IKEA, operated by Al-Futtaim in the UAE, is inviting customers to experience the rich flavours of Italy with a limited-time themed menu, available at all IKEA restaurants across the country from 21 to 27 July. Developed in collaboration with Italian Chef Alessandro Miceli, the menu brings together a selection of classic Italian dishes inspired by traditional recipes and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Customers can begin their culinary journey with comforting favourites such as Minestrone Soup or Roasted Tomato Soup (AED 9), before choosing from fresh starters including Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad or Roasted Vegetables with Pesto and Parmesan (AED 12). Main courses feature beloved Italian classics including Chicken Parmigiana on Spaghetti, Chicken Piccata with Capers and Lemon, Lasagna Al Forno, Spaghetti with Italian Meatballs, and Spaghetti Bolognese, alongside delectable vegetarian favourites such as Eggplant Parmigiana, Stuffed Italian Eggplant, and Sicilian Caponata, priced from just AED 15 onwards. Guests can also enjoy freshly prepared pasta from the live station for just AED29, offering Classic Spaghetti al Pomodoro, Fusilli al Pesto, and Pasta alla Norma, before indulging in a delicious slice of Tiramisu Cake (AED 15).

As part of the initiative, Chef Alessandro Miceli will host live cooking demonstrations where visitors can explore authentic Italian recipes, learn professional cooking techniques, and discover the inspiration behind the menu. The live sessions will take place between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM on 21 July at IKEA Dubai Festival City, 22 July at IKEA Festival Plaza, and 26 July at IKEA Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain.

With more than 30 years of international culinary experience, Chef Alessandro Miceli is known for bringing traditional Italian recipes and regional flavours to life through simple, high-quality ingredients and a passion for sharing Italy’s rich culinary heritage.

For those staying in the UAE this summer, the limited-time menu offers a chance to discover the flavours of Italy without leaving home, bringing people together over great food and creating moments and stories IKEA is part of. Customers can enjoy the exclusive menu from 21 to 27 July at all IKEA restaurants across the UAE.

High-performance homes can help address this by prioritising energy efficiency, durability, indoor comfort and sustainability. In the UAE, where cooling demand and evolving buyer expectations shape residential design, these principles are increasingly important. In this context, Ibrahim Imam, CEO and Co-founder of PlanRadar, outlines four key benefits of building high-performance homes.

Designed to Reduce Energy Use

One of the biggest advantages of high-performance homes is improved energy efficiency. In the UAE, cooling demand plays a major role in residential building performance. Studies have shown that air conditioning can account for up to 80% of a building’s electricity demand in the UAE, particularly during hotter months. This makes design choices such as insulation, glazing, airtightness and efficient HVAC systems especially important.

High-performance homes address this through stronger building envelopes, advanced insulation, double or triple glazing, low-emissivity coatings and better-sealed façades. These elements help maintain more stable indoor temperatures and reduce pressure on cooling systems.

Building Stronger Long-Term Value for Homeowners

High-performance homes are built with better materials, more efficient systems and stronger attention to comfort and durability. In a competitive real estate market like the UAE, this can become a clear differentiator. Buyers and investors are increasingly looking beyond location and design to understand how a property will perform after completion. Homes that offer lower energy consumption, healthier indoor environments and stronger sustainability credentials are likely to stand out more clearly.

Regulation is also moving in this direction. Dubai’s Al Sa’fat Green Building System sets mandatory green building requirements for all new buildings to obtain the Silver Sa’fa. In Abu Dhabi, the Estidama Pearl Rating System has helped shape sustainability standards across the emirate. These frameworks show that high-performance construction is becoming closely linked to future market readiness.

