Home Integrator
RICHMIND BREAKS GROUND ON OYSTRA AT AL MARJAN ISLAND, RAS AL KHAIMAH
Richmind, a premium developer specialising in ultra-niche real estate projects and a flagship business vertical of Richmind Holding, has officially broken ground on Oystra, a landmark residential project on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), Oystra represents a defining moment in the emirate’s emergence as the UAE’s next world-class coastal investment destination and sets an unprecedented benchmark for luxury waterfront living.
With Phase 1 fully sold out, the groundbreaking marks a significant milestone and signals the formal launch of Phase 2, now officially on sale. The sellout of Phase 1, driven by strong global and regional demand, underscores growing investor confidence in high-growth beachfront markets like Ras Al Khaimah and affirms Oystra’s position as one of the most sought-after developments on Al Marjan Island. Construction remains firmly on track for the 2029 handover.
Oystra brings together an exceptional, world-renowned team of partners to deliver a project conceived as a legacy development from day one. Zaha Hadid Architects leads the visionary design, introducing a sculptural, fluid architectural form never before seen on Al Marjan Island, while Dewan Architects + Engineers translates this ambition into technical reality through innovations such as the 40-metre curved steel truss that preserves ZHA’s purity of form. HBA delivers hospitality-grade interiors, and Cracknell creates a landscape that becomes an experiential extension of the architecture, deeply connected to the seafront environment. Together, these partners ensure Oystra is executed not as a conventional development, but as a landmark that will define the future of waterfront living in the emirate.
“Al Marjan Island has always been envisioned as a premier waterfront destination, and the groundbreaking of Oystra marks an exciting milestone in the island’s continued growth. Richmind’s commitment to design excellence and world-class partnerships, reinforces the international appeal of Ras Al Khaimah and elevates the lifestyle offering for residents and investors alike,” says Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO, Marjan.
Located just steps from the UAE’s first integrated resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, Oystra will offer 850 one to four-bedroom luxury seafront residences, each oriented to maximize views of the Arabian Gulf. The development will feature curated wellness facilities, a world-class beach club and spa, and a signature dining destination elevated at the project’s peak, encircled by Ras Al Khaimah’s first and only 360° infinity pool, offering some of the most dramatic views on Al Marjan Island.
Mohammad Rafiee, CEO of Richmind Holding, said: “Oystra is more than a development, it is a milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s rise as a global coastal investment destination. The rapid sellout of Phase 1 reflects growing international interest in the emirate, as buyers increasingly seek premium, design-led beachfront properties with strong long-term value potential. This groundbreaking is not just the start of construction, it is an affirmation of our long-term commitment to supporting the emirate’s evolution and delivering a project that embodies rarity, architectural excellence, and enduring value for our clients and investors.”
As construction progresses toward the 2029 handover, Oystra continues to embody Richmind’s mission to deliver artful, design-driven residential experiences that elevate the UAE’s coastal landscape, create lasting financial value, and cultivate trusted, long-term partnerships with residents and investors.
Richmind Holding currently operates across the UK, Germany, China and UAE, and are poised for additional international growth in the year ahead.
Home Integrator
AN EXCLUSIVE UNOPIÙ COLLECTION AT WESTERN FURNITURE: ITALIAN ELEGANCE WITH AN ORIENTAL SPIRIT FOR OUTDOOR SPACES
Western Furniture, the UAE’s leading destination for luxury interiors, proudly presents Unopiù, a renowned Italian outdoor furniture brand redefining outdoor living—where design meets nature through timeless materials, sculptural forms, and sustainable innovation.
Unopiù’s renowned collections embody the philosophy of “Where Luxury Meets Nature”, blending artisanal expertise with contemporary aesthetics to create settings that exude balance, beauty, and tranquility.
Among the most admired creations in the Unopiù world is The Chelsea Collection introduces an oriental-inspired aesthetic through sculptural teak frames, low Japanese-style seating, and soft white cushions that embody serenity and warmth. Its extendable dining table and two-seater sofas are distinguished by compact volumes and clean lines, while the Chelsea Sunlounger showcases refined craftsmanship with adjustable back and leg rests, discreet wheels for easy movement, and the option of a plush cushion for elevated comfort. Completing this panorama of outdoor artistry, the Pevero Island stands as a masterpiece of circular design in smooth teak (Ø160 cm), paired with soft Nuvola-hued cushions to create an inviting centerpiece for terraces, gardens, and poolside retreats. Together, these pieces reflect Unopiù’s vision of outdoor living: spaces that balance modern design with the warmth of natural materials, where every detail evokes Italian refinement and timeless luxury.
A timeless icon of Unopiù style, the Ginger Director’s Chair, features a frame made of premium-quality teak with seat and backrest in Cotone cotton fabric, complemented by either a seat cushion or beige Canatex covers (a sustainable hemp-blend fabric composed of 70% PVC and 30% polyester). Exclusive, versatile, and designed for daily use, this chair is a true protagonist of any environment, capturing a personal interpretation of relaxation and refined simplicity.

