NKEY Architects, an international full-cycle architecture and design company, behind more than 500 residential and commercial projects across over 45 countries, has announced the relocation of its global headquarters to Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s next phase of growth. The move reflects the company’s expanding footprint across international markets and reinforces the UAE’s role as a strategic hub for global design, development, and innovation, at a time when the global architecture services market is projected to exceed $605 billion by 2033.

Founded in 2018, NKEY Architects provides architecture, interior design, and turnkey solutions across residential and commercial sectors. The company operates from offices in Dubai, the United States, Canada, and Ukraine, with projects spanning more than 45 countries.

The decision to establish Dubai as the company’s global headquarters follows sustained growth in the Middle East, which now accounts for approximately 80% of NKEY’s active client portfolio. Since 2022, the company has strategically shifted its development focus toward international markets, beginning with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, before expanding into the United States with projects delivered in Beverly Hills and Miami. This accelerated geographic growth, combined with more than 500 active projects globally, including over 300 in the UAE, underscored the need for a centralized headquarters capable of managing an increasingly complex, cross-border portfolio.

“For NKEY, architecture is a language through which people can gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Our philosophy, ‘NKEY. Unlock your inner self,’ reflects our mission to help clients — from families to progressive, forward-thinking young people — release internal limitations and unlock their personal and life potential through space. At NKEY, space is seen as an extension of identity — a dialogue between a person’s inner state and the external environment. Each project becomes a tool for transformation, where architecture and design support the lifestyle, values, and aspirations of young people, creating environments that foster growth, freedom, and a sense of authenticity. Importantly, we create unique projects or design solutions – every space is created uniquely to reflect the individual client,” said Natalia Melnyk, Founder of NKEY Architects.

The firm’s portfolio is centered on premium and ultra-luxury residential projects, large residential communities, and apartments, alongside select commercial developments across retail, hospitality, business centres, and mixed-use concepts. One of NKEY’s most ambitious current projects is the development of a large-scale shopping mall in Marrakech, Morocco, conceived as a landmark retail destination and involving parallel work across architecture, interiors, branding, and marketing strategy.

NKEY’s management structure is led by three partners, all members of the same family, reflecting the stability and long-term vision of a family-run business. Natalia Melnyk leads creative direction and brand development; Olexander Melnyk oversees operations, sales, and financial strategy; and Sergii Zholob manages engineering, architecture, procurement, and construction teams across international offices. This family-led structure enables NKEY Architects to maintain consistent standards while confidently expanding across regions.

With a growing team of over 100 professionals, NKEY Architects’ relocation to Dubai positions the firm at the centre of one of the world’s most dynamic real estate and design markets, aligned with the UAE’s long-term vision for sustainable growth.

Ayat Development, part of Ayat Group, has officially marked the Groundbreaking of Ayami Residence, a contemporary G+Podium+6 residential development in Warsan First. The ceremony signals the commencement of construction for the 376-unit project, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed, lifestyle-focused communities in emerging residential hubs across Dubai.

Scheduled for completion in 2028, Ayami Residence will introduce a curated mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The project is designed to meet the evolving needs of young professionals, couples and families seeking connectivity, comfort and premium amenities within an accessible and rapidly appreciating location.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Ahmed Salamah, CEO of Ayat Development, said: “Ayami Residence represents more than a new development, it symbolizes the next chapter in Ayat’s vision for refined community living. With every project, we aim to introduce signature lifestyle experiences in Dubai’s most promising and desirable locations.

Warsan First is a well-established community with strong infrastructure and seamless connectivity to Dubai’s key landmarks, making it an ideal location for sustainable growth. At Ayat Group, our vision has always gone beyond constructing buildings, we create spaces where families can grow, connect, and truly thrive.”

Strategic Location Advantage

Strategically positioned in Warsan First, the development benefits from strong infrastructure and seamless connectivity to Dubai’s key highways, retail hubs and essential services. The area continues to attract both end users and investors due to its affordability, long-term growth trajectory and well-integrated community environment.

Commenting on the significance of the project, Nasser Ali Alsomahi, Chairman of Ayat Group, added: “Ayami Residence is not just a new project launch, it is a reflection of the collective strength and long-term vision of Ayat Group. What truly sets us apart is our fully integrated ecosystem.

From development and construction to properties, trading, investment, and our factories, every entity works in synergy to ensure quality, efficiency, and complete control over standards and timelines. This unified strength allows us to contribute meaningfully to Dubai’s future landscape.”

Lifestyle Amenities

Ayami Residence is distinguished by an extensive range of lifestyle amenities rarely found within mid-rise developments. The project will feature two swimming pools, including a dedicated family and kids’ pool, as well as a rooftop adults-only pool designed as a private retreat with panoramic views. Additional family-focused amenities include a splash pad and a dedicated kids’ play area, creating a safe and engaging environment for younger residents.

Wellness and recreation form a core part of the development’s concept. Two fully equipped gyms will serve residents, complemented by a dedicated yoga room. The property will also include an on-site paddle court, an open-air cinema and designated BBQ areas designed to foster social interaction and strengthen community bonds.

Further details on Sales launches and construction timelines are expected to be announced later.

With construction now officially underway, Ayat Development reinforces its strategic expansion across high-growth districts in Dubai. Ayami Residence stands as a testament to the Group’s commitment to delivering quality-driven, amenity-rich communities that align with Dubai’s long-term urban growth strategy.

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.