Creating Healthier and More Comfortable Indoor Environments

Dubai’s Law No. 5 of 2025 concerning public health includes indoor air quality within the wider scope of environmental health, showing how occupant wellbeing is becoming a stronger regulatory priority. Poor indoor air can contribute to respiratory issues, allergies and other long-term health concerns, especially when dust, mould and volatile organic compounds (VOC) build up inside tightly sealed, heavily air-conditioned spaces. High-performance homes are designed to reduce these risks through better ventilation, advanced filtration, moisture control and safer material choices. Energy Recovery Ventilators can bring fresh air into the home, while HEPA filtration can help capture fine dust and other contaminants.

Material selection also matters. Low-VOC paints, adhesives, finishes and building materials help reduce harmful emissions inside the home. Moisture control is equally important, as poor humidity management can lead to mould growth and affect both air quality and building durability.

Built for Greater Durability and Long-Term Performance

By using stronger materials, better construction techniques and more careful quality control, high-performance homes can reduce the need for frequent repairs and lower long-term maintenance costs. In the UAE, buildings are consistently exposed to intense heat, humidity and dust. Therefore, if materials are not selected or installed properly, issues can appear after handover, affecting both residents and developers.

Externally, advanced framing, continuous insulation, durable façade systems, moisture-resistant finishes and high-quality roofing can all improve long-term performance. Internal finishes such as engineered flooring, tile or high-quality vinyl can also offer stronger resistance to wear and daily use.

Ultimately, high-performance homes are no longer only an environmental choice. In the UAE’s maturing residential market, they represent a commercial advantage. As buyers become more selective and regulations continue to evolve, the strongest homes will be those that are healthy and built for long-term living

The first half of 2026 has shown that the UAE construction market is no longer defined simply by growth. The industry is entering a more mature phase where the ability to deliver projects efficiently, sustainably and at scale is becoming just as important as launching them.

The country’s construction output is projected to reach approximately USD 130.8 billion by 2029, reflecting continued confidence in the built environment and the long-term strength of the development pipeline.

For Access Consult, more than 27 years of experience across the UAE’s built environment have shown that the market is entering a more demanding stage. Developers are now looking more closely at delivery capacity, regulatory compliance, sustainability, resilience and long-term asset value.

Drawing on patterns observed during H1 2026, Mohamed Salah Seguen, CEO at Access Consult, outlines five key lessons that will define construction activity in the second half of the year.

High project activity Is raising the bar for execution

The UAE’s construction pipeline remains highly active, supported by strong real estate demand, population growth and continued investor interest. In Dubai, official first-quarter data showed 10,776 building permits issued, a 12% increase compared with Q1 2025. At the same time, Dubai’s real estate transactions reached AED 252 billion in Q1 2026, reflecting deep investor confidence across the market.

The challenge for H2 will be delivery capacity. As more projects move forward at the same time, pressure increases on consultants and contractors. A strong pipeline only creates value when the market has the technical and operational capacity to deliver it.

This means developers will need to place greater importance on early planning, realistic timelines and clear project structures. Projects that begin with coordinated teams and well-defined scopes will be better positioned to progress efficiently.

Resilience is becoming part of smart project planning

H1 2026 has reinforced the importance of resilience in construction planning. In a fast-moving and globally connected market, resilience means ensuring that projects can continue progressing smoothly even when external conditions shift. For developers, this means looking more closely at procurement planning, supplier coordination and construction sequencing. It also means identifying materials or systems that may require longer lead times and planning around them earlier in the project cycle. In H2, resilient delivery planning will become a practical advantage. Developers that think ahead will be better prepared to keep projects on track while protecting quality and long-term value.

Quality and Safety Are Becoming Central to Market Confidence

One of the most important developments in H1 2026 was the enactment of Dubai’s Law No. 3 of 2026 concerning the quality and safety of buildings. The legislation establishes a clearer regulatory framework and reinforces the importance of accountability across the full building lifecycle.

As Dubai’s built environment continues to expand, quality must be embedded from the earliest stages of design and approvals through to construction, handover and long-term operation. For H2, this means clearer oversight and more disciplined technical review will become essential.

