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DESIGNING EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST SPACES: STUDIO WYZE’S STORY-DRIVEN PRACTICE

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Exclusive Interview with Christina Arbenz and Chris Sayce, Co-founders and Principals of Studio WYZE

Studio WYZE works across hospitality, residential and product design. When you approach a space, what elements of your process stay constant—no matter the typology?

We always start with the layout, as it often opens the pathway for the concept to unfold. Layout is vital for all parties: operations rely on it to function efficiently; owners need it to achieve a desired number of covers and guests need to feel comfortable and immersed in the experience. The storytelling then comes into play, anchoring the guest journey in narrative. We approach the design of spaces as a series of framed views, with transitions between them unfolding like cinematic shots, guiding people slowly and deliberately through the space.

Many interior studios today lean heavily into aesthetics-first storytelling. How do you ensure that emotional resonance and functionality hold equal weight in your projects?

The emotional resonance of a space comes from how the storytelling unfolds. When the narrative is clear and carried through every step of the design, the guest’s experience becomes part of that story. We think about how someone will sit in a space, how they will interact with the furniture around them, what they will touch, the textures they will feel—and how each of these moments makes them feel. Functionality comes alive in the details. We focus intensely on the refinement and coordination of every elements, so the space not only looks beautiful, but works seamlessly for the team using it day-to-day, and feels effortless and comfortable for the guest.

Hospitality design often demands drama and immersion. How does that sensibility influence the way you approach high-end residential interiors?

Hospitality and residential design both aim to create environments that feel comfortable for the individual using them. In F&B, the experience is often tied to a brand narrative — its cuisine, culture and inevitably a bit of a theme. In hotel design, the storytelling comes from the sense of place, the local context and the type of guest the brand is aimed at. In high-end residential, the goal is similar: to tell a story, but one that belongs to the resident. We look to their tastes, hobbies, travels and meaningful memories, and bring these together to create a space that reflects who they are.

With studios in London and Zurich and projects across global markets, how do you adapt your design language without losing Studio WYZE’s signature identity?

Our identity comes through our process, rather than a signature aesthetic. We approach each project as a unique, individual space. We begin with the building itself—its location, history and purpose—and from there weave in the brand or resident identity, uncovering the story the space is meant to tell. We immerse ourselves in the process, designing bespoke furniture and lighting that give each space its own character. We collaborate with local craftsmen, artisans and manufacturers, and we’re always traveling and exploring to discover new methods, ideas and approaches that bring fresh energy and perspective to our work.

TATTU Dubai unfolds as a multi-level journey inspired by mythology. How early did storytelling become the anchor for this project?

The foundations of TATTU as a brand stem from the history of Asian Tattoos, whereby the inked spirits would endow the owner with protective and strengthening properties. Previous TATTU venues have grounded themselves in four core ‘spirit animals’; the Dragon, the Carp, the Phoenix and the Tiger. The brief was to interpret this core brand narrative into three unique concepts, developing on the design touchpoint to create a more holistic and narrative-driven design.

From the beginning, we felt the most authentic way to unfold the brand and its mythology across the three levels was to develop individual realms for three of these core characters. Our chosen three were The Dragon, featuring at Level 74 as part of the main TATTU Restaurant and Bar; The Carp, featuring at Level 76 as part of the Pool Deck and Sushi Lounge concept; and The Phoenix, feature at Level 81 as part of the Cocktail Bar and Lounge concept. The key was to maintain the storytelling of each of these spirits through materiality, detailing, colour palette and accessories.

From Shou-Sugi-Ban timber to onyx and amethyst glass, the palette is bold yet controlled. How do you decide when a material should lead versus support the space?

