By Niki Tæstensen, Design Director ECCO

At ECCO, our philosophy has always been simple: design shoes that work with the body, not against it. From our earliest days, we have understood that the way a shoe interacts with the foot can make the difference between movement that feels effortless and movement that feels constrained. It’s a principle that has guided our innovations for decades and is at the heart of our BIOM® technology.

The story of BIOM® begins in 2009, when we undertook an unprecedented study of human movement. Scanning the feet of 2,500 athletes, we set out to understand the biomechanics of natural motion in meticulous detail. The result was revolutionary: a shoe designed to support the body’s natural stride, offering stability, flexibility and comfort in perfect balance. Inspired by barefoot running, BIOM® shoes were built to align with how the body moves and to complement, rather than fight, your foot’s own mechanics.

A cornerstone of this new collection is ECCO ENCORE TECHNOLOGY, a continuation of the legacy BIOM® began. ECCO ENCORE TECHNOLOGY amplifies the benefits of biomechanical design, providing cushioning, flexibility and energy return that make movement feel effortless. Outsole vents, a detail we first introduced in 2011, enhance breathability, improve shock absorption, and help return energy to your stride. The result is a shoe that doesn’t just carry you through the day, it actively supports your movement – keeping your feet energised and comfortable, no matter how long your day lasts.

The spring/summer 2026 BIOM® 720 collection comprises two distinct styles, each designed to meet specific real-world needs:

ECCO BIOM® 720 GTX – the versatile waterproof all-rounder. Combining BIOM® and ECCO ENCORE TECHNOLOGY with GORE-TEX SURROUND® construction, this shoe delivers durable, waterproof protection from every angle, while maintaining the breathability essential for year-round comfort. Whether you’re navigating rainy commutes or venturing outdoors, the 720 GTX ensures your feet stay dry, supported, and comfortable.

ECCO BIOM® 720 BREATHRU – an everyday summer trainer. Lightweight, breathable, and engineered with moisture-wicking BREATHRU mesh, this shoe allows air to circulate freely while maintaining the same support and stability as its waterproof counterpart. Ideal for warmer weather, it offers the perfect combination of ventilation and all-day comfort for everyday activities.

Both styles embody a simple but crucial truth: a shoe must support the body in real life, not just in theory. By designing for movement, cushioning impact, and promoting natural biomechanics, the BIOM® 720 collection addresses the needs of the modern wearer. Whether you’re travelling for work, enjoying a weekend hike, or simply walking across town, these shoes are engineered to respond to the natural rhythm of your body.

Comfort, however, is more than a technical metric, it’s a quality-of-life issue. In today’s fast-paced, hybrid lifestyles, where the boundaries between work, leisure, and movement blur, footwear must keep up without compromise. We have seen how discomfort can impact energy, posture and wellbeing. The ECCO BIOM® 720 is our answer. It is a shoe that encourages movement, protects the body and delivers comfort that lasts from the first step of the day to the last.

Innovation is also about responsibility. At ECCO, we have always managed every aspect of the value chain, from leather and shoe production to retail, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality. Our commitment to comfort is inseparable from our commitment to care. By creating durable, long-lasting shoes that people want to wear every day, we promote responsible consumption.

In essence, the BIOM® 720 is more than a shoe. It is the next evolution of our ongoing exploration of human movement, rooted in biomechanics, informed by technology and inspired by real-world lifestyles. It honours our legacy of designing shoes that respect the natural mechanics of the body while adapting to the demands of modern life.

As we continue to innovate, our focus remains clear: to create footwear that enhances human movement and supports the wellbeing of every wearer. With the ECCO BIOM® 720 collection, we are proud to offer shoes that do exactly that, delivering next-level comfort, performance and style, wherever life takes you.

Business continuity in the UAE’s real estate landscape keeps up, as projects launch, sales offices stay operational and transactions continue. AUM Development, a renowned two-decade old Dubai-based real estate firm, has announced the launch of Ryze Residences, in Warsan, one of Dubai’s fastest-evolving districts, positioned at the intersection of academic, employment, and infrastructure growth. A 93-residential development comprising studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, prices start from AED 599K, with a 40/60 payment plan aimed at both end-users and investors. The project offers a thoughtfully designed mix of residences, including studios averaging 382 sq. ft, one-bedroom apartments averaging 891 sq. ft, and spacious two-bedroom units at 1,936 sq ft.

Ryze forms part of AUM Development’s expanding residential and commercial pipeline, backed by over 20 years of experience and more than AED 1.8 billion in real estate investments. A 100% real estate-focused, equity-funded developer, AUM has built a reputation for delivering projects that prioritize disciplined execution, market relevance, and long-term value.