Digital tools will play an important role in supporting this shift. As projects become more complex, technologies such as BIM, AI-assisted project monitoring and digital twins can help consultants and developers improve visibility across project cycles. These tools allow teams to track progress more accurately, identify issues earlier and maintain a clearer record of building performance over time.

Sustainable design is now a market expectation

H1 2026 has reinforced that sustainability is becoming a central requirement in construction. This shift is supported by national priorities such as the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative, as well as local green building frameworks including Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Pearl Rating System and Dubai’s Al Sa’fat Green Building System.

In Dubai, Al Sa’fat sets mandatory green building requirements for new buildings, while Estidama has helped shape sustainability standards in Abu Dhabi through the Pearl Rating System. This is pushing project teams to think earlier about materials, energy use, carbon impact and indoor comfort. Sustainability also now sits closely alongside tenant wellbeing, especially as occupiers and investors place more value on healthier buildings.

In H2, developers that integrate sustainability from the start will have a stronger advantage. This includes selecting appropriate low-carbon materials, planning efficient building envelopes and ensuring that sustainability requirements are reflected in specifications.

Connectivity is becoming a core part of construction value

Another key lesson from H1 2026 is that connectivity is becoming central to how projects are planned and valued. Major mobility and infrastructure developments, including Etihad Rail, Dubai Metro’s Blue Line and the newly approved Gold Line are changing how developers and consultants think about growth.

This is closely aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for a more connected, sustainable and people-focused city. It places great emphasis on walkability, public transport, cycling routes and sustainable mobility. For developers, this means buildings need to be understood in relation to the wider city. Future-ready projects will need to consider transport access, pedestrian movement and proximity to key business, leisure and community hubs.

Sobha Realty, a leading global luxury real estate developer, is planning to hand over 6,819 units across Dubai in 2026, representing a total sales value of approximately AED 21.6 billion. The handover pipeline represents the company’s largest annual delivery to date, with the value of sales surpassing the combined total of past deliveries.

The handovers span some of Sobha Realty’s most prominent developments, including Sobha Hartland, Sobha Hartland II, Sobha Reserve, Sobha One and Verde by Sobha, reaffirming the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional homes with uncompromising standards of quality, craftsmanship and timely execution.

This achievement further strengthens Sobha Realty’s reputation as one of Dubai’s most trusted developers, with a proven track record of delivering projects on schedule and creating communities that combine architectural excellence, thoughtful design and long-term value for residents and investors.

Commenting on the announcement, Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, said, “Delivering over 6000 units in a single year is a testament to Sobha Realty’s unwavering commitment to excellence, precision and customer satisfaction. Our unique Backward Integration model enables us to maintain complete control over every stage of the development process, from design and engineering to construction and finishing, ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency across our communities.”

He added, “As the UAE continues to evolve as one of the world’s leading destinations for living, investment and innovation, we remain focused on creating exceptional developments that deliver lasting value and redefine luxury living.”

Central to Sobha Realty’s delivery capabilities is its pioneering Backward Integration model, which has been a defining pillar of the company’s success for decades. Unlike traditional development models, Sobha Realty manages key aspects of the entire development lifecycle in-house, including design, architecture, engineering, construction, interiors, façade works, glazing, joinery, furniture manufacturing and quality control.

This integrated approach provides the company with greater control over execution timelines, craftsmanship and consistency, allowing Sobha Realty to uphold its philosophy of “The Art of Detail” and deliver homes that reflect exceptional attention to quality at every stage.

The 2026 handover milestone builds on Sobha Realty’s record performance in 2025, when the company achieved AED 30 billion in sales, representing 30% year-on-year growth. The performance was driven by resilient demand for its luxury developments and reinforced the company’s position as one of the UAE’s fastest-growing real estate developers, supported by a strong revenue backlog and long-term growth outlook.

Looking ahead, Sobha Realty continues to expand its development portfolio through a pipeline of 16 UAE masterplans, including Sobha Sanctuary, a landmark AED 50 billion master development in Dubai, and Sobha City, a AED 40 billion nature-inspired community that marks the company’s entry into the Abu Dhabi market.