We play with contrasts in texture and finish—smooth versus rough, dark versus light, metallic versus natural, gloss versus matte. Every material has a purpose, even if some are more visually dominant. The secondary materials are almost always interesting in their own right, adding depth and nuance to the space. For example, in our main restaurant, the gold leaf slats immediately draw the eye, but behind them, the black plaster finish has its own subtle movement. The hand-applied texture and selective polishing create variations in gloss and shadow, giving the surface life and detail, even when the focus is on the gold above. It’s this layering and dialogue between materials that allows a space to feel rich and purposeful, whether a material is leading or supporting.

Designing the world’s highest infinity pool is no small feat. How did you approach creating a space that feels relaxed yet elevated—literally and conceptually?

On the pool deck, the design is restrained, giving the breathtaking views and architecture the space to speak for themselves. We approached the pool deck with a soft, fresh and airy palette, favouring natural tones that evoke calm. The light aqua hue references both the tranquil colours of water and the legend of the Carp, adding a subtle layer of narrative. The timbers were treated to feel lighter and sun-bleached, as if naturally weathered over time, while the fabrics, though simple, are tactile and inviting, adding a quiet richness to the experience. The goal was to create a space where guests could relax among the foliage and fully appreciate the spectacular views beyond.

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THE EVENT BRINGS TOGETHER SUMMER SHOPPING AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS UNDER ONE ROOF

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As the summer holiday season begins, Jashanmal Group is set to bring its highly anticipated Warehouse Sale: Summer Edition to Cityland Mall Dubai. Following the overwhelming response to its recent Warehouse Sales in the region, the legacy retailer aims to create a family-focused sale for all ages.

The five-day shopping extravaganza taking place from June 24th to 28th is thoughtfully designed to offer a vibrant mix of shopping experiences. Adding to the experience, the Warehouse Sale: Summer Edition will feature a curated selection of premium international brands such as Kenwood, Clarks, Kipling, De’Longhi, BALLY, Hoover, Delsey Paris, Russell Hobbs and many more.

Commenting on the initiative Mr. Anurag Verma, Chief Distribution Officer, Jashanmal Group said, “Given the overwhelming popularity and enthusiastic response to our warehouse sales this year, truly a favorite among shoppers, we are thrilled to bring the highly anticipated Warehouse Sale Summer Edition to Dubai. Summer is a time when families come together, planning their travels and preparing for the season ahead, and it is truly the perfect time to shop. At Jashanmal, we bring together everything you need, offering a complete destination for all your summer shopping needs across multiple lifestyle categories.”

As the retail shopping experience continues to evolve in line with the changing consumer lifestyles and expectations, Jashanmal Group remains at the forefront of delivering immersive, experience-led engagements whether through unique retail concepts, seasonal campaigns and enhanced shopping experiences.

Aligned with the UAE Year of the Family, The Warehouse Sale: Summer Edition underscores the Group’s commitment to community focused initiatives, while celebrating the importance of family at the heart of life in the UAE.

Mr. Verma further added, “We are proud to offer an experience that reflects community spirit, togetherness and joy of shared moments. Through our upcoming sale, we are bringing together trusted brands, exciting experiences and attractive offers in one destination, creating a shopping event that the whole family can enjoy.”

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WHY BRANDS MUST CONFIDENTLY CHAMPION A “MADE IN THE UAE” ETHOS AND MOVE AWAY FROM OVER-RELYING ON THE PRESTIGE OF IMPORTED PRODUCTS

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By Carlo Magistretti, Chief Strategic Advisor, Sobha Furniture

For decades, premium furniture has been closely associated with established European manufacturing centres, particularly Italy, where design heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural influence have shaped global standards. That reputation is deserved. But the global landscape has changed.

Today, the conversation around premium products can no longer be defined by where something has traditionally been made. It must be defined by the quality of design, the precision of execution, the consistency of production, and the value delivered to the customer.

The UAE is a powerful example of this shift.

This is a country built on ambition, but more importantly, on the ability to turn ambition into reality. It is a place where bold ideas are not left as concepts. They are planned, engineered, built, and delivered at scale. From iconic skylines and world-class infrastructure to landmark hospitality and residential developments, the UAE has consistently shown the world what is possible when vision is matched with execution.

