Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
Discover the architects and designers behind these world-class exteriors.
Designed to reflect the region’s love of contemporary architecture – and local traditions – these residential exteriors are the epitome of style and substance. From towers that achieve new aesthetic heights, to castles in the sky designed to accommodate the needs of the local environment, these exteriors are at the forefront of innovation.
The Kart Group’s Mustafa Khamash transformed the outdoor area of a residential palace into a harmonious oasis that maximises the privacy of the familial dwelling.
From the arched passage inspired by Moorish architecture to the decorative carved wooden panels reminiscent of traditional Arabic mashrabiya screens, the ambience is luxurious and peaceful.
Amidst citrus trees, frangipani, date palms and trickling waters are diverse typologies of spaces – semi- enclosed patios, lounges, swings, solarius, majlis, and semi-vaulted alcoves, – that invite the family to spend time together, socialize over a refreshing coffee in the Majlis.
The Sky Towers project consists of twin 22-story residential towers located in Dubai’s Umm Ramool neighbourhood.
Situated just a short distance from the Dubai International Airport, both towers offer a ground level with a variety of retail and F&B elements and a 3-level parking podium for the residents.
On-site amenities include gyms, saunas, massage rooms, swimming pools and generous outdoor terraces for leisure and family-oriented activities.
Wafra Vertical Housing introduced a new concept for urban living that was designed for a contemporary lifestyle in 21st century Kuwait.
There has been an increased demand for land in the city, so the transformation of single-family dwellings typologies has become a necessity. The new residences offer privacy, benefit from vertical solution amenities and enjoy a prime location. One of the main tenets of their plan was to create a building that was designed to address the local environmental needs.
To achieve this, they located the services core of the building on the southern wing to minimize sun exposure and consequently reduce energy consumption – acting as a thermal barrier to the rest of the building.
View the complete list of this year’s shortlisted projects here.
With sweeping views of the ocean and Burj Al Arab, this two bedroom royal suite offers a lush stay.
Designed by La Bottega Interiors, this penthouse at the Delano Dubai echoes soft minimalism
Studio SuCo transforms a villa in Dubailand into a refined home
Located in Al Barari and designed by BONE Studio, this home provides both openness and intimacy through the unique use of materials
Yasmin Farahmandy of Y Design Interior has designed a home for a creative from the film industry
How ELE Interior is reshaping hospitality and commercial spaces around the world – while staying unmistakably itself
A Life By Design (ALBD) Group and Condor Developers have collaborated on some standout spaces in Dubai
Watch the latest episode on In Design With.
We shine a light on the pavilions from the Arab world at the Venice Architecture Biennale, on display until Sunday 23 November 2025
Read identity magazine's July/August 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands.
Elevate your spaces with a pop of colour through these unique pieces
We interview Andrea Savage from A Life By Design – Living & Branding on creating aesthetically beautiful and deeply functional spaces