Sobha Realty’s luxury villa community development – Sobha Elwood, will deploy innovative clean energy systems from Positive Zero, including the first-of-its-kind mobile battery energy storage system (mBESS) in the region.

The fume-free, noise-free mobile battery units deliver electricity where it’s needed on the construction site, replacing traditional diesel generators and fossil fuel dependency. Over the duration of the two-year agreement, Positive Zero’s HYPR system will replace the equivalent of more than 30,000 gallons of diesel – enough to power more than 25 million smartphones.

Mr. Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group said: “At Sobha Realty, sustainability is a fundamental pillar of how we build and how we envision the future of our communities. Our partnership with Positive Zero for Sobha Elwood marks another decisive step in integrating clean, renewable energy solutions across our developments. In alignment with the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, this initiative reinforces our commitment to shaping communities that are world-class, future-ready, and environmentally resilient.”

Each mobile battery system is charged using clean, renewable solar power which is highly efficient compared to diesel equivalents. Positive Zero swaps batteries in and out, as required, to ensure a constant supply of reliable on-site electricity. It is estimated that 219 MWh of electricity will be delivered through the systems per year.

“We are delighted to support Sobha Realty in its pioneering new approach to real estate development, powering more sustainable construction and lowering carbon emissions. Sobha Realty is setting a clear benchmark for developers and demonstrating that clean energy can make a transformative difference to the sustainable development of cities,”  said Mr. David Auriau, Chief Executive Officer, Positive Zero.

It is the second project that Sobha Realty has signed with Positive Zero. Following the successful implementation of Positive Zero’s HYPR clean energy systems at Sobha One as the first project, Sobha Elwood now becomes the second development to adopt these innovative renewable energy solutions, as the real estate leader continues to support Dubai’s strategic initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.

IKEA UAE, operated by Al-Futtaim, has unveiled its Ramadan 2026 programme, reaffirming its commitment to being part of customers’ everyday lives and celebrations during the holy month. Through thoughtfully designed home furnishing solutions, seasonal savings, and Iftar offerings – IKEA is helping families create a welcoming space for what matters most this Ramadan: connection, generosity, and togetherness.

As homes across the UAE come together in celebration of Ramadan, IKEA continues to be a part of the small, meaningful moments that build stronger relationships — from family conversations after Iftar to shared Suhour gatherings with loved ones. With cosy décor that creates the perfect atmosphere for gatherings, stylish tableware for the Iftar table, and much more – IKEA helps customers design welcoming spaces that encourage reflection, care, and the spirit of coming together that Ramadan is all about.

GOKVÄLLÅ Collection

This year’s GOKVÄLLÅ collection for Ramadan brings a warm, celebratory touch to interiors, featuring joyful decorations, ornamented textiles, glowing lanterns, brass-finish tableware, and soft furnishings designed to create an inviting Ramadan atmosphere throughout the month.

Ramadan Iftar Buffet

Complementing its home-furnishing offering, IKEA will once again host its much-loved Ramadan Iftar Buffet. Launching on the first day of the Holy Month, the buffet will be available daily from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, offering a generous spread of over 30 dishes inspired by Middle Eastern, Indian, and international flavours, as well as a selection of beverages.

What’s more, every Ramadan buffet guest will receive an AED 20 voucher to be redeemed at any IKEA store in the UAE.

Iftar Boxes

In the true spirit of Ramadan, IKEA is making it easy for customers to give back and invites all visitors to extend a heartfelt gesture with its Iftar Meal Box. Starting from the first day of the Holy Month, customers can choose between two options, priced at AED 10 and AED 15, with each box packed with essential items for breaking fast, making a difference for many. Customers can support the community by pre-ordering a minimum of 10 boxes, 24 hours in advance via phone call, visiting the store, or online. The boxes can either be distributed directly by customers, or with the help of IKEA.

Ramadan delicacies in the comfort of your home

This Ramadan, IKEA helps families enjoy a memorable Iftar together, from the comfort of their homes.

Order a delicious four-kilo lamb leg takeaway for AED 229, or AED 199 for IKEA Family members. All orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance via phone call, visiting the store, or online, with takeaway available only. Compliment the meal with a variety of ready-to-cook Arabic mezze from the IKEA Swedish Food Market to take home, including cheese samosas, meat kibbeh, and more, priced at only AED 25 each.