That same spirit is now shaping its manufacturing sector.

“Made in the UAE” is no longer a statement of convenience or proximity. Increasingly, it is becoming a mark of quality, capability, and confidence. It reflects a country that has invested deeply in industrial infrastructure, advanced technology, logistics, talent, and operational excellence to create a manufacturing ecosystem that can compete on a global stage.

The momentum behind this shift is clear. The UAE’s manufacturing industry recorded 7.7% growth in Q1 2025 and contributed 12.8% to non-oil GDP, underscoring the country’s growing industrial capability and its role in the wider economic vision.

For UAE-based businesses that continue to rely solely on imported products, whether from Italy or any other market traditionally associated with premium craftsmanship, there is a risk of overlooking what is happening here. The Emirates are no longer simply a destination for global products. They are becoming a place where global standards are created, manufactured, and delivered.

The premium furniture industry needs to recognise this change. Premium should not be reduced to geography. It should be measured by design integrity, material quality, manufacturing precision, service reliability, and the ability to deliver consistently. By those measures, UAE manufacturing is proving that it can stand alongside some of the most established production hubs in the world.

At Sobha Furniture, we have long believed that the future of premium furniture manufacturing is about integrating the design excellence and the manufacturing expertise within one fully integrated ecosystem.

This philosophy has shaped the way we build our business. Our own design teams in Milan – Italy draw on deep expertise in creating proportion, materiality, timeless aesthetics, and meaningful living solution while our manufacturing capabilities in the UAE ensure that these ideas are engineered, produced, finished, and delivered with precision.

This high level of integration is fundamental. In furniture, design and execution cannot exist as separate disciplines. A compelling design only achieves its full value when it is translated flawlessly into the finished product. By connecting design, engineering, manufacturing, finishing, and quality control within a unified process, innovation moves faster, customisation becomes more achievable, and the original design intent is preserved throughout every stage.

For customers, this translates into a more dependable experience, with greater transparency, rigorous quality assurance, enhanced flexibility, and confidence that every piece is delivered exactly as intended.

In recent years, global supply chains have faced repeated disruption, from shipping delays to material shortages and geopolitical pressures. Businesses that rely heavily on distant production networks have often found themselves vulnerable to factors beyond their control.

Manufacturing in the UAE changes that equation. It gives brands greater control over quality, timelines, and responsiveness. It also creates a clearer connection between a brand, its product, and its place of origin. From a customer’s perspective, that translates into confidence and trust.

This belief also shaped the launch of Flaer during Milan Design Week. Flaer represents a new expression of what a premium furniture brand from the UAE can be: globally minded, rooted in Italian design culture, and powered by the UAE’s ability to make ambitious ideas real. Presenting Flaer in Milan was not only a design statement, but a statement of confidence. It demonstrated that a brand conceived, manufactured, and built through the UAE’s capabilities can enter one of the world’s most influential design conversations with clarity and credibility.

This is the opportunity in front of us. The UAE has already earned a global reputation as a place where bold visions are realised. Now, that same reputation is extending into manufacturing, design, and industrial excellence.

The real question is no longer whether UAE manufacturing can compete internationally. The evidence increasingly shows that it can. The question is whether businesses are prepared to move beyond outdated assumptions and recognise the opportunity this shift presents.

As an industry, we must move beyond the belief that premium is synonymous with imported. Excellence can be designed globally, manufactured locally, and delivered to the world. The brands that embrace this mindset will not only strengthen their own competitiveness but will also help define the next chapter of global manufacturing.

The future of premium furniture will belong to those who can combine design excellence, manufacturing precision, operational control, and customer confidence into one seamless experience. The UAE is increasingly proving that it can do exactly that.

