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Designing Homes That Anticipate Life

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An elegantly set dining room features a modern wooden table, comfortable grey upholstered chairs, a decorative white console table, and abstract wall art, all under soft, ambient lighting.

Exclusive Interview with Muayad Simbawa, Managing Director of Nemetschek Arabia

Nemetschek Group has long been a pioneer in digital design and construction software. How do you see your solutions reshaping the modern home in the UAE?

We see our solutions reshaping the modern UAE home by focusing on three core pillars: intelligent design, sustainable performance, and operational excellence. Instead of just modeling a home, our platforms, like Graphisoft and Vectorworks, allow architects to simulate how a home will actually perform in different conditions, ensuring maximum energy efficiency and indoor comfort from day one.

In construction, tools like Bluebeam enhance collaboration, speeding up delivery and ensuring quality. Critically, we reshape the modern home’s operational life. Our Digital Twin solutions turn the design data into a live asset management tool, allowing seamless integration with smart home technology and predictive maintenance. This ensures the home is not only built efficiently but remains comfortable, sustainable, and high-performing for decades. Ultimately, our goal is to help developers and designers deliver homes that reflect the UAE’s vision for a future where technology enriches everyday living in meaningful, intuitive ways.

With the rising demand for smart living, what role does Nemetschek play in helping architects and designers create more intuitive, tech-enabled homes?

As smart living becomes an essential part of the UAE lifestyle, our role at Nemetschek is to bridge the gap between architectural design and technological integration. Creating truly intuitive, tech-enabled homes requires designers to integrate systems like HVAC, security, and smart lighting before construction even begins.

Our BIM solutions enable architects to design the digital infrastructure for these systems directly within the model. This allows for early clash detection and ensures the building fabric seamlessly accommodates all the smart technology. Furthermore, by promoting open standards, we ensure the data generated by design is easily consumable by all home integrators, guaranteeing a smoother installation and a unified, future-proof platform for the homeowner. In essence, we empower designers to deliver homes where the technology is invisible, intuitive, and truly enhances the living experience without overwhelming it.

As the Managing Director, what excites you most about the future of homes and spaces in the UAE?

What excites me most about the future of homes and spaces in the UAE is the incredible convergence of innovation, sustainability, and human-centric design. This is a country that doesn’t just adopt new ideas, it imagines what living could look like in 10 years or even 50 years from now and then builds it. We are entering a new era where homes will be more adaptable, energy-efficient, and seamlessly connected. Spaces will anticipate residents’ needs, reduce environmental impact, and enhance wellbeing through smarter design and technology.

At Nemetschek Group, I am inspired by how our digital solutions are helping bring this vision to life, from AI-assisted design and precise BIM modelling to digital twins that optimize comfort and performance. What truly motivates me is the opportunity to support developers, architects, and designers as they shape homes that are not only technologically advanced, but also warm, livable, and deeply rooted in the UAE’s forward-looking spirit.

You recently announced a strategic partnership with Concerted Solutions to boost AEC/O digital transformation across the GCC. Can you walk us through a few early projects or pilot deployments under this collaboration and how they align with regional home-and-infrastructure development trends?

Our partnership with Concerted Solutions is deeply aligned with the region’s digital transformation ambitions. Together, we want to accelerate the adoption of smarter, more connected, and more data-driven workflows across the GCC’s construction and infrastructure sectors. Concerted Solutions brings strong regional expertise and an extensive network, which will help us engage more closely with government entities, developers, and consultants who are looking to advance their digital capabilities.

The partnership is also designed to support national agendas such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s We the UAE 2031 vision by enabling organizations to improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and make more informed decisions through integrated digital tools. Ultimately, our joint mission is to unlock new opportunities for innovation and help shape future-ready built environments whether in homes, communities, or major infrastructure projects.

How are you tailoring your software and digital workflows specifically for large-scale residential developments in the GCC through this partnership?

