Newby Teas, in collaboration with Lunarossa, hosted Tea Voyage: An Exclusive Tea Blending Experience, an immersive evening that brought together the craft of fine tea, creativity, and Italian hospitality aboard the elegant Lunarossa houseboat.

Setting sail from Business Bay Marina towards the World Islands, guests embarked on a unique sensory journey surrounded by Dubai’s breathtaking views, a golden sunset, and the calming rhythm of the sea. The intimate setting of the Lunarossa houseboat provided the perfect backdrop for an evening dedicated to discovery, connection, and the art of tea.

The Tea Voyage experience began with an introduction to the fascinating world of tea, exploring its rich history, origins, and the characteristics that distinguish each type of tea. Guests also discovered how tea cultivation, harvesting techniques, and leaf selection influence not only flavour and aroma, but also naturally occurring compounds such as fluoride, reinforcing Newby’s commitment to quality from leaf to cup.

Guests were then invited to discover the art of tea blending through an interactive sensory experience. Beginning with four carefully selected base teas, participants explored each tea individually, engaging their senses to understand the distinctive aromas, flavours, and personalities of each blend. They were then introduced to supporting and top notes, experimenting with an array of ingredients ranging from vibrant strawberry and mango, to delicate raspberry and peach, as well as calming chamomile and rose. Experiencing tea from leaf to cup, demonstrated the patience and precision behind every carefully crafted blend.

Adding a culinary element to the evening, guests were given a unique palate teaser, challenging them to identify the flavours behind a specially created rooibos infusion inspired by the flavours of tiramisu. Combining cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, and creamy notes, the creation captured the indulgent essence of the classic Italian dessert in a refined tea format.

As part of the Tea Voyage experience, guests became tea blenders themselves, carefully weighing and blending their chosen ingredients to craft their own signature teas. Each participant brewed their personal creation and shared the inspiration behind their blend, giving it a unique name and transforming the simple ritual of tea into a personal expression of creativity.

The collaboration with Lunarossa brought together two worlds built around craftsmanship and memorable experiences. Meaning “Red Moon” in Italian, Lunarossa is a Business Bay-based Italian restaurant known for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm hospitality. Its beautifully designed houseboat, featuring serene blue interiors and elegant details, created an atmosphere of tranquillity and sophistication throughout the evening.

Despite the warmth of the July evening, the gentle sea breeze, open skies, and stunning sunset views created the ideal environment for guests to relax, connect, and immerse themselves in the world of tea.

Through Tea Voyage, Newby Teas continues to redefine the tea experience, transforming every cup into a journey of flavour, creativity, and discovery.

Milano by Danube has announced the launch of its new B2B showroom in Deira, further strengthening its presence in one of the UAE’s most dynamic commercial districts. Marking the brand’s fourth showroom in Deira, the expansion reinforces Milano’s commitment to serving the region’s thriving export, wholesale and retail markets while positioning the company to capitalize on the anticipated recovery in global trade activity.

Recognised as the heart of Dubai’s traditional trading ecosystem, Deira has long been a preferred sourcing destination for buyers from across the CIS region, East and West Africa, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Mauritius, Fiji and several other international markets. As one of the world’s leading port and free trade hubs, Dubai continues to attract wholesalers, exporters, traders and project buyers seeking reliable sourcing partners, with Deira remaining at the centre of this activity.

Recent geopolitical developments led to a temporary moderation in trading activity across key hubs such as Deira; however, market indicators now point towards a steady return of demand, renewed buyer movement, and strengthening business confidence. The launch of Milano by Danube’s new B2B showroom comes at this pivotal juncture, reflecting the brand’s confidence in Deira’s resilience and Dubai’s continued position as a global trading gateway.

Milano has consistently adopted a long-term growth approach, continuing to invest even during periods of market uncertainty. The company recently expanded its retail footprint with the launch of its Maleha showroom in Sharjah and has now further strengthened its presence in Deira by securing a prime location that supports its long-term vision for export-led growth. Beyond expanding its own footprint, this launch is expected to boost confidence among traders in the Deira market and encourage more businesses to expand and invest in the area.

Speaking on the occasion, Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, said, “Deira is not just a market for us; it is where my journey began. This is where I learned the fundamentals of trade: trust, relationships, hard work, and speed. In many ways, this journey feels deeply personal. I started Milano from Deira, and coming back to launch yet another showroom here feels truly surreal. I believe the export market is poised for significant growth over the next six months, and this is the right time to strengthen our presence, invest strategically, and prepare for the opportunities ahead.” 

