Home Integrator
IKEA OPENS NEW STORE IN AL AIN, BRINGING AFFORDABLE AND SUSTAINABLE HOME SOLUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY
IKEA, operated by Al-Futtaim, has officially opened its newest store at JIMI Mall in Al Ain, marking a key milestone in the brand’s ongoing expansion across the UAE. The new location offers customers a memorable shopping experience, reinforcing IKEA’s commitment to providing functional, affordable and modern home furnishing solutions to customers across the Emirates.
The opening was inaugurated by Vinod Jayan, Managing Director of IKEA UAE, Qatar, Oman and Egypt, who commented on the milestone, saying: “Our move to JIMI Mall in Al Ain is a significant step in our mission to make quality and sustainable home furnishings more accessible to people throughout the UAE. Dedicated to enhancing the shopping experience, we’re excited to better serve our customers and continue providing affordable solutions that enhance everyday life.”
A new go-to hub for everyday inspiration and convenience
The new store, the fourth of its kind in the UAE following successful smaller-format launches in Fujairah, Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, offers a more compact and customer-focused shopping experience, spanning 8,200 square meters. The store features tailored offerings to meet the tastes and preferences of Al Ain’s residents, including room settings inspired by the local lifestyle and culture.
The thoughtfully designed layout features both the IKEA market hall and showroom area, offering a curated selection of 3,500 products for immediate purchase, alongside a visually engaging environment with over 4,300 items on display – all designed to reflect real-life living spaces and everyday needs. The store also features over 600 lowered price items and more than 200 pieces of furniture available for immediate take-away.
Sustainable home furnishings tailored to local tastes
Many of the items on display feature sustainable materials, reflecting IKEA’s commitment to eco-conscious living. The store has fulfilled the requirements of the LEED green building rating system and received Gold certification from the US Green Building Council, recognising its sustainable interior design and construction, including reduced energy consumption, water savings and improved air quality. It is powered entirely by renewable energy from EWEC.
Jayan added: “Sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do, and this store reflects our commitment to minimising our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional value. With a spacious layout, an expanded product range and a focus on eco-friendly solutions, we aim to offer great value, leading the way in creating a more responsible and affordable home furnishing industry that benefits every household in the UAE.”
The new IKEA Al Ain store empowers customers to make small, more sustainable everyday changes: create less waste, use less water and energy, reduce single-use items, and love their products for longer.
The IKEA dining experience
Customers in Al Ain can also look forward to visiting the IKEA Restaurant, Bistro and Swedish Food Market, offering a menu that combines Swedish dishes, international flavours and sustainable options including plant-based meals, ASC-certified salmon and UTZ-certified coffee. The Restaurant and Bistro together provide seating for over a hundred guests, with the Bistro featuring a convenient self-serve kiosk. Both the Bistro and Swedish Food Market have dedicated check-out counters to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Commitment to inclusion, equality and affordability
IKEA prides itself on creating a diverse and inclusive workspace, maintaining a near-equal gender ratio among its employees. The store exemplifies IKEA’s democratic design principles, ensuring that well-designed, functional and sustainable products are accessible to everyone.
Comprehensive services for a seamless experience
The new store offers a range of services designed to enhance the IKEA experience, such as Interior Design Services, Assembly, Delivery, Kitchen Services, Installation Services, Measuring Services, Gift Cards, as well as dedicated parking for the Click and Collect service.
IKEA strives to enhance the retail experience at its new location to become an integral part of the Al Ain community, welcoming residents with inspiration, value and practical solutions to enhance their homes and everyday living.
Home Integrator
PALAZZO TISSOLI PHASE 1 SOLD OUT; TISSOLI LAUNCHES PHASE 2 SALES AND APPOINTS GRID AS STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Tissoli, the luxury real estate collective renowned for crafting world-class living environments, has announced three major milestones for its AED 1.2 billion flagship development, Palazzo Tissoli. Following the rapid 100% sell-out of Phase 1, Tissoli has officially opened sales for Phase 2 and appointed GRID Properties as its Strategic Development Manager, reinforcing its commitment to delivering an architectural landmark of international calibre.