Through our partnership with Concerted Solutions, we are tailoring our software and digital workflows to meet the unique needs of large-scale residential developments in the GCC – a market defined by rapid growth, ambitious national visions, and rising expectations for smart, sustainable living. Together, we are helping developers move from traditional, siloed processes to fully connected digital ecosystems that support better planning, coordination, and long-term asset performance.

Our joint approach focuses on enabling clearer design communication, improving construction quality, and ensuring that energy efficiency and sustainability targets are embedded from the start. With tools such as BIM, digital twins, and data-driven collaboration platforms, residential developers can simulate community layouts, optimize material use, streamline handover, and enhance the resident experience through smarter building operations.

Since your expansion into Saudi Arabia, you’ve signaled a focus on giga-projects under Vision 2030. What are some of the major developments (residential, infrastructure, or hospitality) you are already involved in, or planning to be involved in, in the Kingdom?

Our focus in Saudi Arabia is strategically aligned with the core pillars of Vision 2030, including the massive residential, infrastructure, and tourism giga-projects. We are proudly engaged with developments that are setting a new global benchmark for sustainable construction. Nemetschek Group is actively supporting the digital transformation goals of major developers behind flagship projects like the ones by Public Investment Fund. Our solutions are providing the digital backbone for design and construction in the Kingdom’s next generation of cities, whether that’s using Graphisoft for residential master-planning, Bluebeam for site collaboration, or dTwin to power the long-term, sustainable operation of the Kingdom’s emerging hospitality and infrastructure assets.

The Nemetschek Group has an impressive global footprint. How are you tailoring your growth strategy for the UAE’s unique home and hospitality markets?

Our global strategy is always executed with a deep commitment to understanding the needs and expectations of the local market. The UAE’s home and hospitality markets are uniquely dynamic, blending cutting-edge design with a strong emphasis on comfort, sustainability, and guest experience. To help developers create spaces that are both technologically advanced and deeply human-centric within this region, our strategy focuses on three areas. First, service localization to ensure our support and consulting services are delivered by local experts who understand the unique regulatory environment and climate challenges. Second, ecosystem collaboration, which means strengthening ties with key local system integrators and property technology providers to ensure our design and operation platforms integrate seamlessly with the specific smart home technology favored here. Third, specialized solutions, where we champion brands like Spacewell and dTwin that deliver immediate, measurable value in facility management – a critical factor for the region’s high-end, long-term asset owners in both the residential and luxury hospitality sectors. Through this strategy which combines global innovation with local partnerships and on-the-ground expertise, we ensure our solutions truly reflect the UAE’s forward-looking vision.

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Home Integrator

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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DAZE EXPANDS IN DUBAI WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS SECOND SHOWROOM

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A man in a hard hat and high-visibility vest is standing on an open construction site, shaking hands with another professional man wearing a suit, symbolizing the groundbreaking or contract signing for the development project.

Daze, the contemporary furniture brand celebrated for its refined modernity and inventive design, has officially opened its second showroom in Dubai. Situated in the city’s dynamic Sheikh Zayed Road, the 550-square-meter space debuts the brand’s newest collections, uniting timeless forms with innovative materials to capture the evolving language of modern living.

The launch of Daze Dubai, the brand’s second showroom, marks a significant step in its regional expansion, further establishing its distinctive design philosophy within a city celebrated for its cultural diversity, architectural ambition, and global design influence. Conceived as an immersive experience, the showroom balances contemporary functionality with quiet elegance, inviting visitors to explore thoughtfully curated pieces that champion comfort, individuality, and elevated everyday living.

“Design is at the heart of everything we do at Daze,” said Mrs. Zeina Batal – General Manager at Daze. She added “With this new showroom in Dubai, a city that mirrors our values of creativity, design excellence, and forward-thinking vision, we wanted to create a space that reflects our passion for form, texture, and harmony.” 

Building on the success of its flagship showroom in Lebanon, Daze continues to strengthen its presence across the region, with additional openings planned in the GCC and soon in Africa, reinforcing its position as a rising leader in modern furniture and interior design.

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