By Sherif Nagy, Chief Executive Officer of ME FITOUT

Across the Gulf, design has always been driven by a combination of adaptation and aesthetics. In recent years, as the region has begun encountering shifting weather patterns, new consumer preferences and industry challenges, the role of interior fit-out design is fast expanding. Rather than being a secondary element in the built environment, fit-out design has now evolved into a strategic factor central to advancing the Gulf’s long-term climate resilience and shaping future-ready, high-performance interiors.

Today, the way we design, construct, and maintain interiors directly impacts how well buildings can withstand environmental pressures while maintaining comfort for occupants. Modern interiors are increasingly engineered to handle higher cooling loads, regulate elevated humidity, and support efficient maintenance cycles, all while meeting the growing demand for sustainability.

For fit-out professionals, resilience is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Beyond enhancing operational efficiency, it plays a key role in long-term cost management and asset longevity. As regional governments accelerate their sustainability and net-zero agendas, the fit-out industry’s ability to integrate climate-adaptive strategies will define its relevance in the coming decade.

Choosing the right materials is one of the most effective ways to adapt to extreme climate conditions. The Gulf’s harsh weather demands materials that can withstand heat, moisture, and corrosion without compromising on aesthetics. Studies on Gulf high-rise buildings have shown that even simple improvements to the building envelope and interior materials can cut energy demand by up to 60 per cent in existing structures and nearly 70 per cent in new ones.

Thermally reflective finishes, corrosion-resistant metals, and materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that maintain air quality under constant air-conditioning loads, are becoming the new standard. As clients increasingly demand environmentally responsible solutions, the industry must focus on materials that balance durability, sustainability, and performance under extreme conditions.

Even though fit-out work focuses on interior environments, designers have a surprising amount of influence on energy performance. Passive design principles such as smart partitioning to enhance airflow, reflective surfaces to reduce heat absorption, and integrated shading can significantly reduce the burden on HVAC systems. With urban heat islands intensifying across Gulf cities, every interior layout and material choice must now serve the dual purpose of aesthetic appeal and thermal efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Gulf’s real estate market is evolving at an unprecedented pace. With progressive regulations, dynamic tenant expectations, and rapid technological advancements, buildings are becoming more responsive and future-oriented. As a result, interiors are now designed with adaptability in mind, enabling spaces to evolve sustainably as needs and innovations continue to arise.

Modular joinery systems, raised flooring, and flexible lighting grids allow spaces to evolve with minimal disruption and waste. This flexibility improves operational resilience as well as supports environmental goals by reducing material waste over time. In a future defined by constant change, modularity is the foundation of longevity.

Resilience in the Gulf region will also be powered by data. Smart sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, and occupancy patterns can automatically adjust lighting and cooling, maintaining energy efficiency while ensuring occupant comfort. IoT-enabled systems can even detect early signs of humidity-related issues, such as mould formations, before they escalate into major financial concerns. As high energy consumption remains a regional challenge, integrating technology into fit-out design is essential. These innovations align with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and broader GCC sustainability goals, creating interiors that are intelligent, adaptive, and environmentally responsible.

Leading fit-out firms in the UAE are shifting their focus from cost to value. This is because clients today are more aware of lifecycle costs, operational risks, and ESG commitments. A fit-out that demonstrates measurable energy savings, reduced maintenance needs, and climate-ready design meets compliance and also gains a clear competitive edge.

In the years ahead, resilience will become a key commercial differentiator in the marketplace, influencing investment decisions and brand reputation alike. To future-proof interiors, fit-out specialists must embrace climate-risk modelling during the design phase, assessing how materials and layouts will perform under projected 2035–2040 conditions. Collaboration with suppliers who provide verified data on material performance in Gulf environments will be essential to ensure that sustainability claims translate into real-world durability.

By combining passive design, modular systems, and intelligent monitoring, the Gulf’s fit-out industry has the opportunity to meet sustainability standards as well as set new benchmarks. In doing so, it will help shape a new era of resilient, climate-conscious interiors that adapt as the region’s vision for sustainability evolves.

Holcim and 44.01 have announced the launch of the first pilot project to mineralise CO₂ captured from the cement industry. The initiative supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 pathway by advancing permanent carbon storage solutions for the cement sector and marks a major milestone in the region’s industrial decarbonisation journey.

The pilot project initially aims to capture 5 tonnes of CO₂ per day directly from cement production and permanently store it in the underground rock formation where it will mineralise, thereby providing a natural, safe and permanent method of geological carbon storage. It will be the first initiative globally to combine CO₂ captured from a cement plant with in-situ mineralisation.

Located in Fujairah, the project benefits from the support of Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC) and will be implemented in collaboration with NT Energies, a joint venture between Technip Energies and NMDC Energy, deploying Shell CANSOLV™ carbon capture solutionsthrough the alliance between Shell Catalysts & Technologies and Technip Energies.

