Home Integrator
HBA PARTNER RAHUL SHANKHWALKER EXPANDS ROLE TO DUBAI MENA , STRENGTHENING HBA’S MIDDLE EAST LEADERSHIP TEAM
HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates), the world’s leading hospitality design firm, has announced that Rahul Shankhwalker, Partner, will expand his role to Dubai as part of the firm’s continued investment in the Middle East. The move strengthens HBA’s senior regional leadership team and reinforces the firm’s long-term commitment to the region’s rapidly evolving hospitality, residential and lifestyle sectors.
Rahul will work closely with Andrew Moore, Partner & President, Middle East & KSA, and Vincent Tiberghien, Partner and Vice President of Development, adding senior design leadership and cross-disciplinary expertise as HBA enters its next phase of regional growth.

Rahul Shankhwalker Partner, HBA Dubai | Photography credit: Sayher Heffernan
“Rahul is a valued HBA partner and brings his creativity and design excellence to the studio. With a strong record in design leadership across Asia-Pacific and internationally,” said Andrew Moore, Partner & President, Middle East & KSA. “His move to Dubai adds further depth to our regional leadership team at an important moment for the Middle East. I look forward to working closely with Rahul and Vincent as we continue to build on HBA’s long-standing relationships, integrated expertise and commitment to the region.”

With more than 25 years of international experience spanning hospitality, residential and mixed-use design, Rahul joins Dubai from HBA Singapore, where he has led architecture and interior design projects across Asia-Pacific and beyond. His global perspective, multidisciplinary design experience and long-standing partnership with HBA will further strengthen the Dubai studio’s ability to deliver experience-driven projects that evoke emotion, foster human connection and create long-term value for clients.
Central to Rahul’s expanded role will be supporting HBA’s One HBA approach, a collaborative model that brings together the multidisciplinary expertise already established within HBA Dubai, including Hospitality, Architecture, Residential, Lighting, Art, F&B, Digital, Landscape, Graphic Design and Strategy. Guided by the principles of integrated design, collective excellence and exceptional delivery, One HBA enables HBA to draw on specialist talent from around the world to deliver seamless, end-to-end design solutions for clients globally.
Rahul’s move to Dubai also reflects HBA’s strategic focus on the continued growth of Studio HBA across the region, expanding the firm’s ability to deliver thoughtful, commercially intelligent design solutions across a broader spectrum of hospitality, residential and lifestyle projects.

Commenting on his appointment, Rahul Shankhwalker said: “For me, design is more than creating buildings or beautiful spaces. It is about shaping environments where people connect and feel encouraged to create lasting memories. The places that stay with us are rarely remembered because they had the best design, but because of how they made us feel. As I expand my role into Dubai, I’m excited to work alongside Andrew, Vincent and the wider regional team to bring together architecture, interiors and multidisciplinary thinking in support of HBA’s continued growth across the Middle East. The opportunity is to shape destinations that are culturally relevant, commercially intelligent and deeply embedded in the experiences and memories people create.”
As hospitality and tourism investment across the GCC continues to remain robust, HBA Dubai is well positioned to support the next generation of destination creation, designing spaces that go beyond aesthetics to shape identity, elevate guest experience and deliver long-term commercial and cultural value. This approach is reflected in a portfolio of landmark projects, including the Residences at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Waldorf Astoria Residences, JW Marriott Hotel and Residences RAK , SHA Wellness Resort along with many, residences & Villas.