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MAJID AL FUTTAIM AND DUBAI SME EXPAND MA’AN TO SHOWCASE HOMEGROWN SMES AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES

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Majid Al Futtaim, a leading developer and operator of shopping malls, communities, retail and leisure destinations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has expanded Ma’an by Majid Al Futtaim, with the launch of its latest customer-facing showcase at Mall of the Emirates. The initiative marks a significant milestone in Ma’an’s evolution, creating direct market access for Dubai’s homegrown businesses and connecting them with millions of consumers across one of the region’s most visited retail and leisure destinations.

The launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior representatives from Majid Al Futtaim and Dubai SME, officially opening the showcase to visitors. This exciting concept provides customers the opportunity to discover and shop for Dubai based homegrown brands across fashion, jewellery, food, lifestyle and design-led retail, all under one roof, reflecting the breadth and quality of entrepreneurial talent already established across the city.

Ma’an was created to help Dubai based entrepreneurs gain greater visibility, reach new customers, and unlock practical opportunities for growth. To date, the initiative has supported close to 70 homegrown brands across the wider Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem, including retail, leisure, entertainment, and loyalty platforms. This growing network of participants reflects both the commercial readiness of Dubai’s SME community and the effectiveness of public–private collaboration in generating real market opportunities.

As part of the programme, 27 brands have been featured across destinations such as THAT Concept Store, VOX Cinemas, ACTIVATE, and iFLY, while 30 brands are participating in dedicated mall pop-ups across Majid Al Futtaim destinations. A further 12 brands have also been onboarded onto the SHARE Rewards Programme, extending their reach beyond the physical mall environment and connecting them with customers through Majid Al Futtaim’s digital loyalty ecosystem.

The first phase of Ma’an focused on opening applications and onboarding Dubai based SMEs into Majid Al Futtaim’s consumer ecosystem, giving selected brands access to retail, entertainment, loyalty, and marketing platforms across the group. With participating brands now integrated into customer-facing channels, the programme has moved into its second phase, focused on direct visibility, discovery, and market access.

This next phase reflects the importance of practical market access in supporting SME growth. By connecting homegrown brands with established retail environments, entertainment platforms, and digital engagement channels, Ma’an supports Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship, enable business growth, and increase the contribution of SMEs to the economy. As a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the city’s economy by 2033, SME-enabling initiatives such as Ma’an play a direct role in building the commercial foundations required to sustain long-term, diversified growth.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), said: “Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to demonstrate its strength and resilience, and Ma’an by Majid Al Futtaim is a direct expression of that confidence, showing how public-private collaboration can create practical growth opportunities for SMEs. By connecting homegrown brands with established consumer destinations and digital platforms, the programme gives entrepreneurs direct access to customers, visibility and commercial insight to support sustainable growth.

“Dubai SME’s focus continues to be on ensuring that entrepreneurs are given the market access and partnerships needed to grow. Initiatives such as Ma’an strengthen the bridge between emerging businesses and major private sector platforms, advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a city where SMEs can scale with confidence. As global conditions continue to evolve, Dubai is committed to enabling its business community, and this programme is a tangible outcome of that commitment.”

Khalifa Bin Braik, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, said: “Ma’an was created around a simple belief: extraordinary businesses already exist across the UAE, but many still face barriers when it comes to access, visibility, and scale. Through Ma’an, we are opening Majid Al Futtaim’s ecosystem to help address those challenges in a practical and tangible way.

“By giving homegrown brands access to customers, retail environments, loyalty platforms and live experiences, we are creating opportunities that would traditionally take years to build independently. This is more than a moment of visibility; it is a platform for growth. The founders participating in Ma’an represent the creativity, resilience, and ambition of the UAE’s SME community, and we are proud to support them as they take their next step.”

Following its debut at Mall of the Emirates, the Ma’an roadshow will continue to City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira, spending two weeks at each destination and introducing customers to a new selection of Dubai based SMEs and homegrown businesses.

Through Ma’an, Majid Al Futtaim and Dubai SME continue to support homegrown businesses by creating tangible pathways to customers, visibility, and commercial growth, while strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to support the UAE’s entrepreneurial community.

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