Palazzo Tissoli, the first residential development in Ras Al Khaimah to be designed by the iconic Italian design house Pininfarina, has quickly established itself as one of the most coveted addresses in the Northern Emirates. The rapid sell-out of Phase 1 underscores the massive demand for branded, high-design residences on Al Marjan Island’s prime waterfront.
Ensuring the project’s execution lives up to its ambitious vision, GRID has been appointed to oversee the delivery of Palazzo Tissoli with a focused and shared dedication to detail and quality as envisaged by Tissoli. Founded in 2019, GRID has rapidly grown into a powerhouse in the sector, with a portfolio exceeding $2.2 billion across 6.8 million square feet in the UAE and UK. Known for their philosophy of blending functionality with purpose, GRID’s appointment guarantees that the intricate Pininfarina design is translated seamlessly into reality, with a targeted completion by Q2 2028.
Pooja Rathore, COO of Tissoli, commented,“As we enter the execution phase and launch Phase 2, we’ve partnered with GRID, whose proven track record aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence. The response from investors confirms that residents are seeking curated, meaningful living experiences. This collaboration is strategically planned to ensure Pininfarina’s ‘Italian DNA’ and Tissoli’s promise to create an elevated residential masterpiece is perfectly delivered from concept to completion. With GRID’s expertise in ideation, efficient and timely delivery, we are confident that this partnership will support us strategically in bringing this masterpiece to life.”
To accommodate the high demand from global buyers seeking an Italian-crafted lifestyle, Phase 2 offers a limited collection of fully furnished studios, and one- bedroom apartments featuring sweeping sea views and signature Pininfarina interiors. GRID views this partnership as a testament to their growing influence in the luxury sector.
Shreen R Gupta, Founder & CEO stated: “At GRID, we view ourselves as builders of legacies. Our philosophy is rooted in creating spaces where functionality and purpose merge to enhance the lives of residents. We are honored to be appointed as the Development Manager for Palazzo Tissoli. To work alongside Tissoli and a design legend like Pininfarina is a privilege, and we are committed to applying our expertise to ensure this project becomes a reality and is delivered in line with the vision set out by Tissoli and that sets a new benchmark for quality in Ras Al Khaimah.”
The project draws inspiration from the natural mosaic of Ras Al Khaimah’s dunes and sea, requiring a high level of technical expertise to execute Pininfarina’s signature aesthetic. Palazzo Tissoli features resort-style amenities including the Serenity Spa, Vitality Studio, a 24-hour Café, the sunset-facing Skyline Lounge, and the signature Casa del Sigaro. With Phase 1 sold out and Phase 2 now launched, the project is firmly on track to redefine the skyline of the emirate.
Home Integrator
NKEY ARCHITECTS ESTABLISHES GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS IN DUBAI FOLLOWING RAPID GROWTH IN THE MENA REGION
NKEY Architects, an international full-cycle architecture and design company, behind more than 500 residential and commercial projects across over 45 countries, has announced the relocation of its global headquarters to Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s next phase of growth. The move reflects the company’s expanding footprint across international markets and reinforces the UAE’s role as a strategic hub for global design, development, and innovation, at a time when the global architecture services market is projected to exceed $605 billion by 2033.
Founded in 2018, NKEY Architects provides architecture, interior design, and turnkey solutions across residential and commercial sectors. The company operates from offices in Dubai, the United States, Canada, and Ukraine, with projects spanning more than 45 countries.
The decision to establish Dubai as the company’s global headquarters follows sustained growth in the Middle East, which now accounts for approximately 80% of NKEY’s active client portfolio. Since 2022, the company has strategically shifted its development focus toward international markets, beginning with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, before expanding into the United States with projects delivered in Beverly Hills and Miami. This accelerated geographic growth, combined with more than 500 active projects globally, including over 300 in the UAE, underscored the need for a centralized headquarters capable of managing an increasingly complex, cross-border portfolio.
“For NKEY, architecture is a language through which people can gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Our philosophy, ‘NKEY. Unlock your inner self,’ reflects our mission to help clients — from families to progressive, forward-thinking young people — release internal limitations and unlock their personal and life potential through space. At NKEY, space is seen as an extension of identity — a dialogue between a person’s inner state and the external environment. Each project becomes a tool for transformation, where architecture and design support the lifestyle, values, and aspirations of young people, creating environments that foster growth, freedom, and a sense of authenticity. Importantly, we create unique projects or design solutions – every space is created uniquely to reflect the individual client,” said Natalia Melnyk, Founder of NKEY Architects.
