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A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

Published

3 weeks ago

March 23, 2026

Two individuals reviewing material samples inside a design showroom, standing in front of a display wall filled with colorful leather swatches and automotive inspired panels.

Exclusive interview with Noor Al Muhaideb, founding partner, Opaal interiors.

Noor, you’ve been designing since your AUSD days and now lead Opaal Interiors, what was the pivotal moment when design switched from passion to purpose in your life?

Design has been an enduring passion from an early age, where I found myself drawn to patterns, spaces, and materials. This soon became a professional purpose during my formative years at the American University of Sharjah (AUSD) and subsequently throughout my tenure at Emaar Properties. At AUSD, I refined my technical skills, deepened my understanding of spatial planning, and cultivated a disciplined approach to design. This foundation allowed me to transform instinctive creativity into a structured, impactful practice.

Earlier in my career, I witnessed firsthand how interiors influence lifestyle, wellbeing, and daily experience, far beyond aesthetic considerations. Leading complex residential and hospitality projects revealed the profound effect of thoughtful planning and detailing on occupants’ quality of life. Today, I always look forward to creating environments that are emotionally resonant, where every detail contributes to a meaningful, lived experience.

As founding partner and a lead creative designer, how do you balance executive leadership with creative direction?

At Opaal, leadership and creativity are inseparable yet distinct. My role requires overseeing the strategic growth of the firm including, client engagement, project delivery and operational excellence, while simultaneously shaping the creative vision of every project.

Creativity is the core of our work, which is why nurturing talent is a priority. We encourage young designers to contribute ideas boldly, experiment within project parameters, and take ownership of their work. By fostering this sense of responsibility and creative autonomy, we maintain innovation at the core of our practice while ensuring that every project meets Opaal’s high standards of quality and refinement.

From a business perspective, launching Opaal in a competitive market demanded patience and deliberate strategy. Building a credible client base and reputation took time, particularly when established firms dominated the landscape. By emphasizing meticulous planning and team work, we gradually established trust and credibility.

Adapting to this approach is important for the industry and it is slowly aligning in this direction. For instance, in 2025, over 65 per cent of mid-sized GCC design firms reported collaborative leadership models to balance operational efficiency with creative excellence.

In our industry, this focus ensures that our company remains both a strategically robust business and a leading creative force in the region’s interiors sector.

Opaal emphasizes spaces that feel personal and emotionally grounded. How do you translate a client’s inner world into physical form without losing authenticity?

At Opaal, translating a client’s inner world begins with deep engagement and collaboration. We invest time in understanding their lifestyle and emotional priorities, refining ideas together from concept through execution. Every decision we make, whether it is layout and lighting or materials and textures, it is guided by their identity, ensuring that the space feels authentic and personal. Through this, we create interiors that are functional and refined as well as emotionally resonant, supporting wellbeing and leaving a lasting impression.

As Juan Montoya notes, “A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place. It should smile at you and create fantasy.” This mindset allows our work to remain timeless and meaningful.

Can you walk us through a design decision you made recently, maybe a material, custom joinery piece, or lighting solution, and why it was pivotal to the space’s narrative.

At the MANSORY Residences, we reinterpreted the precision of automotive craftsmanship within a refined residential setting. A custom chaise-like sofa, with a contoured profile inspired by grand tourer seating, anchors the living space with sculptural presence and everyday comfort. The surrounding joinery layers charcoal and graphite tones with cognac leather inlays and brushed metal detailing, balancing strength with warmth. Concealed coves and integrated lighting introduce a soft, ambient glow reminiscent of a luxury dashboard. The result is a composed, immersive environment where bold design is thoughtfully softened for daily living.

How do you balance aesthetic boldness with comfort and emotional resonance, especially in private residential spaces?

Residential design is uniquely distinctive and requires particular care because we are shaping spaces where people live, and rest. For me, bold design is always in service of the people who inhabit a space. Every material, texture, and detail is considered should be more than a visual impact and should focus on how it affects mood and daily life. We firmly believe that a striking feature is only meaningful if it makes the space feel welcoming and emotionally supportive.

We start by understanding how people interact, and experience their homes, then integrate statement elements with restrained palettes, tactile finishes, and bespoke detailing. The goal is to ensure that every home feels personal, which is bold yet restorative.

In an age of fast aesthetic trends, how do you resist momentary visual noise and maintain integrity in your designs?

Maintaining design integrity begins with a clear vision and a deep understanding of each project’s context. We ensure that every decision aligns with the story and purpose of the space, rather than short-lived trends. Moreover, we treat design as a living dialogue between people and their environment.

For example, in the MANSORY Residences by Amaal, Opaal focused on automotive-inspired luxury elements that deliver a consistent, sensory-rich experience throughout the space. The interiors combine bespoke materials, precise detailing, and a thoughtful layout that elevates the concept without resorting to superficial visual effects.

This approach is reinforced by wider industry behaviour where more than 55 per cent of interior designers report that minimalistic and purposeful design is increasingly popular among clients, reflecting a preference for authenticity and longevity over short‑lived trend cycles.

