Design Take: GABA

Tucked discreetly behind an Asian tea lounge in Dubai Marina lies GABA, a speakeasy-style bar that has quickly become one of Dubai’s most intriguing hidden gems. The interior design, led by Kuwaiti designer Meshary AlNassar and his studio, redefines the city’s nightlife landscape by prioritising intimacy, storytelling, and atmosphere over scale. Guests transition from the calm serenity of the tea lounge into a velvet-draped speakeasy where mood lighting, bold textures, and curated art create a retro-luxe glamour that feels both surprising and timeless.

The design plays with contrast and transformation. The tea lounge is minimalist and serene, while the speakeasy reveals an atmosphere of theatrical drama. Velvet seating, animal-print wallpaper, brass accents, and vinyl-lined walls evoke the sense of a private living room rather than a commercial bar. Lighting was designed to be flexible, shifting from soft and calm during the day to dramatic and moody at night, enhancing the venue’s dual identity.

From bespoke banquettes and statement lighting to collectible art and curated records, GABA is a celebration of craftsmanship. Studio Meshary AlNassar worked with regional artisans and international suppliers, blending sustainable finishes with luxury details. This attention to materiality ensures both durability for high-traffic hospitality use and a distinctive, one-of-a-kind identity.

In a city often defined by oversized rooftops and high-energy venues, GABA sets a new standard for hospitality interiors. It does not impress through scale, but through intimacy, offering a space designed for connection, conversation, and discovery.