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The Art and Soul of Illumination

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NMK x Chauvet

Exclusive Interview with George Tellos, CEO, Lighting Art

In the recent NMK x Chauvet Open House, industry professionals gathered for an evening that seamlessly blended technical precision with artistic vision. The event featured a series of live demonstrations and immersive lighting showcases, highlighting the dynamic possibilities of modern lighting design.

A standout moment of the evening was a conversation with George Tellos, CEO of Lighting Art. Renowned for his work across global stadiums, architectural landmarks, and theatrical productions, Tellos reflected on his creative journey, the emotional impact of lighting, and the innovations defining its future.

You’ve worked across events and architecture globally. What first sparked your passion for lighting design?

Like many creative journeys, mine began unexpectedly. I grew up in Germany and, at 22, I fell deeply in love—that relationship led me to move to Athens. There, I started studying lighting. One thing led to another: I returned to Germany, opened my first company, then back to Greece for the second, and finally, in 2013, I launched a third company focused on architectural lighting. Life rarely moves in a straight line—you just need to stay open and curious. Every new city, every challenge pushed me forward. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.

Did you always plan to pursue lighting?

Not at all. I actually studied theater first. Lighting wasn’t even on my radar. But that’s the beauty of it—you never really know where life will take you. What matters is staying positive and ready to explore new paths. Often, it’s the unexpected moments that define your direction more than anything you plan. You meet someone, you take a course, and suddenly your entire career changes shape.

 You’ve lit everything from global sports events to operas. Can you share some key projects you’ve worked on?

Our portfolio includes entertainment lighting for large-scale events like the FIFA, FIBA, IHF, Eurovision Song Contest, and the Olympic Games. We’ve done corporate shows, TV award ceremonies, Amazon films, operas in France and Germany, and many royal weddings in the region and India. Since 2013, our Riyadh-based company has focused on architectural lighting. What I enjoy most is combining both worlds—bringing theatrical techniques into architecture and vice versa. It’s about blending technology with emotion. The scale might change, but the storytelling element remains central to every project we take on.

As sustainability is one of the core focus in modern design, how do you balance creativity with energy efficiency, especially at large venues?

Sustainability is essential—but it should never overshadow the emotional magic of art. We can protect the planet in how we live day to day. But when we design for impact—something meant to move people—we need to give it our all. The magic must remain intact. For me, sustainability is about choices: smarter fixture selection, conscious material usage, thoughtful logistics. But the emotional core of a project can’t be sacrificed. You have to find a harmony between purpose and poetry.

If there’s one insight about lighting’s emotional and functional power that you want to leave your audience with, what would it be?

That tools matter—immensely. Quality tools don’t have to be expensive, but they must be right for the job. I always say: if you’re cooking an expensive piece of meat, you need a sharp, well-crafted knife. The same goes for lighting—especially at high-stakes events. Bad tools waste time and compromise the result. We need the right equipment to bring our ideas to life. You can have the best vision, but if your tools can’t match it, the audience will never feel it.

Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping smart living and our interaction with lighting in work and living spaces?

Lighting fixtures have already reached impressive levels of advancement—we’re now using laser technologies. But the next frontier is control systems. With AI, I can see designers simply speaking to a console: “Give me a romantic blue mood in night conditions,” and it delivers. That’s where we’re headed—toward intuitive, conversational control powered by AI. And it’s not in the distant future—it’s within the next three years. The interface between human intent and machine execution is getting smoother, and it will redefine how we design, not just how we operate.

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AED 1.8 Billion Landmark: ELEVATE and Ennismore Commence Pre-Sales for Mondrian Al Marjan Island Residences

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Luxury restaurant interior with decorative blue plate wall display, elegant seating, and open terrace with evening city views

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – November 2025 – Following months of anticipation, Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, developed by ELEVATE in partnership with Ennismore, is now open for private sales and expressions of interest.

This marks the first opportunity for buyers to secure a home in Ras Al Khaimah’s most awaited branded beachfront residence ahead of its highly anticipated grand unveiling on 26 November 2025 at The Royal Atlantis.

Positioned on the pristine shores of Al Marjan Island, the project redefines beachfront living through a fusion of bold architecture, artful interiors, and an extraordinary suite of lifestyle amenities, all delivered with the sophistication of five-star hospitality. Designed by Gensler and Bergman Design House, and powered by Ennismore, the world’s leading lifestyle hospitality group, the Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences brings the brand’s vibrant creativity and cultural energy to the UAE’s fastest-growing lifestyle and entertainment destination.

“Al Marjan Island is becoming one of the world’s most extraordinary lifestyle destinations, and Mondrian will be its ultimate residential address,” said Zeeshaan Shah, Founder of ELEVATE. “We have meticulously crafted every element of this development, from architecture and interiors to the curated selection of amenities. Mondrian Al Marjan is more than just an address; it represents a new philosophy of living, where home becomes the cornerstone of an elevated lifestyle.”

