Read ‘Craft Meets Culture’ – Note from the editor – April 2025
This month, we celebrate the intersection of craft and culture, a theme that resonates throughout the issue
Our cover story, created in collaboration with Casamia, spotlights Edra’s iconic Pack sofa, taking a playful approach by placing it in an unexpected setting that resonates culturally. A serendipitous meeting with Studio d04 led us to the Jebel Ali Racing Course (JARC) – a beloved Dubai landmark rich in equestrian history. The studio shared with us how it had been involved in the redesign of the saddling boxes and private deck at the iconic location which then provided the setting for the sofa. This venue, a pillar of the UAE’s racing heritage since 1990, felt like a natural home for a piece as avant-garde as Pack. The result was a striking visual narrative that reimagines how contemporary design can engage with history and place.
In the cover feature, we explore what makes the Pack sofa so compelling, from Edra’s fearless design approach to insights from Kader Mithani, Founder and CEO of Casamia, alongside leading designers who share how they would style the piece in different settings.
We also examine the dialogue between contemporary design and cultural narratives through an in-depth conversation with three multi-disciplinary designers, each of whom offers a unique perspective on their creative practices. Design Focus takes an in-depth look at homes and living spaces and how you can enhance them, highlighting some of the latest product releases on the market. We also take you inside some truly exceptional residences, from a duplex at The Lana Residences in Dubai to a striking home on Jumeirah Bay Island, as well as breathtaking properties in Canada and Brazil.
The excitement around this year’s Salone del Mobile.Milano is palpable, and we’re excited to present our guide to the fair, as well as Fuorisalone and Euroluce. This year, identity will bring together several industry experts from the GCC at a panel at the fair on 11 April, where we will delve into the world of hyper-personalisation and modularity.
See you at the fair!
The Latest
Nebras Aljoaib Unveils a Passage Between Light and Stone
Between raw stone and responsive light, Riyadh steps into a space shaped by memory and momentum.
Reviving Heritage
Qasr Bin Kadsa in Baljurashi, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia will be restored and reimagined as a boutique heritage hotel
Alserkal x Design Miami: A Cultural Bridge for Collectible Design
Alserkal and Design Miami announce one of a kind collaboration.
Minotticucine Opens its First Luxury Kitchen Showroom in Dubai
The brand will showcase its novelties at the Purity showroom in Dubai
Where Design Meets Experience
Fady Friberg has created a space that unites more than 70 brands under one roof, fostering community connection while delivering an experience unlike any other
Read ‘The Winner’s Issue’ – Note from the editor
Read the December issue now.
Art Dubai 2026 – What to Expect
The unveils new sections and global collaborations under new Director Dunja Gottweis.
‘One Nation’ Brings Art to Boxpark
A vibrant tribute to Emirati creativity.
In conversation with Karine Obegi and Mauro Nastri
We caught up with Karine Obegi, CEO of OBEGI Home and Mauro Nastri, Global Export Manager of Italian brand Porada, at their collaborative stand in Downtown Design.
The Edge of Calm
This home in Dubai Hills Estate balances sculptural minimalism with everyday ease
An interview with Huda Lighting at Downtown Design
During Downtown Design, we interviewed the team at Huda Lighting in addition to designers Tom Dixon and Lee Broom.
Downtown Design Returns to Riyadh in 2026
The fair will run its second edition at JAX District