Sahil Sajan, Director at Milano, added, “The new showroom has been designed as a one-stop sourcing destination for wholesalers, exporters and retail customers. Our diverse product portfolio across sanitaryware, hardware, electricals, chandeliers and tiles allows customers to source multiple categories under one roof. Combined with our strong inventory, competitive pricing and efficient supply chain, we are able to offer greater convenience and flexibility to our customers while strengthening Milano’s position as a preferred sourcing partner for businesses across global markets.” 

Milano’s integrated supply chain further differentiates the brand within the market. With warehousing facilities in Jebel Ali, the company maintains substantial inventory while also enabling customers to source mixed product categories.

Sahil Sajan further added, “Despite geopolitical tensions and rising freight costs, we remained confident that demand would remain resilient and that customers with genuine requirements would absorb the additional cost. Therefore, we continued our shipments without interruption and ensured that none of our containers were sent back to their source. This decision is now contributing to our growth.”

Looking ahead, Milano expects to achieve a further 20% growth over the next six months as export activity gains momentum, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading global trading gateways. 

Government and public-sector developments across the GCC are increasingly setting new benchmarks for sustainable, people-centric workplaces. Employee wellness is now a business priority, and acoustic comfort is increasingly being recognised alongside air quality, daylight, and thermal performance. In the UAE, the wellness economy is valued at approximately $40.8 billion, while 90% of residents say they prioritise healthy living and working environments. For sustainability-led government buildings in particular, sound is a headline requirement.

Answering that brief at one of the region’s flagship developments, Europhon Acoustics® has completed a large-scale acoustic installation at the Al Shera’a Headquarters for Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), widely recognized as one of the world’s most advanced sustainable government buildings. Europhon Acoustics supplied and installed approximately 5,000 sqm of MELO® Acoustic Plaster across the building’s lobbies, gym and office spaces, achieving a stringent NRC 0.90 sound absorption target across a series of architecturally complex, curved spaces without a single visible joint or panel line.

Amna Khazi, Senior Executive Manager at Europhon Acoustics®, commented: “The DEWA Al Shera’a project was an important milestone for Europhon Acoustics®, It showcased our ability to deliver large-scale, high-performance acoustic solutions on one of the UAE’ s most prestigious and sustainable developments. The project involved complex acoustic and architectural requirements, demanding close coordination, technical expertise and a genuine commitment to quality. Successfully contributing to such a landmark project reinforces our reputation as a trusted specialist in acoustic systems, and our capability to support iconic projects from concept through to completion.”

Engineering Silence into Complex Architecture

Large workplace environments require carefully engineered acoustic design to maintain speech clarity and create comfortable environments for employees. At Al Shera’a, this challenge was heightened by the building’s sweeping curves and non-standard geometries, which ruled out conventional modular acoustic panels.

MELO® was selected specifically for its seamless, monolithic finish, which leaves no visible joints –  a critical requirement for the clean architectural lines of the Al Sheraa HQ. Beyond aesthetics, it also delivers high acoustic performance, making it possible to meet the NRC 0.90 target without relying on modular panels or visible treatments. MELO’s standard finish was applied throughout without requiring any custom formulations, absorbing reflected sound across the lobbies and office areas to control reverberation and preserve speech clarity.

Given the complex geometries involved, installation required custom-cut profiles to accommodate curved surfaces, careful on-site coordination around non-standard wall contours, and precise on-site finishing to maintain MELO’s signature seamless look throughout. Europhon Acoustics managed the project end-to-end, handling both supply and installation, over a 12-month programme.

Acoustics as a Sustainability Metric

MELO® also contributes to the project’s LEED certification objectives, formulated with low VOC emissions to support healthier indoor air quality in line with sustainable building standards. It is an increasingly expected distinction of premium developments in the region: as WELL and LEED certifications converge around human health as much as physical sustainability, acoustic performance is emerging as a measurable ESG credential in its own right.

As government and public-sector developments increasingly prioritise employee wellness and productivity, acoustic comfort has become a key design consideration. At the same time, rising standards for sustainable and smart buildings across the region mean acoustic performance is now viewed as a core element of building quality.

A Region Tuning Into Acoustic Design

Demand for acoustic solutions is accelerating across the GCC, driven by a growing emphasis on occupant comfort, wellness, and sustainable building standards.

Beyond government projects, Europhon expects hospitality, retail, healthcare, and education to drive the next phase of adoption as acoustic comfort becomes a standard consideration in building design across the region.

Building on its contribution to landmark projects such as DEWA Al Shera’a Headquarters Europhon Acoustics continues to support the region’s vision for world-class, sustainable developments. As demand grows across government, hospitality, healthcare, education and commercial sectors, the company aims to further expand its footprint across the GCC while continuing to innovate in high-performance acoustic solutions.