Al Marjan Island’s Ultimate Residential Address

Set against sweeping sea views, the development features 343 residences across three signature collections:

  • 1. The Residences – 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, from AED 2.55 million.
  • 2. The Front Row Collection – 3- and 4-bedroom beachfront townhouses opening directly onto white sand, from AED 8.54 million.
    3. The Sky Collection – Duplex and triplex sky villas with double-height ceilings, private pools, and panoramic ocean views, from AED 8.53 million.

The crown jewel of the development is a 9500 sq.ft. sky villa, priced around AED 40 million, commands the tower’s most coveted position.

A flexible 60:40 payment plan (during construction / on handover in Q4 2028) enhances accessibility for discerning global buyers.

The Mondrian Lifestyle

Residents will enjoy over 60,000 sq.ft. of amenities, including:

  • Mondrian Sky Club – bar & lounge, boardroom, library, and sunset terrace
    Beachfront & Sky Pools, rooftop padel court, fitness centre, yoga and recovery zones
    Fi’lia Beach – the region’s first female-led Italian dining concept
    Kids’ & Teens’ Clubs, private concierge, valet, maintenance, and cultural programming

Homeowners also gain Accor Platinum Status, unlocking elite privileges across 5,600 hotels worldwide, including upgrades, exclusive rates, and VIP travel concierge services.

“Mondrian is about a lifestyle that sparks imagination,” said Louis Abboud, Regional Head of Lifestyle Collective IMEAT at Ennismore. “Here, design, art, cuisine, and community converge to create a destination that is expressive, soulful, and deeply connected to the sea.”

Al Marjan Island: The New Luxury Frontier

With its pristine beaches, landmark resorts, and growing investment appeal, Al Marjan Island has become one of the region’s most desirable island destinations. Property demand has surged double digits year-on-year, fueled by global investors drawn to its evolving hospitality, leisure, and cultural infrastructure.

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LAFARGE EMIRATES CEMENT ANNOUNCES REBRAND TO HOLCIM UAE

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Aerial view of heart-shaped tropical island development with white villas, palm trees, and turquoise waters

Lafarge Emirates Cement has officially rebranded as Holcim UAE, marking a pivotal milestone in the company’s growth journey and reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainable construction in the United Arab Emirates.

The rebrand reflects Holcim’s global vision to be the leading partner for sustainable construction and its mission to build progress for people and the planet. It aligns with Holcim’s global NextGen Growth 2030 strategy to create superior value across the built environment – from infrastructure and industry to buildings.

The transition to Holcim UAE will open up a new era of innovation and progress. As a recognized leader in sustainable construction, Holcim UAE operates with a clear purpose: driving industrial decarbonization and advancing sustainable construction solutions that support the UAE’s national vision for sustainable growth.

“Our rebrand represents a renewed commitment to sustainability, innovation, and partnership, as we strengthen Holcim’s position as the leading partner for sustainable construction in the UAE, said Ali Said, CEO, Holcim UAE. Aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision, we’re driving the transformation of the construction industry toward smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable practices. That is why this rebrand is so much more than a name change, it is our platform to accelerate innovation, deepen partnerships, and advance sustainability across the built environment.

Holcim UAE delivers high-performance, sustainable building materials and solutions that enhance construction efficiency and environmental performance. In line with Holcim Group’s global growth strategy, the company is scaling up low-carbon and circular construction technologies, such as ECOCycle®, to drive decarbonization and resource efficiency. Leveraging its agile, performance-driven model and deep local expertise, Holcim UAE continues to expand across the construction value chain, advancing its vision to be the leading partner for sustainable construction in the UAE.

This commitment is evident in landmark developments including Al Shera’a – DEWA Headquarters, the world’s largest net-zero-energy government building; Zuhha Island, a purpose-built leisure destination constructed using 88% ECOPact low-carbon concrete; and Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national rail network built with ECOPact solutions. Together, these projects demonstrate Holcim’s role in shaping a smarter, more circular, and more sustainable built environment across the UAE.

Through continued investment in innovation, sustainable production, and strong partnerships across the value chain, Holcim UAE is shaping a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable built environment for the future, advancing its ambition to be the leading partner for sustainable construction in the UAE.

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STUDIO WYZE UNVEILS INTERIORS OF TATTU DUBAI

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Luxury restaurant interior with ornate decorative ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and panoramic Dubai cityscape views at twilight

Studio WYZE, the interior design firm with studios in London and Zurich, has unveiled the interiors for Permanently Unique Group’s TATTU Dubai. The scope includes a restaurant and bar, an infinity pool, and a sky lounge and terrace in Dubai Marina. It marks TATTU’S eagerly anticipated expansion beyond the UK, where the brand operates several well-known restaurants. Located within the Ciel Dubai Marina, which towers 365 metres above the bustling Dubai Marina, Studio WYZE has designed interiors inspired by legend, with each floor offering a distinct atmosphere: from the dragon’s graceful elegance to the carp’s serenity and the phoenix’s lively energy.

