanship to ensure precision at every level. “Unlike residential spaces, restaurants must perform flawlessly under constant use while maintaining visual elegance. Lighting, acoustics, ergonomics, and service circulation become as critical as aesthetics, all while creating an emotional connection with the guest,” shares Soliman. The palette is deep, warm, and atmospheric. Caramel and cognac hues inspired red marquetry on the walls, rich charcoals on the ceiling and rugs, combined with smoked browns, dark bronzes, and subtle amber and slate blue tones. “These colours were chosen to echo the world of fine cigars and rare spirits while enhancing the play of light and shadow, creating a mood that feels both enveloping and luxurious,” says Soliman.

At the heart of the design lies a deep respect for craft and cultural narrative, so the team selected tactile, authentic and durable materials. The central marquetry artwork pays tribute to falconry – a symbol of power, precision, and heritage in the region. This tradition was reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, allowing it to feel relevant, refined, and quietly powerful. Rich woods, brushed metals, leather, Cipollino marble, and custom finishes are used throughout the space.  Mesh metal, the lighting ceiling cloud Installation, and Murano glass for floor lights were sourced from 1stdibs complement the atmosphere.

The team of Bergman Design House aimed to create an atmosphere of quiet confidence and refined indulgence, a place where guests instinctively slow down. “This was achieved through controlled lighting, intimate spatial proportions, rich materials, acoustic softness, and a layout that encourages lingering rather than spectacle,” says Soliman.