Your recent partnerships, like with MANSORY Residences by Amaal, blend iconic brand identities, how do you approach co-design with global lifestyle brands?

Collaborating with global lifestyle brands requires respecting the brand’s identity while translating it into a tangible, human-centered environment. For MANSORY Residences, our approach began with understanding the brand’s automotive-inspired luxury ethos and the expectations of its residents. We then translated those values into the interiors through bespoke materials, tailored detailing, and spatial planning that reflects both the brand and the lived experience of occupants. We are working closely with the brand, the developer, and other stakeholders to ensure that we meet their standards while keeping our timeless elegance and design elements.

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ELEVATE AWARDS AED 50 MILLION CONTRACT FOR MONDRIAN AL MARJAN ISLAND BEACH RESIDENCES

Published

4 hours ago

April 15, 2026

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ELEVATE has officially awarded an AED 50 million contract to Pinnacle Piling for the piling and foundation works package at Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, marking another major construction milestone for the landmark beachfront development in Ras Al Khaimah.

The appointment reflects continued momentum on site, with shoring works already completed and the project progressing ahead of its construction programme. The award signals ELEVATE’s continued confidence in both the long-term fundamentals of the UAE real estate market and the exceptional growth trajectory of Al Marjan Island as one of the region’s most important emerging leisure and luxury destinations.

Zeeshaan Shah, Founder & Chairman of ELEVATE, said, “We were the fastest-selling project on the island and now we are setting the pace in construction too. That is exactly how we want to be judged – the strength of both our vision and our execution.”

“We remain as confident as ever in the UAE, in Ras Al Khaimah, and in the long-term future of Al Marjan Island. We are deeply grateful to the UAE’s leadership for continuing to create an environment that inspires confidence, enables ambition and allows long-term visions to be realised.”

“Our focus is simple: keep leading, keep building and continue delivering on the trust the market has placed in us.”

Pinnacle Piling brings more than 35 years of specialist geotechnical and foundation expertise to the project, having delivered some of the region’s most technically demanding developments.

Sai Kumar, Chairman and Owner of Pinnacle Piling, said, “We are proud to continue our partnership with ELEVATE on Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences and to play a key role in delivering this landmark development. The project has progressed strongly on site, with the shoring phase now successfully completed and our teams fully mobilised.”

“ELEVATE has moved with impressive speed and clarity, and we are committed to maintaining that momentum while delivering to the highest standards of safety, quality and execution.”

The project continues to attract strong market demand following the successful sell-out of Phase 1 and robust interest in Phase 2. Set on the shores of Al Marjan Island, the AED 1.8 billion Mondrian-branded beachfront development forms part of ELEVATE’s broader vision to deliver design-led, hospitality-driven living experiences in some of the region’s most compelling growth destinations.

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NATUZZI ITALIA HONORS THE MEDITERRANEAN SOUL THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ITALIAN DESIGN THIS EARTH DAY

Published

8 hours ago

April 15, 2026

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Harmonizing Italian Luxury and Sustainability for Earth Day 2026

Dubai, UAE — April 2026 – This Earth Day, Natuzzi Italia, the world’s most renowned Italian lifestyle brand, reaffirms its deep-rooted connection to the Mediterranean landscape by showcasing a collection defined by Eco-innovation, Bio-materials, and Circular Design.

For Natuzzi Italia sustainability is a pursuit of harmony—meeting the needs of the present without compromising the beauty of the future. This year’s Earth Day highlights feature collaborations with visionary designers to bring earth-conscious living to the forefront of luxury interiors.

Sustainable Innovation & Collaborative Design

The Wash Less Project by Fabio Novembre: A pioneering collaboration with Whirlpool, this project reinterprets the traditional valet stand into a harmonious, circular design. Built with a sturdy painted steel structure and upholstered in Ecoplen fabric produced entirely from recycled materials—this piece encourages sustainability by keeping clothes fresh and reducing unnecessary water consumption through its innovative “wash less” philosophy.

Ombra Dining Table by Claudio Bellini: A sculptural masterpiece that merges industrial strength with organic ethics. The asymmetrical legs are hand-troweled using Bio-mortar (Bio Malta), an eco-sustainable and bio-compatible finish crafted from natural elements including quartz, terracotta dust, marble, and mother of pearl. This concrete-effect innovation proves that monumental design can be achieved through earth-friendly chemistry.

Colle Sofa by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG): Inspired by the soft, hospitable silhouettes of early Natuzzi models, Colle captures the effortless relaxation of Mediterranean life. Beyond its visual comfort, it features Eco-friendly padding made from microcellular polyurethane foam derived from renewable plant-based raw materials, ensuring your comfort is grounded in nature.

Artisanal Craftsmanship & Natural Fibers

Papel Rug by Ar-o Studio: A collection of loom-woven rugs crafted from FSC and PEFC-certified paper yarns. This natural, sustainable material is treated with an industrial dirt-repellent film that prevents absorption, ensuring longevity and ease of care without the use of harsh chemicals. Each rug is a testament to the beauty of handmade, biodegradable fibers.

