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PRECISION AS A PHILOSOPHY WITH SOBHA FURNITURE

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Image 1: "Luxury double-height living room with Sobha Furniture custom cabinetry, neutral upholstery, and modern chandelier" Image 2: "Anuj Jain, CEO of Sobha Furniture, in professional business attire

Exclusive interview with Anuj Jain, Chief Executive Officer, Sobha Furniture

As CEO of Sobha Furniture, how has your journey across finance, strategy, and operations shaped your vision for Sobha Furniture’s growth and market positioning?

My career journey has given me a 360-degree perspective on business execution, from understanding market dynamics to ensuring operational excellence. Working across various divisions within Sobha Group has taught me that true success stems from the seamless integration of strategic foresight, discipline, and an unwavering attention to detail. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how deeply this attention to detail is woven into Sobha’s DNA, an ethos I am now embedding into every facet of Sobha Furniture, ensuring we deliver premium, design-led products at scale while positioning the brand as a benchmark for quality, innovation, and reliability in the market.

Having been part of the Sobha ecosystem for several years, I also recognise how personal this venture is to our founder, PNC Menon. Furniture was where his journey began and my goal is to carry that legacy forward by building a new era in furniture manufacturing defined by efficiency and technology. Through this approach, we are laying the “foundation of a new standard”, and it is a standard that will redefine how the region perceives and experiences furniture made in the Emirates.

Sobha Furniture is part of the larger Sobha Group legacy. How do you integrate the Group’s ethos and heritage into the furniture division’s brand identity?

Sobha Group is globally recognised for its end-to-end approach and for delivering real estate known for exceptional quality and meticulous craftsmanship. With Sobha Furniture, we aim to carry forward these same values, bringing the same precision and attention to detail to our furniture offerings. We are building solutions that customers will be able to distinguish from the others through the level of quality and craftmanship that our brand is known for. We believe the product should speak for itself, through its design, finish, and the experience it delivers.

By implementing Sobha Group’s backwards integration model and adapting it across our operations, we maintain complete control of the entire process, from conceptualisation and design to sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery. Our aim is to build a manufacturing ecosystem that not just produces furniture, but creates it with intent, reflecting the expertise that comes from our deep understanding of the construction and interiors landscape.

Your announcement of a fully automated facility in Dubai Industrial City signals a big leap in manufacturing. How will this facility reshape Sobha Furniture’s manufacturing ecosystem and customer value proposition?

Sobha Furniture’s upcoming 53,000sqm facility in Dubai Industrial City (DIC) marks a defining milestone in our journey. Designed to be one of the most advanced and fully automated furniture manufacturing plants across the Middle East, India, and Africa, this investment reinforces our commitment to innovation and quality while supporting the UAE’s industrial growth.

Luxury double-height living room with Sobha Furniture custom cabinetry, neutral upholstery, and modern chandelie

The facility is divided into two highly specialised divisions:

  • The Upholstery Line: Performs all operations under one roof, including mould and block foaming, metal finishing, fabric and leather cutting, and precision sewing, ensuring complete process control and consistent quality.
  • The Cabinetry Line: Built to European standards and guided by Lean Manufacturing principles, it employs data-driven systems and an AI-enabled Batch 1 production model, enabling large-scale customisation with minimal error and rapid turnaround times.

Together, these innovations not only enhance precision, scalability, and efficiency but also set new benchmarks for how large-scale furniture is manufacturing in the region. This facility will redefine industry standards, demonstrating that world-class furniture manufacturing can thrive locally, powered by the nation’s high-end infrastructure, skilled workforce, and forward-looking industrial vision.

What were the biggest challenges in establishing a full-scale furniture manufacturing base in a market largely reliant on imports, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges we faced was shifting market perception in a region long-dependent on imported furniture. For years, “Made in Europe” was viewed as the premium standard for quality and design. Our aim is to prove that “Made in the Emirates” can meet, and even exceed, those standards.

To achieve this, we brought the best from around the world – international design expertise, advanced technology, and a highly skilled team, to build a facility and operating model that would rival any in the industry. By integrating state-of-the-art automation and precision engineering, we created a manufacturing ecosystem capable of delivering large-scale, tailored solutions with consistent quality.

This approach, supported by the UAE’s vision for industrial excellence, enabled us to establish a self-reliant, world-class production base. Today, Sobha Furniture stands as proof that with the right talent, technology, and infrastructure, perfection can be achieved.

