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Read identity magazine's March 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy
For The Influential Issue, we wanted to explore the power of place – rather than people – as an influence, as it’s so often within spaces that we find community, creativity and sanctuary. From a breathtaking hotel carved into granite massifs and mythic desertscapes to a solar-powered, zero-energy overwater resort whose villas glow like ethereal orbs, these projects are designed to truly exist in harmony with nature. Another resort, perched on the edge of the world’s largest caldera, further proves that architecture can enhance rather than take away from the landscapes that inspire it.


With Maison&Objet behind us, we bring you the highlights from its January edition and give you a sneak peek into Salone del Mobile in Milan, taking place between 8 and 13 April. With the theme of ‘Thought for Humans’, it’s clear that while sustainability, technology and inventiveness are still front and centre of the fair, it’s the refocus towards the ‘why’ that makes it compelling to attend.


In our cover story, we take you behind the scenes into the design story of Gerbou – the much-awaited Emirati hospitality concept which blends culture, sustainability and collab-orative design. What I love most about this project is the depth of storytelling, thought and intention that forms it, embracing the concept of collaboration in all forms. If you prefer to hear rather than read the story, you can listen to our podcast episode with Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum and Kristina Zanic on our YouTube or Spotify channels: @identityae.

From futuristic 3D-printed restaurants to remarkable log homes, this issue also explores the full spectrum of design’s relationship with the environment; working in a cycle that flows from place to people. Don’t miss the feature on E+A Studio’s incredible work in Satwa, where their urban interventions are bringing the community closer together. In The Spaces that Shape Us, we also examine how certain environments influence human behaviour, creativity and cultural identity.



This month, our design focus turns to bathrooms – spaces that have evolved beyond their basic function into wellness sanctuaries. Long considered a place for ‘aah’ moments, bathrooms today are designed as havens for reflection and self-care. We hope you always find time for these moments.

IDST’s design invites exploration with a thoughtful blend of artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary style.
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and KCA International are collaborating to launch this new hotel
Roar crafts the PIF Daycare Centre in Riyadh with a calming, sensory-rich environment where design, nature and childhood development come together.
Brush and Switch by Sans Souci bend light in unexpected ways
We speak to Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International on the story of Seed & Bloom – a café designed to nurture connection and community engagement
For this year's Downtown Design, Finasi and Pallavi Dean will unveil a bold new installation that speaks the language of material honesty, exceptional craftsmanship, visionary design, and local identity.
This Palm Jumeirah home proves that luxury can be achieved with intention, rather than scale
Here are snippets from the evening.
You can now choose your favourite project from the identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist
The shortlist is revealed for the interior design categories
The Middle East’s leading platform for high-quality contemporary design will showcase a curated mix of international and regional brands, alongside independent designers and studios
Studio Marco Piva has designed the Eden Spa at Excelsior Palace in Rapallo, where architecture, landscape and luxury converge