Notable current and recent projects from Rahul’s international portfolio include Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, Taj Resort Puri in India, Grand Park City Hall in Singapore, and selected Middle East projects.
Rahul Shankhwalker is available for interviews, expert commentary and thought leadership opportunities on hospitality design, business transformation, multidisciplinary design innovation, and the future of luxury development in the Middle East.
Home Integrator
IKEA Turned Last-Minute Hosting into a 90-Second Guest-Ready Tidy-Up Challenge
IKEA, operated by Al-Futtaim in the UAE, gathered residents and visitors together for the Guest-Ready Tidy-Up on 15 October, at IKEA Festival Plaza and Dubai Festival City stores.The activation brought IKEA’s storage solutions to life through a playful challenge, showcasing how IKEA continues to be part of customers’ everyday stories.
From laundry on the sofa, to toys on the floor – the last-minute tidy up before welcoming guests into our home can be familiar. Inspired by a relatable hosting moment, what happens after you receive the message that guests are on their way, the challenge gave IKEA Family members 90 seconds to put misplaced items into designated storage spaces in a staged living room, before the doorbell rang and their time was up.
An IKEA coworker assessed whether items were stored correctly within the allocated time, with 60 IKEA gift cards handed out to the winning customers across both stores, each worth AED 500.
The Guest-Ready Tidy-Up challenge celebrated the everyday moments that bring people together. Through practical, well-designed storage solutions at affordable prices, IKEA helps customers create homes that work for their routines, making it easier to clear the clutter and welcome friends and family. The challenge offered visitors a firsthand experience of IKEA’s storage solutions and ideas to use at home long after the activation.
Home Integrator
Ohana Development Announces Erling Haaland as a Proud Homeowner at Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, During Phase 2 Launch
Ohana Development has announced Erling Haaland as a proud homeowner at Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana during the launch of the project’s second phase. Featuring two- and three-bedroom townhouses, duplex villas, and four- and five-bedroom villas, Phase 2 sales will commence on 19 October 2026. The event at Etihad Arena welcomed over 4,000 guests, including Pep Guardiola, who was announced as the project’s official brand ambassador.
Located along Yas Canal, adjacent to Yas Island, the development spans 1.67 million square metres and will feature more than 2,000 residences. The world’s first Manchester City-branded residential community has already broken ground, with phased delivery scheduled by 2029.
In a video appearance by Manchester City star Erling Haaland, he announced that he was excited to be joining the Ohana family as a proud homeowner with a five-bedroom villa for his family at Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana. Additionally, Manchester City legend, Alfie Haaland also picked up the keys to his new home in the community.
Pep Guardiola also appeared on stage for a discussion exploring teamwork, resilience and the importance of sport and wellbeing beyond football.
Husein Salem, CEO of Ohana Development, said: “The response to our first phase demonstrated the confidence buyers place in Abu Dhabi and our vision for Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana. Phase 2 builds on that momentum, offering more families and investors the opportunity to become part of this unique community. Welcoming Pep Guardiola as our official brand ambassador further reinforces our commitment to creating a residential destination centred on sport, wellbeing and lasting value.”
Pep Guardiola said: “In professional sport, we understand that performance depends on more than training. Recovery, balance and wellbeing are just as important, and those principles matter in everyday life too. Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana places sport and wellness at the heart of the community, giving residents opportunities to stay active, recharge and spend time together. That approach is what makes the project particularly appealing to me, and I am pleased to join Ohana Development as its official brand ambassador for this unique community.”
Home Integrator
Deyaar builds on its 2026 handover momentum with 711 new homes at Tria in Dubai Silicon Oasis
Deyaar Development PJSC (Deyaar), a DFM-listed integrated real estate company and one of Dubai’s leading developers, has announced the handover of Tria, a landmark residential development that brings a new scale of elevated living to Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). Rising prominently above its surroundings, the development comprises 711 residences and six retail units, distinguished by a striking three-wing architectural form designed to create three unique view corridors, ensuring residents enjoy prime outlooks across the Dubai skyline, Dubai Silicon Oasis and the surrounding parklands.
The handover lifts Deyaar’s deliveries in 2026 to more than 2,100 units, following the completion of 1,436 units across Regalia, Jannat and Talia Residences earlier in the first half. Built with families in mind, Tria pairs its homes with podium and rooftop amenities that include swimming pools, landscaped gardens, children’s areas, fitness and wellness facilities, sports courts, social spaces, and outdoor dining and entertainment areas.
Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO of Deyaar, said: “Earlier this year we welcomed owners to three of our projects across Dubai. Today, Tria adds another 711 homes to that momentum. It was conceived as a modern urban sanctuary, and seeing it come to life in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis is a proud moment for Deyaar. We thank our owners and investors for their trust, and our partners, contractors, government stakeholders and team for making it possible.”
With more than two decades of experience across residential, commercial and hospitality developments, Deyaar continues to diversify its portfolio and build on its momentum this year. Tria reflects a clear vision: creating vibrant communities where thoughtful design, wellbeing and lasting value shape the way Dubai lives.
As Deyaar looks ahead, its focus remains on scaling a balanced pipeline of projects, strengthening its position as one of Dubai’s most dynamic developers and contributing to the emirate’s long-term urban growth.
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