As Sobha Furniture steps up its manufacturing and regional footprint, how will you maintain direct engagement with integrators, interior architects, and hospitality-specification partners to ensure product relevance and luxury positioning to become part of the design ecosystem rather than just a product supplier?

Our goal has always been to be a co-partner from the design stage. We don’t just manufacture furniture but provide solutions that help translate our customers’ ideas into cohesive, elevated interiors concepts of the highest quality. As we expand our manufacturing and regional footprint, we are equally focused on deepening our engagement with architects, designers, and specifiers to bring their vision to life – from mood boards, material selections and mock-ups to the final product.

Our flagship showroom, The Gallery at The S Tower, is designed as a space for collaboration, where partners can experience our materials, finishes, and collections in real-life settings, and co-create solutions tailored to their projects. Complementing this is our Milan Design Studio, which bridges creativity with regional sensibilities, ensuring our products reflects both artistry and functionality.

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30 YEARS OF ICONIC BUILDINGS AND BEAUTIFUL HOMES: JOTUN ABU DHABI TO INVEST AED 400 MILLION IN NEXT CHAPTER

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The new, state-of-the-art Jotun Abu Dhabi manufacturing facility building under a blue sky.

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.

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ZARA HOME UNVEILS ITS 2025 WINTER FRAGRANCE STORY

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Decorative scented candles shaped like a gingerbread house, a nutcracker, and a Christmas tree, part of the Zara Home winter fragrance collection.

A CELEBRATION OF FESTIVE WINTER AROMAS

Zara Home’s much-loved fragrance offering is refreshed with the 2025 Winter Fragrance Story, a seasonal collection designed to bring the warmth, joy and magic of the holidays into every home. This year, the collection celebrates sweet, food-inspired scents that evoke the comforting rituals of festive winter gatherings, from baking gingerbread to indulging in rich, seasonal treats.

The range caters to every corner of the home, featuring reed diffusers, essential oils and scented candles, alongside novelty decorative candles that double as charming holiday décor. Shaped like baubles, gingerbread houses, nutcrackers and Christmas trees, these playful yet elegant pieces fill the home with signature festive aromas while adding a touch of seasonal style.

The 2025 Winter Fragrance Story highlights three distinct collections: The Gingerbread Collection, The Salted Caramel Collection and The Winter Cypress Collection, each capturing a unique facet of the festive season.

The Gingerbread Collection 

The comforting aroma of freshly baked gingerbread biscuits is enriched with soft notes of cinnamon and warm spices, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Perfect for evoking the joy of family gatherings and festive baking traditions.

  • Top notes: Cardamom, Citrus
  • Heart notes: Ginger, Clove
  • Base notes: Cinnamon, Wood 

Highlights from the collection:

The Salted Caramel Collection

A deliciously indulgent fragrance that blends creamy caramel with vanilla and nut butter, contrasted by a bold touch of salt. Reminiscent of snowy strolls past Parisian patisseries, this scent evokes the irresistible temptation of seasonal treats and the cosy warmth of returning home on a winter day.

  • Top notes: Fruity
  • Heart notes: Caramel, Praline
  • Base notes: Nut butter, Vanilla

Highlights from the collection:

The Winter Cypress Collection

This fragrance awakens the nostalgia of the Christmas season, inspired by the cherished tradition of decorating the tree. With fresh cypress and pine notes, complemented by eucalyptus and clove, it creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere, while the base of moss and cedarwood adds a touch of earthy elegance.

  • Top notes: Cypress, Pine tree
  • Heart notes: Eucalyptus, Clove
  • Base notes: Moss, Cedar, Wood

Highlights from the collection:

The 2025 Winter Fragrance Story by Zara Home is designed to transform the home into a haven of festive spirit, where each scent tells a story and awakens cherished memories of the season. The collection invites customers to celebrate traditions, create new moments and indulge in the irresistible aromas that make Christmas truly unforgettable.

Zara Home, operated by Azadea Group, has stores across Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, Egypt, Jordan and Algeria. Shop in stores, online or through the Zara Home application.

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ELEVATE AND ENNISMORE HOST RAK’S BIGGEST EVENT OF THE SEASON TO UNVEIL THE AED 1.8 BILLION MONDRIAN AL MARJAN ISLAND BEACH RESIDENCES

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The architectural model for the Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences displayed at an event with bright lights and indoor pyrotechnic sparklers.