The firm’s portfolio is centered on premium and ultra-luxury residential projects, large residential communities, and apartments, alongside select commercial developments across retail, hospitality, business centres, and mixed-use concepts. One of NKEY’s most ambitious current projects is the development of a large-scale shopping mall in Marrakech, Morocco, conceived as a landmark retail destination and involving parallel work across architecture, interiors, branding, and marketing strategy.
NKEY’s management structure is led by three partners, all members of the same family, reflecting the stability and long-term vision of a family-run business. Natalia Melnyk leads creative direction and brand development; Olexander Melnyk oversees operations, sales, and financial strategy; and Sergii Zholob manages engineering, architecture, procurement, and construction teams across international offices. This family-led structure enables NKEY Architects to maintain consistent standards while confidently expanding across regions.
With a growing team of over 100 professionals, NKEY Architects’ relocation to Dubai positions the firm at the centre of one of the world’s most dynamic real estate and design markets, aligned with the UAE’s long-term vision for sustainable growth.
Home Integrator
AYAT DEVELOPMENT BREAKS GROUND FOR AYAMI RESIDENCE IN WARSAN FIRST

Ayat Development, part of Ayat Group, has officially marked the Groundbreaking of Ayami Residence, a contemporary G+Podium+6 residential development in Warsan First. The ceremony signals the commencement of construction for the 376-unit project, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed, lifestyle-focused communities in emerging residential hubs across Dubai.
Scheduled for completion in 2028, Ayami Residence will introduce a curated mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The project is designed to meet the evolving needs of young professionals, couples and families seeking connectivity, comfort and premium amenities within an accessible and rapidly appreciating location.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Ahmed Salamah, CEO of Ayat Development, said: “Ayami Residence represents more than a new development, it symbolizes the next chapter in Ayat’s vision for refined community living. With every project, we aim to introduce signature lifestyle experiences in Dubai’s most promising and desirable locations.
Warsan First is a well-established community with strong infrastructure and seamless connectivity to Dubai’s key landmarks, making it an ideal location for sustainable growth. At Ayat Group, our vision has always gone beyond constructing buildings, we create spaces where families can grow, connect, and truly thrive.”
Strategic Location Advantage
Strategically positioned in Warsan First, the development benefits from strong infrastructure and seamless connectivity to Dubai’s key highways, retail hubs and essential services. The area continues to attract both end users and investors due to its affordability, long-term growth trajectory and well-integrated community environment.
Commenting on the significance of the project, Nasser Ali Alsomahi, Chairman of Ayat Group, added: “Ayami Residence is not just a new project launch, it is a reflection of the collective strength and long-term vision of Ayat Group. What truly sets us apart is our fully integrated ecosystem.
From development and construction to properties, trading, investment, and our factories, every entity works in synergy to ensure quality, efficiency, and complete control over standards and timelines. This unified strength allows us to contribute meaningfully to Dubai’s future landscape.”
Lifestyle Amenities
Ayami Residence is distinguished by an extensive range of lifestyle amenities rarely found within mid-rise developments. The project will feature two swimming pools, including a dedicated family and kids’ pool, as well as a rooftop adults-only pool designed as a private retreat with panoramic views. Additional family-focused amenities include a splash pad and a dedicated kids’ play area, creating a safe and engaging environment for younger residents.
Wellness and recreation form a core part of the development’s concept. Two fully equipped gyms will serve residents, complemented by a dedicated yoga room. The property will also include an on-site paddle court, an open-air cinema and designated BBQ areas designed to foster social interaction and strengthen community bonds.
Further details on Sales launches and construction timelines are expected to be announced later.
With construction now officially underway, Ayat Development reinforces its strategic expansion across high-growth districts in Dubai. Ayami Residence stands as a testament to the Group’s commitment to delivering quality-driven, amenity-rich communities that align with Dubai’s long-term urban growth strategy.
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