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The Art and Soul of Illumination
Exclusive Interview with George Tellos, CEO, Lighting Art
In the recent NMK x Chauvet Open House, industry professionals gathered for an evening that seamlessly blended technical precision with artistic vision. The event featured a series of live demonstrations and immersive lighting showcases, highlighting the dynamic possibilities of modern lighting design.
A standout moment of the evening was a conversation with George Tellos, CEO of Lighting Art. Renowned for his work across global stadiums, architectural landmarks, and theatrical productions, Tellos reflected on his creative journey, the emotional impact of lighting, and the innovations defining its future.
You’ve worked across events and architecture globally. What first sparked your passion for lighting design?
Like many creative journeys, mine began unexpectedly. I grew up in Germany and, at 22, I fell deeply in love—that relationship led me to move to Athens. There, I started studying lighting. One thing led to another: I returned to Germany, opened my first company, then back to Greece for the second, and finally, in 2013, I launched a third company focused on architectural lighting. Life rarely moves in a straight line—you just need to stay open and curious. Every new city, every challenge pushed me forward. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.
Did you always plan to pursue lighting?
Not at all. I actually studied theater first. Lighting wasn’t even on my radar. But that’s the beauty of it—you never really know where life will take you. What matters is staying positive and ready to explore new paths. Often, it’s the unexpected moments that define your direction more than anything you plan. You meet someone, you take a course, and suddenly your entire career changes shape.
You’ve lit everything from global sports events to operas. Can you share some key projects you’ve worked on?
Our portfolio includes entertainment lighting for large-scale events like the FIFA, FIBA, IHF, Eurovision Song Contest, and the Olympic Games. We’ve done corporate shows, TV award ceremonies, Amazon films, operas in France and Germany, and many royal weddings in the region and India. Since 2013, our Riyadh-based company has focused on architectural lighting. What I enjoy most is combining both worlds—bringing theatrical techniques into architecture and vice versa. It’s about blending technology with emotion. The scale might change, but the storytelling element remains central to every project we take on.
As sustainability is one of the core focus in modern design, how do you balance creativity with energy efficiency, especially at large venues?
Sustainability is essential—but it should never overshadow the emotional magic of art. We can protect the planet in how we live day to day. But when we design for impact—something meant to move people—we need to give it our all. The magic must remain intact. For me, sustainability is about choices: smarter fixture selection, conscious material usage, thoughtful logistics. But the emotional core of a project can’t be sacrificed. You have to find a harmony between purpose and poetry.
If there’s one insight about lighting’s emotional and functional power that you want to leave your audience with, what would it be?
That tools matter—immensely. Quality tools don’t have to be expensive, but they must be right for the job. I always say: if you’re cooking an expensive piece of meat, you need a sharp, well-crafted knife. The same goes for lighting—especially at high-stakes events. Bad tools waste time and compromise the result. We need the right equipment to bring our ideas to life. You can have the best vision, but if your tools can’t match it, the audience will never feel it.
Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping smart living and our interaction with lighting in work and living spaces?
Lighting fixtures have already reached impressive levels of advancement—we’re now using laser technologies. But the next frontier is control systems. With AI, I can see designers simply speaking to a console: “Give me a romantic blue mood in night conditions,” and it delivers. That’s where we’re headed—toward intuitive, conversational control powered by AI. And it’s not in the distant future—it’s within the next three years. The interface between human intent and machine execution is getting smoother, and it will redefine how we design, not just how we operate.
Home Integrator
ELEVATE AWARDS AED 50 MILLION CONTRACT FOR MONDRIAN AL MARJAN ISLAND BEACH RESIDENCES
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.
Home Integrator
NATUZZI ITALIA HONORS THE MEDITERRANEAN SOUL THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ITALIAN DESIGN THIS EARTH DAY
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
Home Integrator
AMAAL APPOINTS CITIC MIDDLE EAST CONTRACTING AS MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR AED 1.8 BILLION MANSORY RESIDENCES IN DUBAI

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.
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