Another highlight is the Salò Sofa, part of the prestigious Salò 2025 Collection. This piece symbolizes timeless elegance and advanced functionality in outdoor furniture. Inspired by the enchanting landscapes of northern Italy, particularly the captivating charm of Lake Garda, the collection combines modernist design with premium materials to create outdoor sofas and armchairs that stand out for their sophisticated style and extraordinary comfort.

With over four decades of design excellence, Unopiù continues to champion sustainable living through the use of ethically sourced teak, durable weather-resistant materials, and an eco-conscious production ethos. Its collections embody the meeting of tradition and innovation, an approach that resonates with Dubai’s commitment to design-led sustainability and creative excellence.
Home Integrator
MODERN DESIGN WITHOUT THE LUXURY PRICE TAG
Exclusive interview Hussein Khalil El Batal the chairman and CEO of Batal Design Group
Your journey started with a single humble store that evolved into a multi-market design powerhouse. Looking back, which core values have driven BD Holding’s transformation over the past 30 years?
When I look back, what carried us from one humble store to a regional group is quite simple: family, integrity, and obsession with design. We never treated furniture as a product; we treated it as a way of living. Over seventy years, BD Holding built deep relationships with suppliers across the world, always insisting on quality, fair pricing, and long-term partnerships. This mindset created trust. Trust from our teams, our partners, and our customers, and it is that trust which allowed us to grow into a multi country design group rather than remain a single showroom.
The Group has expanded its portfolio with brands such as DAZE, B Design, Intercasa, B Interiors, B Closets, and B Office. How do these brands reflect the region’s evolving lifestyle and design expectations?
Each brand in BD Holding answers a different need in our customers’ lives. DAZE speaks to the new generation that wants modern design, comfort, and accessibility without compromising on quality. B Design and Intercasa focus on craftsmanship, customization, and full interior solutions for homes and projects. B Interiors, B Closets, and B Office answer the growing demand for tailored storage, workspaces, and smart living. Together they reflect a region where people are more design aware, more digitally connected, and more demanding. They expect international standards with a local heartbeat, and this is exactly what our portfolio delivers.
Your philanthropic work and community commitments are widely recognized. How does this personal mission shape the culture, values, and long-term vision of BD Holding?
I grew up in a country that has seen many challenges. For me, success without responsibility has no meaning. Our philanthropic initiatives, whether in education, craftsmanship training, or community support, are not separate from the business. They are part of our identity. Within BD Holding, this translates into a culture of respect, loyalty, and opportunity. A place where people grow, stay, and contribute to something larger than a business. Many of our employees have grown with us for decades. Externally, it means we design and build with the belief that better homes can contribute to stronger communities. When we talk about expansion, we are not only speaking about showrooms; we are speaking about impact and legacy.
DAZE is one of your latest brand concepts. What design gap or unmet customer behavior inspired its creation, and how does it differentiate itself from the Group’s other brands in terms of materials, colour palettes, and price positioning?
DAZE was born because we saw a clear gap. Customers wanted contemporary, trend conscious furniture with a refined look, but at a price that felt realistic for everyday life. With DAZE we combined the heritage and purchasing power of BD Holding with a fresh, youthful design language. The brand plays with bouclé, micro leather, warm woods, marble and metal details, soft neutrals, and rich accent tones that speak to today’s interiors. The collections are carefully engineered to be accessible in price, yet aspirational in mood. It sits alongside our other brands as the most approachable, fashion forward expression of our design philosophy.
DAZE has quickly emerged as a strong franchise model. In your view, what makes it a compelling investment opportunity compared to other concepts in the market?
What makes DAZE powerful as a franchise is that partners are not starting from zero. They step into a concept that is already tested in multiple countries, supported by more than seventy years of sourcing experience and thousands of supplier relationships worldwide. This gives DAZE a strong advantage in price, quality, and design. In addition, we offer a full support structure: operations, R and D, purchasing, and marketing specialists, all focused on the success of our partners. The model is designed to deliver attractive returns, with an accessible initial investment and a clear path to profitability, which is why investors see it as a serious, results driven opportunity.
Looking ahead, what is the expansion roadmap for DAZE? Where do you envision the brand in the next five years, and what strategies will drive that growth?
DAZE started in Lebanon and has grown into key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Buraydah, Dubai, Erbil, Baghdad, and Africa with a new location underway in Baghdad and an upcoming international opening in Milano. Our current footprint spans more than twelve showrooms, and our ambition is to cross fifty by the end of 2030. The strategy is clear: work with committed partners, secure prime locations, and maintain a strong pipeline of collections that respond to local tastes while staying globally relevant. We will continue to build DAZE as a trend-setting yet accessible brand, ready for multi-continent expansion.
How do you balance trend driven collections with timeless pieces that retain value over the years?
For me, this balance is the art of what we do. Our R and D team spends the year studying exhibitions, global fairs, and digital inspiration to identify what is coming next. At the same time, we design with longevity in mind. The new direction in furniture is not fast fashion; it is collections that feel current today but still beautiful ten years from now. We achieve this by anchoring each season in solid proportions, comfortable silhouettes, and materials that age well, then layering in trend elements through fabrics, colours, and details that can be refreshed over time.
What operational systems make DAZE a scalable franchise model for multi market expansion?
Behind the aesthetics, DAZE is a very disciplined system. Our partners benefit from a complete toolkit: showroom design, visual merchandising, staff training, project support, and access to integrated software, systems, and e commerce. A dedicated franchise team follows up daily to ensure consistency and growth. Because sourcing, R and D, marketing, and logistics are centralized and managed by experienced teams, each new franchise can focus on execution and customer relationships rather than building an entire infrastructure from scratch. This is what allows DAZE to replicate success from one country to another while respecting the specifics of each market.
What differentiates DAZE from other contemporary furniture brands in the region?
DAZE stands at the intersection of Lebanese creativity and European refinement. It carries the heritage and credibility of BD Holding, yet speaks with a young, confident voice. The brand combines design research, material innovation, and careful pricing in a way that few regional brands can match. Most importantly, DAZE is not only a showroom concept; it is a partnership model with proven results, from Lebanon to UAE, KSA, Iraq, and soon in Milano and Africa. When you choose DAZE, whether as a customer or a franchisee, you are joining a story that is already successful and still full of possibilities.
Home Integrator
EXCLUSIVE SEASONAL OFFERS: NATUZZI ITALIA SHINES AT DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL
Step into Natuzzi Italia’s Seasonal Showcase during the Dubai Shopping Festival, where iconic craftsmanship meets contemporary style. Running until January 29, this limited-time event features exceptional offers on select pieces that blend timeless elegance with modern functionality. Don’t miss the opportunity to bring home a true Natuzzi Italia masterpiece.
Featured Highlights of the Best Buys:
The DSF collection highlights Natuzzi Italia’s mastery of comfort and contemporary elegance, led by signature modular sofas such as KULT, designed in fine Bianco Ottico leather, and the sculptural BORGHESE, offering adaptable configurations for modern living spaces. Complementing the sofa range are the refined silhouettes of MILANO, BOTANIC, and LEVANTE, each expressing the brand’s balance of ergonomics and style.