Bringing more moments of joy to this special time with IKEA’s special Ramadan Advent Calendar, available across the UAE. Priced at AED 69, or AED 59 for IKEA Family members, the calendar offers a simple and thoughtful way to mark each day of the holy month..

Ramadan sale on IKEA favourites

Customers can also enjoy discounts of up to 75% both online and in-store across over 2,000 items, including tableware, cushions, textiles, lighting, and decorative accents.

Across the region, interior design and architecture are entering a more deliberate, value-driven phase. Rapid urban expansion continues, but the focus has shifted from visual impact alone to how spaces perform, age, and support modern lifestyles.

Studies show that the global home décor and interior market is projected to grow from $747.75 billion in 2024 to $1.09 trillion by 2032, driven largely by demand from fast-growing urban regions such as the Middle East.

Within the GCC, government-led development, Vision 2030 programmes, and large-scale mixed-use projects are reshaping how residential, hospitality, and commercial interiors are being conceived. Based on Opāal Interiors’s research, regional market analysis, and on-ground project experience across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, 2026 will be defined by a new generation of interiors—refined, functional, and deeply intentional.

According to the research, six interior design trends are shaping the region in 2026.

1. Material-led design is replacing decorative excess

Opaal research found a decisive shift away from surface-level ornamentation toward interiors defined by material quality, craftsmanship, and longevity. Natural stones, engineered wood, textured metals, and bespoke joinery are increasingly favoured over trend-driven finishes.

Premium developments across the GCC are prioritising “timeless material palettes” to protect long-term asset value and reduce refurbishment cycles. Design is becoming quieter, but execution is more exacting, placing greater emphasis on detailing, proportions, and material transitions.

2. Sustainability is now embedded into interior specifications

Sustainability has moved beyond architectural shells and into interior fit-outs. Developers and asset owners are increasingly prioritising long-lasting, timeless, and durable material selections, alongside locally sourced products that help reduce carbon impact over the project lifecycle.

The UAE alone ranks among the top global markets for green-certified buildings, with over 800 LEED-certified projects. Regulatory pressure and ESG reporting requirements are accelerating this shift across the GCC. As a result, interior design decisions are now evaluated through both environmental and lifecycle performance lenses.

3. Residential interiors are becoming hospitality-inspired

As branded residences, serviced apartments, and lifestyle-led communities grow across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, residential interiors are borrowing heavily from hospitality design language.

Branded residences in the Middle East are expected to grow by more than 60% by 2030, driving demand for hotel-grade finishes, elevated material palettes, and refined spatial planning within private homes. Research also shows that end-users increasingly expect residential interiors to deliver the same sense of arrival, comfort, and material richness traditionally associated with high-end hotels.

4. Design clarity is becoming central to large-scale developments

With compressed project timelines and increasing construction complexity, developers are placing greater value on strong design leadership and structured oversight throughout project delivery. Clear design development, coordination, and quality control have become essential to minimising risk, avoiding rework, and maintaining consistency from concept through completion.

This approach is particularly critical in large-scale mixed-use and hospitality projects, where alignment between architecture, interiors, and building systems directly influences performance, cost predictability, and overall project success.

5. Commercial spaces are designed for adaptability, not permanence

Office and retail interiors across the GCC are being reimagined as flexible environments that can evolve with changing tenant needs. Modular layouts, reconfigurable partitions, and durable finishes are now prioritised over fixed design schemes.

The UAE flexible office space market size is projected to reach $1.81 billion by 2030, influencing how commercial interiors are planned and delivered. With this increase, adaptability is now a core design requirement, not a secondary consideration.

6. Design value is measured by longevity, not trend relevance

Perhaps the most defining trend of 2026 is a recalibration of how “good design” is measured. Rather than visual novelty, clients are assessing interiors based on durability, maintenance efficiency, and how well spaces age over time.

Long-term asset optimisation is becoming a priority across real estate and hospitality investments in the GCC. For interior specialists, this places renewed importance on precision, material intelligence, and execution quality, areas where experience and process matter as much as creative vision.

As the GCC’s built environment matures, interior design and architecture are becoming less about visual impact alone and more about performance, resilience, and long-term value. Opaal’s research underscores a clear direction for 2026: spaces that are thoughtfully designed, meticulously executed, and built to endure.