Guests arrive through a dramatic triple-height atrium, conceived as a contemporary interpretation of a Chinese courtyard and anchored by Tattu’s signature sweeping cherry blossom tree above the main reception. Flanking this central space, dedicated reception areas invite exploration of the multi-storey dining and bar experiences. Spanning three levels, TATTU Dubai offers panoramic views across the Palm, with front-row seats for the city’s spectacular sunsets. Completing the experience, two private dining rooms provide intimate, elevated settings where storytelling, symbolism, and atmosphere come together in perfect harmony.

High up in the clouds, on the 74th floor, the richly atmospheric TATTU Restaurant & Bar draws inspiration from ancient mythology. The restaurant offers Tattu’s signature modern Asian cuisine, skilfully blending traditional flavours with innovative presentation. Inspired by the black and white dragon, the restaurant’s duality of light and dark is further emphasised by captivating views of Dubai Marina, The Palm, and Jumeirah. The Black Dragon Dining Room features a striking ceiling inspired by a dragon in motion, showcasing organic design. The flowing shapes are smoothly reflected on the columns and walls, creating a cohesive and inviting dining experience. The adjoining White Dragon Sunset Lounge provides a visual contrast to the black dragon, symbols of duality and balance: the Yin & Yang. 

Studio WYZE’s Co-founder and Principal Chris Sayce comments on TATTU Restaurant & Bar’s material palette, saying: “The restaurant adopts a strikingly moody palette – featuring Shou-Sugi-Ban charred Japanese Cedar timber, richly veined marble, amethyst glass, and custom wallpapers – materials that reflect the depth of the black dragon. In contrast, the bar is shaped by the white dragon’s influence, with a lighter palette of white-washed timber, onyx, mirror and pewter.”

Continuing the theme of contrasts, the Private Dining Room offers a cosier, home-like atmosphere with stunning views of The Palm. Lacquered timber panels and intricate fretwork, paired with oversized hanging lanterns and an impressive table made of cut Avalanche Quartzite, a modern take on traditional Chinese design, blending contemporary and cultural elements.

At level 76, the TATTU Sky Pool has earned the accolade of the world’s highest infinity pool. While the restaurant and bar draw inspiration from the mythical dragon, the interiors of the TATTU Sky Pool are inspired by the elegant carp. This symbolic narrative runs through every part of the space, featuring a colour palette of aqua tones, glazed ceramics, white-washed timbers, rattan, and flowing off-white fabrics. The Japanese-fusion Tattu Sky Pool Restaurant offers an ideal setting for daytime dining, inviting guests to relax among the clouds. The exterior design remains cohesive, with a feature cocktail bar and lounge, and a central circular DJ booth creating an energetic oasis above the clouds. The terrace is surrounded by lush planting, providing an escape from the city below.

Perched on Level 81 at the very top of Ciel Tower Dubai Marina, the TATTU Sky Lounge & Terrace crowns the TATTU experience. Inspired by the phoenix, it seamlessly shifts from an elegant daytime cocktail lounge to a lively nightclub after dark. Studio WYZE designed a striking ceiling resembling a rising birdcage, curving inward from the walls to meet above a centrally positioned backlit pink onyx bar. The softly glowing bar acts as a beacon, crowning the top of Ciel Tower. The bar serves as both a focal point and a sculptural highlight. Its 360-degree, air-conditioned terrace provides dramatic views of Dubai’s famous skyline.

Studio WYZE’s Co-founder and Principal Christina Arbenz, describes the experiential journey as guests move through the Tattu Sky Lounge & Terrace: “Guests are greeted with a vibrant colour palette, tactile fabric-fronted bar, rich textural carpets, and heavily veined marbles, which infuse the space with energy and personality. A setting designed for unforgettable nights high above the city. From the lively interior, guests can flow into the perimeter gallery, a wraparound terrace offering 360-degree views of Dubai. Here, the phoenix narrative extends into the landscape — with Jurassic-style planting and plush lounge seating, creating a surreal ‘roof-top’ orangery.”

With TATTU Dubai, Studio WYZE has created more than just a dining experience; it offers a multi-sensory journey through myth, artistry, and breathtaking views, with each floor telling its own story and shaping a unique atmosphere. From the elegant black and white dragons to the serene carp, and the vibrant energy of the phoenix, the experience elevates – both literally and figuratively – to the very heights of Dubai’s skyline. It is a striking showcase of design and storytelling that redefines what it means to dine, drink, and reside among the clouds.

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