Bedroom offerings are elevated through the DOLCEVITA bed, blending warm textiles with Natuzzi’s signature refinement.
Oblo Sofa:
The Oblò sofa by Maurizio Manzoni captures the comfort of a warm embrace with its soft, organic lines and sleek metal frame. Its modular design offers flexible configurations, whether used as a complete setup or as standalone pieces, making it easy to adapt to different spaces.

Natuzzi Italia also extends its DSF showcase into dining and accessories. The architectural VOYAGE, a fixed dining table featuring an elliptic glass top and gold metal base for a refined dining statement,and AMBER dining tables combine glass, metal, and walnut in contemporary geometries. Completing the lifestyle collection are accent pieces such as the MONDRIAN bedside tables and the Y008 smoked oak mirror, designed to complement modern interiors.

Deep Sofa

Designed by Nika Zupanc, the Deep Sofa captures the flow of sea waves with its modular, customizable configurations and enveloping lines—perfect for unwinding in style.
Simple Sofa

Perfect for compact spaces, the Simple Sofa transforms into a sofa bed with a single gesture. Its sleek, essential lines make it a modern problem solver designed by the Natuzzi Design Center.
The collection also features advanced comfort innovations such as the SEAGULL powered reclining seats and the ultra-functional EASY sofa — a practical design offering a seamless “ready-to-bed” mechanism without compromising on comfort. Its rounded lines create a harmonious blend of style and function, reinforcing Natuzzi Italia’s commitment to intelligent, design-led living.


Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your home with Natuzzi Italia’s iconic designs at unmatched prices.
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