Located in Warsan, Ryze is located near Dubai Academic City, which hosts over 30 international universities, and its growing connectivity to the wider city. With improving road infrastructure, access to International City, and the upcoming metro expansion, the area is seeing rising demand from students, faculty, young professionals, and long-term tenants seeking affordability without sacrificing access.

“Even amidst the broader regional developments, Dubai’s underlying demand drivers and institutional stability continue to support long-term real estate investment in well-located residential assets. From an investment standpoint, the project is positioned to benefit from Warsan’s rental fundamentals, particularly its proximity to Dubai Academic City, International City, and key arterial roads connecting to Dubai International Airport and central Dubai,” said Deepak Batra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, AUM Development. 

“Warsan is no longer a peripheral location, it is becoming a functional residential hub that is witnessing sustained rental demand driven by education, healthcare, location and support services in and around the area. Ryze has been conceived as a practical, investment conscious response to this demand, with well-planned homes, efficient layouts, and amenities that genuinely add value to everyday living helping residents’ recharge and refocus”, he added.

Ryze Residences has been designed with a strong emphasis on livability and efficiency, featuring smart floor plans, vastu-compliant layouts and architecture that maximises natural light through glass facades and layered balconies.

Distinguishing itself as ‘rooftop lifestyle’, the development is designed to house amenities on the rooftop to encourage community interaction and connection, including an infinity pool and children’s pool, a fully equipped gym with panoramic views, a ‘Sky Cinema’ for outdoor movie nights, EV charging stations and WiFi-enabled common areas.

Ramadan is a season of reflection, generosity and thoughtful gestures. As families and friends mark the holy month, the act of giving becomes a meaningful way to express care and appreciation, with gifts chosen not only for their beauty but for the moments they accompany.

Founded in Meda in 1927, Cassina has long shaped the language of contemporary living, guided by a philosophy rooted in research, innovation and fine craftsmanship. This Ramadan and Eid, Cassina presents a curated edit celebrating the art of thoughtful gifting, pieces designed to bring warmth, elegance and quiet sophistication into the home.

Each piece reflects Cassina’s enduring design language, where tradition and modernity exist in balance, inviting homes across Dubai to celebrate with gifts designed not only to be given, but to be lived with.

Invitation to Host
Serving Cart by Bodil Kjær – Cassina Details

Originally conceived in 1963 for the modern living room, Bodil Kjær’s versatile Serving Cart has been masterfully restored and updated by Cassina. Its refined structure transitions effortlessly from presenting dates and Arabic coffee at iftar to displaying desserts during Eid gatherings. Both practical and refined, it enhances hospitality with understated elegance.

The Art of the Table

Le Monde de Charlotte Perriand by Charlotte Perriand – Cassina Details

Created in partnership with Ginori 1735, this hand-decorated fine porcelain tableware draws inspiration from Charlotte Perriand’s photography and personal archive. Elements of nature meet the designer’s creative sensibility in a refined expression of craftsmanship, offering the perfect proposal to embellish any dinner table.

D’O – Galà dinnerset & D’O – Island table matby Davide Oldani – Cassina Details

Michelin-starred chef Davide Oldani’s design is focused on functionality. The D’O – Galà dinner set is characterised by elegance and practicality, while the D’O – Island table mat adds value to the table itself, covering the structure as little as possible with its discreet, uneven shape, underling the centrality of the table during Ramadan.

Glass with Legacy

Sestiere vases by Patricia Urquiola – Cassina Details

A tribute to Venetian tradition, Sestiere reinterprets Murano glassmaking through contemporary design. Each blown glass vase is encased in hand-applied ‘morise’, creating a visible dialogue between technique and form. No two pieces are identical, each one a unique, tangible expression of craftsmanship, ideal for Eid gifting.

Colourdisc by Bethan Laura Wood – Cassina Details

Produced by Venini, British designer Bethan Laura Wood’s Colourdisc celebrates the fusion of centuries-old Murano glass with contemporary creativity. Available as a fruit bowl or vase, it introduces bold character to festive interiors.

Atmosphere & Accent

Bougeoir La Tourette candelstick by Le Corbusier – Cassina Details

Defined by sleek bronze geometry, this minimalist candlestick illuminates the table with timeless precision. A subtle yet powerful accent, it enhances both suhoor intimacy and Eid celebration with architectural refinement.

Rigadino rug by Patricia Urquiola – Cassina Details

Inspired by historic Venetian handiwork, Rigadino translates traditional craftsmanship into a contemporary textile language. Its refined pattern in four colourways introduces depth and subtle elegance, grounding lounge and dining settings with warmth and texture.