ELEVATE, the visionary lifestyle real estate brand from One Group, together with Ennismore, the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, officially unveiled the Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences with an unforgettable one-night immersive launch event at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai. Valued at AED 1.8 billion, the project marks a defining milestone for Ras Al Khaimah, introducing the region’s first-ever Mondrian-branded beachfront residences and reinforcing ELEVATE’s USD 1 billion UAE development pipeline.

Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO of Marjan, commented, “We are glad to see the excitement around Mondrian Al Marjan Beach Residences, which is a fitting inclusion to our island’s ever-growing portfolio of branded residences. This development truly echoes our vision of creating premium, lifestyle-led destinations and is sure to offer global residents and investors a new benchmark for branded beachfront living.”

Zeeshaan Shah, Founder & Chairman of ELEVATE, stated, “Tonight’s celebration marks a remarkable milestone for ELEVATE. Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences is more than a development—it is a new expression of what beachfront luxury can be. We have created a space where art, culture, wellness, and community converge in ways never seen before in the UAE. We are proud to present our flagship project and continue elevating the standards of residential living in the region.”

Set on Al Marjan Island, one of the UAE’s fastest-growing luxury and entertainment destinations, the project has witnessed extraordinary demand. With 343 residences rapidly selling out, investor interest continues to surge due to the community’s proximity to Wynn Al Marjan Island, pristine beachfront access, and world-class hospitality offerings by Ennismore. Designed by San Francisco-based architectural firm Gensler, with interiors by London’s Bergman Design House, the development blends bold design with sensory storytelling.

The crown jewel of the project, the 10,000-square-foot Sky Mansion, features 28-foot ceiling heights, a private rooftop garden, and an infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Listed at USD 10 million, it stands as one of the most exclusive homes in Ras Al Khaimah.

Ras Al Khaimah’s most anticipated real estate launch of the season drew remarkable excitement, with guests filling the entrance of Atlantis The Royal in lively anticipation. A packed turnout gathered to witness the spectacular reveal, reflecting the overwhelming interest in Elevate’s newest landmark.

The star-studded launch, emceed by fashion icon Jessica Kahawaty, also drew notable regional personalities including Youmna Khoury and Zeynab, adding to the event’s fashion-forward energy. More than a project debut, the celebration framed Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences as the emirate’s new destination where design, lifestyle, and coastal glamour come together.

The immersive journey began as attendees passed through a kinetic tunnel of fabric, projection, and light, creating a surreal transition into Mondrian’s world of expressive luxury. The dramatic reveal of the architectural model unfolded beneath a choreographed lift of illuminated drapery, drawing applause as the full vision of the development was unveiled.

Throughout the event, custom-built design-led spaces immersed guests in Mondrian’s art-driven identity, from editorial portrait studios to a stage backdrop brought to life with kinetic projection mapping. Experiential activations spanned mixology, performance, and live artistry, including a neon-lit sculptural bar and a captivating live artwork creation by celebrated UAE artist Diaa Allam, who painted a piece inspired by Ras Al Khaimah’s cultural spirit. Setting the tempo for the night, DJ Tala Samman infused the space with her signature sounds, lifting the mood, energising the crowd, and giving the celebration its unmistakable pulse.

Louis Abboud, Regional Head of Lifestyle Collective IMEAT at Ennismore, added,
“Mondrian has always been about pushing boundaries and creating spaces that inspire. Launching this project on Al Marjan Island is a natural evolution of our brand’s creative ethos. This is not just a residence, it’s a living gallery, a social hub, and a sanctuary of style.”

RESIDENCE TYPES

  • The Residences: 1–3 bedroom apartments starting from AED 2.55 million
  • The Front Row Collection: 3–5 bedroom beachfront townhouses with direct beach access starting from AED 8.54 million
  • The Sky Collection: 3–5 bedroom duplex and triplex sky villas with private pools and panoramic Gulf views starting from AED 8.53 million

Residents will enjoy over 60,000 sq. ft. of curated amenities, including the Mondrian Sky Club, Fi’lia Beach, championship fitness facilities, infinity pools, concierge services, and Accor Platinum Status benefits across 5,600 hotels worldwide.A flexible 60:40 payment plan is available, with project completion scheduled for Q4 2028.

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