The carbon capture and mineralisation pilot further strengthens Holcim’s position as the leading partner for sustainable construction and marks a milestone in its journey towards net zero. In line with Holcim Group’s NextGen Growth 2030 strategy, the company is accelerating the adoption of low-carbon and circular technologies, advancing decarbonisation and resource efficiency across the construction sector.

The pilot is 44.01’s first project with an industrial customer and a European multinational; another important milestone in scaling up its award-winning carbon mineralisation technology into a global, gigaton carbon storage solution. The pilot strengthens 44.01’s expanding customer pipeline and its strategy to establish and scale mineralisation projects in key markets.

“This project demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can accelerate progress toward net zero,” said Ali Said, CEO of Holcim in the UAE and Oman. “This pilot to decarbonise our cement plant is another example of how we are building progress for people and the planet. Our partnership with 44.01 reinforces our shared commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions and showcases what is possible when industry leaders work together to drive meaningful, scalable impact. We also value the Fujairah Environment Authority’s (FEA) clear guidance on the environmental requirements, which has supported the advancement of this initiative.”

“This partnership shows that industrial companies can play a leading role in permanent carbon removal,” said Talal Hasan, 44.01 CEO. “Working with Holcim, FNRC and NT Energies, we are demonstrating a practical and scalable path to decarbonisation that can be replicated worldwide.”

“We highly value our partnership with Holcim and 44.01 on the carbon capture and storage project, which reflects the shared commitment of all parties to supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative and adopting innovative solutions that enhance the sustainability of natural resources.”said H.E. Eng. Ali Qassim, General Director of FNRC. “The Corporation reaffirms its dedication to supporting initiatives and projects that contribute to reducing emissions and improving resource efficiency, in line with Fujairah’s vision to make sustainable development a cornerstone of its economic and environmental future.”

“This is a first of a kind in the Middle East” added Benoit Verdier, NT Energies CEO. “We are proud to be collaborating with 44.01 and Holcim to implement a carbon capture pilot for this pioneering decarbonisation project in the hard-to-abate sector.”

This pilot marks a major milestone for the region and the world – proving that collaboration between global innovators, local authorities and private industry can unlock new, permanent pathways to carbon reduction while fostering sustainable economic development.

Jotun is commemorating 30 years of operations in Abu Dhabi, marking a milestone that reflects the company’s long-standing relationship and continuous contribution to the emirate’s development.

Since establishing Jotun’s presence as the first international paint manufacturer in Abu Dhabi, the company has steadily evolved into a trusted partner for major projects across energy, architectural and residential sectors, providing advanced paint and coating technologies, technical expertise and a consistent commitment to quality that has earned the brand a leading position in the market.

Over the past three decades, Jotun’s paints and coatings have become part of Abu Dhabi’s landscape, safeguarding critical infrastructure, shaping the aesthetics of iconic buildings, and supporting the growth of communities across the emirate.

Some notable examples include the iconic Abu Dhabi International Airport, Capital Tower, Aldar Headquarters, ADNOC Tower, ADNEC Tower and Al Raha Gardens Community, among many others.

Through pioneering innovations, including but not limited to the Multicolour concept, easy-clean and anti-dust interior and exterior paints, and early advancements in sustainability-driven initiatives, the company has played an integral role in elevating the standards of colour, durability and design in the emirate, further strengthening its connection to the people and institutions that have driven the capital’s progress.

Jotun Abu Dhabi’s celebration reflects a shared ambition of innovation, underscoring the depth of Jotun’s commitment to Abu Dhabi’s vision not just through protecting iconic buildings and infrastructure but also beautifying homes.

As part of this commitment, Jotun is making a substantial investment of close to AED 400 million to develop a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at ICAD–III in Abu Dhabi. This major upgrade will significantly enhance the company’s production capabilities, enabling the factory to reach nearly 60 million litres in annual output, representing a 50% increase in operational delivery for Abu Dhabi. The new facility will be designed around advanced automation, digital systems and smart manufacturing technologies that enhance precision, consistency, sustainability and overall efficiency.

By integrating these technologies into every stage of the manufacturing process, Jotun is strengthening its ability to meet rising market demand while maintaining the highest standards of quality and performance, reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking and reliable partner for the emirate’s future.

“Abu Dhabi has been central to Jotun’s growth story in the region, and this milestone allows us to look ahead with even greater ambition,” said Svein Johan Stub, General Manager, Jotun Abu Dhabi. “Our new facility will represent a powerful shift in how we manufacture, blending advanced automation with decades of technical expertise to create a smarter, more efficient operation. This investment will strengthen our ability to support major projects in the capital while positioning Jotun for the next chapter of growth.”

This 30th anniversary is not only a moment of reflection for Jotun in Abu Dhabi, but a proud chapter in the brand’s broader century-long story. As Jotun approaches 100 years globally, its commitment to quality, trust, and future-ready innovation remains stronger than ever — reaffirming its role as a dependable partner in the emirate’s dynamic and evolving future.