Silo Vases by Marcel Wanders: These hand-made terracotta urns are crafted by master ceramists in the Salento area, honoring ancient Italian traditions. Featuring glazed interiors and rustic rope handles, the Silo collection celebrates the raw, earthen beauty of clay—a material that is as timeless as it is sustainable.

Pumo Lukky by Lorenza Bozzoli: A reinvention of the traditional Apulian good luck charm. Bozzoli dresses the wooden-framed Pumo in vibrant viscose cords and brass details, blending fashion-forward textures with a structural commitment to natural materials.

Explore the Earth Day collections at Natuzzi Italia showrooms on Sheikh Zayed Road and beyond, where every piece tells a story of respect for the environment.

Natuzzi Italia showrooms or online.

• Natuzzi, Sheikh Zayed Road between 2nd and 3rd interchange, Dubai

• Natuzzi, near Al Maktoum Bridge, Umm Hurair Road, Dubai

• Natuzzi, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

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AMAAL APPOINTS CITIC MIDDLE EAST CONTRACTING AS MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR AED 1.8 BILLION MANSORY RESIDENCES IN DUBAI

Published

8 hours ago

April 15, 2026

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Amaal, the visionary Emirati-founded real estate developer, has appointed CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC as the main contractor for MANSORY Residences, the world’s first MANSORY-branded residential tower. Backed by CITIC Construction Co. Ltd, its China-based parent company and one of ENR’s Top 250 International Contractors, the firm will deliver the AED 1.8 billion project, which is scheduled for completion in Q4 2028 and set to define a new standard in design-led ultra-luxury living.

As the main contractor, CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC will oversee the full turnkey construction of MANSORY Residences, including structural works and all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Its scope also includes the integration of advanced smart home technologies, VIP automotive facilities, and the carbon-fibre-inspired design elements that define the MANSORY brand. Drawing on its experience in delivering landmark urban projects and large residential communities, the company will lead quality assurance, safety compliance, and coordination with VX Studio and Opaal’s design team to ensure the faithful execution of the project’s bespoke finishes.

Selected for its strong international track record in delivering large-scale and complex developments, CITIC Construction brings deep engineering, procurement, and construction expertise to the partnership. Operating across key markets in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and China, the company has delivered projects spanning infrastructure, high-end residential and mixed-use developments, industrial facilities, and urbanisation initiatives. Its integrated delivery model, supported by in-house engineering and project management capabilities, offers strong control over quality, timelines, and execution.

Abdulla Lahej, Chairman of Amaal, said: “Our goal has always been to collaborate with partners who share our ambition to push boundaries and redefine industry standards. CITIC Middle East Contracting’s proven global expertise, financial and engineering strength, and dedication to precision, safety, and innovation make them the right partner to bring MANSORY Residences to life. Their track record in delivering complex, high-end projects in major international markets aligns with our goal of creating spaces that merge design and lasting value. Through this partnership, we aim to deliver a world-class development that captures the sophistication Amaal and MANSORY are known for.”

Li Sheng, General Manager of CITIC Middle East Contracting commented: “We are delighted to be appointed as the main contractor for MANSORY Residences by Amaal, a truly pioneering project that reimagines ultra-luxury living in Dubai. Drawing on expertise and experience in delivering large-scale urban developments around the world, we are committed to setting benchmarks in construction quality, safety, and sustainable execution. This partnership reflects our vision of creating long-term value through engineering excellence, and we look forward to delivering a landmark that reflects the combined vision of MANSORY and Amaal, bringing an extraordinary standard of elegance and performance to the city.”

Hamid Kerayechian, CEO & Founding Partner of Ayana Holding, said: “Partnering with CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC as the main contractor for MANSORY Residences ensures that our vision for a design-led, ultra-luxury tower is realised with exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Their experience in delivering complex, high-end developments globally, gives us confidence that this project will meet the exacting standards our investors and residents expect.”

With strong investor activity in Dubai’s property market in Q1 2026, demand for design-led, high-value developments remains robust, such as MANSORY Residences. Property sales reached Dh176.7 billion during the quarter, with transaction values rising 23.4% year on year, while off-plan demand and prices held firm. The momentum also aligns with stronger UAE-China economic relations, as both countries signed agreements to expand trade and investment cooperation, with non-oil trade surpassing $100 billion and the UAE remaining China’s leading trading partner across the MEA.

Part of the prestigious Meydan Horizon masterplan, MANSORY Residences is a 60-storey development that brings together high-performance design, refined residential comfort, and uncompromising quality. The tower will feature one- to four-bedroom residences and full-floor penthouses with world-class amenities. MANSORY’s distinctive design language will reflect throughout, from sculptural façades and bespoke architecture to automotive-inspired interiors.

The delivery of this highly detailed vision will be overseen by CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC, ensuring seamless execution, consistency, and uncompromising quality across every level of the project.

Muhammad Dawood, Chief Executive Officer, Operations & Strategic Partnerships, provided pivotal support that was instrumental in forging this landmark partnership between Amaal and CITIC Middle East Contracting, ensuring alignment on vision, execution, and delivery excellence for MANSORY Residences and future projects.