Close

First-of-its-kind material library in the UAE opens

Colab in d3 functions as an inspiration and learning center for designers.

Colab, the first purpose-built materials library in the UAE, recently opened in the Dubai Design District (d3), to showcase the latest international materials and design trends. With no commercial interests or affiliation to any supplier, Colab aims to offer an unbiased venue for the design community to see, touch, research and discuss materials, as well as to apply this knowledge and experience to their own practices.

Colab aims to offer an unbiased venue for the design community to see, touch, research and discuss materials

Central to Colab’s mission is its commercial sample library comprised of a growing collection of innovative materials from around the world.  It is open to architects, designers, creatives, manufacturers and other material enthusiasts to explore.

“Materials come first,” says Richard Wilson, Creative Director of Colab. “What’s more, designers should care about their design as much as the materials they choose. With this in mind, we want to help the design community understand the importance of material selection. By offering access to some of the best material solutions and by providing an insight into tomorrow’s opportunities, we hope to act as a catalyst for new material and product ideas.”

The Latest

Revealed: The venue and date for the identity Design Awards 2025

Save the date for the much awaited gala night.

Crate & Barrel x Jake Arnold The Hartford 90 Wood Outdoor Sofa by Jake Arnold

Conscious design, textural sophistication, and seasonal comfort: What Crate & Barrel and CB2 bring to the GCC with New Stores and Collection

With fresh openings in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Crate & Barrel and CB2 unveil a Fall/Winter collection that blends tactile design, sustainability, and exclusive collaborations, bringing global style closer to regional homes.

Surface Appeal

Global surfaces leader Cosentino launches four new quartzite options in the Sensa range

Dubai Design Week 2025

Dubai Design Week 2025 reveals an exciting 11th edition programme

Taking place from 4-9 November 2025, Dubai Design Week this year centres around community.

Rooted in Stillness

Casa Tranquilo by DADO offers an immersive retreat into nature

Treetop Sanctuary

The Ritz-Carlton’s intimate treetop retreat offers a rare invitation to connect deeply with nature and culture

Desert Counterpoint

In Summerlin, Nevada, Faulkner Architects and Concept Lighting Lab have revealed a desert home that withstands extremities

On Building to Last

We interview selected architects and interior designers to talk about balancing permanence and progress across their projects

The Culture of Quality

A conversation with Maryam Raeisi, Managing Director of HMA Living by Al Shamsi

What to expect at Feria Habitat Valencia

This year’s fair is set to take place between 29 September and 2 October

ARTDOM Expands to the Middle East

Daria Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, discusses the brand’s upcoming first major art forum congress, being held at Riyadh on 11-12 November 2025

A Perfect Balance

A bespoke villa in Dubai Hills Grove designed by XBD Collective blends contemporary elegance with high-end craftsmanship