At Home with: Ahmed A. Sultan

The first impression when you walk into Ahmed’s home is the sheer warmth that emanates through. There’s a serenity born from its expansive openness, refined materiality and intimate layers. Spanning over 370 square metres and perched atop one of Business Bay’s most architecturally striking buildings, the home is a fusion of two apartments that have been seamlessly reimagined into one fluid, light-filled residence with sweeping Burj-to-Burj views.

The approach to the design of the home is multi-layered. It’s a project that reflects not just refined taste, but also the layered sensibilities of its owner. Ahmed’s life story is one of movement and duality. A twin, his bond with his brother has shaped much of his personal and professional world. Both Ahmed and his brother run Finasi, a luxury fit-out company that was founded by their mother in 1969. When asked what his favourite part about his work is, he says, “The true reward is walking into a home we’ve created and seeing the people inside happy. Building homes is personal. You become part of the family for a moment. That stays with you.”

Ahmed Sultan, Partner at Finasi in the ‘pop art’ room

Born and raised in Milan, Italy, just steps from what is now the Armani Hotel building, Ahmed grew up immersed in fashion, architecture and design. It’s no surprise, then, that his home reflects a fine balance of cultural curiosity and considered luxury. Renowned brands like Molteni&C, Armani/Casa, Zanotta, B&B Italia, Liu Jo Living and Designer’s Guild live alongside curated pieces from Joe Armitage and Gufram, each adding its voice to the overall harmony.

For his home, Ahmed partnered with Daniel Badr, Head of Design at Finasi, to bring his vision to life. “I like volumes, I like air, I like to breathe,” shares Ahmed. “I wanted the apartment to feel open, where light moves and the eye can rest.” Floor-to-ceiling windows amplify this vision, connecting the interiors to Dubai’s skyline while bringing in abundant natural light throughout the day.

The design is structured around this feeling of flow. The living, dining and kitchen areas form a unified, social heart of the home. Custom features like the striking TV wall unit in the living space are crafted from a blend of earthy materials including marble, warm metal, Marmorino finish and open veined wood burl. The unit is finished with delicate, indirect lighting that celebrates the beauty of restraint. Double oversized sofas offer space for lounging, conversation and quiet reflection. The kitchen is a standout Finasi design, locally crafted in the UAE and enriched with deep emerald marble countertops. “This is where friends and family gather. It’s where life happens,” says Ahmed. 

The bedrooms were designed in a way that affords more privacy. Three bedrooms were transformed into larger en-suite retreats, each with its own distinct personality. The master suite features a see-through bathroom and a walk-in dressing area – a balance of natural light, privacy and daily indulgence. A cinema room offers a cosy escape from the routine, while a spacious laundry and storage zone and a space dedicated entirely to the home’s smart home tech ensure practical living is never compromised.

A vintage Eames chair handed down from Ahmed’s grandmother sits next to a Armani/Casa LOGO lamp

Art plays a vital role in the home’s soul. Growing up, Ahmed developed a love for art thanks to his mother. “She always told me: never buy art as an investment – buy what you love,” he says. The apartment is a gallery of modern and Middle Eastern works, curated not by trend but by instinct. “I’m drawn to colour, abstraction – pieces that evoke feeling. Art has always been part of who I am,” he shares. Many of the pieces in the home were procured by Ahmed due to his close relationship with Ayyam Gallery. He particularly loves a piece by Mouteea Murad called ‘Abou Ali Mood’, due to its abstraction, sits in the living room. His home also features pieces from Syrian artist Tammam Azam, photography by Palestinian photographer Rula Halawani, and multiple pieces by Thaier Helal. 

The master bathroom area features exquisite green marble and a freestanding bathtub

There’s even a pop-art room that features Keith Haring’s work in different forms. “He was my mother’s favourite artist. I grew up with his work. I still collect Keith Haring-based work. They can be books, trays or sneakers.” 

While Ahmed’s aesthetic roots lie in minimalism, the birth of his son has softened the lines. “This home still feels minimal, but it’s warmer now. More personal. It has character.”

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Photography by Alex Jeffries and Mark Mathew