The announcement comes as Sobha Group celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of craftsmanship, innovation and a relentless pursuit of quality. Since its establishment in 1976, Sobha Group has built a global reputation for excellence across real estate, construction and design, with its legacy of craftsmanship continuing to shape every Sobha Realty development today.

Chatelet Air 2.0 – Effortless Sophistication

The Chatelet Air 2.0 is Delsey Paris’ iconic collection, inspired by vintage Parisian trunks and reimagined for modern travel. It features a lightweight yet durable polycarbonate shell, an antimicrobial-treated interior, whisper-quiet double spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and a tamper-resistant security zipper. Combining timeless elegance with practical functionality, it is designed to deliver style, comfort, and security for every journey.

Dynasty VLX   — the flagship

Dynasty VLX is Echolac’s most refined line, bringing together the brand’s highest level of components and technology. Its EchoLite polycarbonate shell is paired with a TwinShield tamper-resistant security zip and an X:change removable, washable interior lining, complete with packing straps and a divider in both base and lid. Designed in Italy and finished in premium tones — including champagne, deep navy and teal — with warm metallic trims and leather detailing, it is designed to feel as considered as it is durable.

Shogun Evo   — built for the road

Shogun Evo is engineered for travellers who value resilience. Its standout feature is a set of distinctive angular corner protections that add both structural strength and a bold, architectural presence, complemented by a clean, ribbed shell in a contemporary silver finish. Practical touches include an anti-theft double security zipper, a Travel Sentry-approved TSA lock, and an eight-wheel spinner system on a smooth aluminium trolley — making it a dependable companion for frequent, demanding travel.

Celestra   — effortless everyday travel

Celestra pairs a clean, elegant silhouette with thoughtful, real-world functionality, offered in an expressive palette that includes soft blush and deep teal. Built on the same lightweight EchoLite polycarbonate shell and smooth Japanese Hinomoto wheels found across the range, the line spans several variants to suit different travel styles — from the front-opening Celestra FA, which allows quick access to a laptop or essentials without unpacking, to the Celestra BLX, with its built-in braking system to keep the case steady at rest.

L to R: Rasha Hasan, Managing Partner, AVENEW Development, Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President – Mixed-Use Development, EMEA, Marriott International

Dubai-born AVENEW Development announces plans for The Ritz-Carlton Residences Dubai, The World Islands, the latest addition to its growing portfolio of distinguished addresses and its second collaboration with Marriott International. The project reflects AVENEW’s founding principles of thoughtful design, distinctive location selection and timeless quality.

The World Islands form an archipelago of approximately 260 man-made islands, located four kilometres off the Jumeirah coastline. With renewed developer confidence, significant hospitality commitments and a fixed supply unlike any other in Dubai, the destination has entered a recognised phase of growth and stands among the region’s most compelling long-term real estate opportunities.

Offering a private island lifestyle within easy reach of the city, The Ritz-Carlton Residences will be located within the Hawaii Islands cluster at The World Islands. The masterplan introduces a curated collection of villas and two- and three-bedroom low-rise residences, designed as a private retreat for those seeking an exceptional standard of living.

The collaboration with Marriott will bring The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service philosophy, refined hospitality and global reputation to every residence, creating a living experience that combines exceptional design with world-renowned service and personalised indelible experiences.

Rasha Hassan, Managing Partner of AVENEW Development, said: “The World Islands present a real estate opportunity that is genuinely rare. Limited by design, recognised around the world and continuing to evolve with every passing year. We chose to make our debut on the island because we believe in the long-term potential and because it gives us the canvas to create the kind of destination AVENEW was founded to deliver. With The Ritz-Carlton Residences, we have found a collaborator that shares our commitment to excellence and together we are shaping the future of ownership at The World Islands.”

Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President – Mixed-Use Development, EMEA, Marriott International:

“We couldn’t be more delighted to collaborate once again with the visionary AVENEW team to introduce The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai The World Islands. With sophisticated design, discerning service and an inimitable location, these exclusive branded waterfront homes set the standard for a rare and luxury island lifestyle which will reinforce the archipelago as a truly unparalleled destination in Dubai’s evolving luxury property market.”

Sales for the project are scheduled to commence in 2027, with more details to be revealed ahead of the sales launch.

Casa Milano, UAE-based luxury home solutions provider proudly announces the completion of four years of partnership with Arredo3, a premier Italian manufacturer of bespoke, 100% Made-in-Italy modular kitchens and living furniture. Over the past four years, Casa Milano has established itself as a key supplier of Arredo3 in the GCC, offering the biggest Arredo3 display across its showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. The displays allow homeowners, designers, architects, consultants, developers and contractors to experience Arredo3’s latest collections, finishes, materials and design possibilities in person.

The partnership has strengthened Casa Milano’s position across both retail and project segments, supported by its dedicated in-house teams that deliver a seamless end-to-end service. From design consultation and space planning to technical drawings, customization, professional installation, and after-sales support, Casa Milano ensures every Arredo3 kitchen and living space solution is tailored to meet the client’s unique lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and project requirements.

Arredo3 is globally recognised for its versatile range of modular kitchen and living solutions that combine timeless Italian aesthetics with practical functionality. Beyond kitchens, the brand offers integrated living systems including wall units, storage solutions, shelving concepts, and coordinated furniture elements designed to create cohesive and sophisticated open-plan spaces. Its collections offer extensive customization options, from contemporary and minimalist concepts to more refined and elegant layouts, with a wide selection of finishes, materials, storage systems, and accessories. The brand’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and ergonomic design has made it a preferred choice for both residential and commercial spaces.

“Completing four years of partnership with Arredo3 is an important milestone for Casa Milano,” said Mohammed Azhar Sajan, Founder, Casa Milano. “Casa Milano has become a key supplier of Arredo3 in the GCC, supported by the multiple Arredo3 displays across our showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Arredo3 represents the quality, flexibility and Italian design excellence that our customers expect from a premium kitchen brand. Our vision is to make Casa Milano the first name people think of when they search for Arredo3 in the Middle East, and we are proud to bring the full Arredo3 experience closer to homeowners and the design community across the region.”

Arredo3 has become a well-recognised name among designers, architects, consultants, developers and contractors, offering kitchen solutions that combine Italian aesthetics with practical functionality. Its wide variety of collections gives clients the flexibility to create kitchens suited to different lifestyles, spaces and project needs.

As demand for premium kitchen solutions and living spaces continues to grow across the GCC, Casa Milano and Arredo3 remain committed to delivering design-led, high-quality and functional kitchen spaces for both individual homeowners and large-scale developments.

Following a record-breaking first quarter for Dubai real estate, which set one of the highest benchmarks ever for market performance, StakePredict captured the views of more than 5,000 participants to understand whether investors believed momentum could continue in the months ahead.

The findings reveal continued optimism across key market indicators, with 69% of respondents expecting Dubai property prices to rise. Almost half (49%) believe transaction volumes could increase compared to Q1 levels, highlighting the resilience of investor sentiment even as the market enters its next phase following exceptional growth.

Dubai’s luxury property sector also continues to inspire confidence, with 61% of participants expecting transaction activity to remain at or above Q1 levels. The findings reinforce continued investor confidence in Dubai’s position as a leading global real estate destination, while demonstrating the value of tracking sentiment alongside actual market performance.

Rami Tabbara, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Stake, said: “What makes these first StakePredict results particularly interesting is the timing. Dubai real estate entered 2026 with an exceptionally strong first quarter, setting a high benchmark for the rest of the year. Despite this, and despite broader global uncertainty, investors continue to show confidence in the strength and resilience of the market.

“StakePredict was created to capture exactly these moments, not only where the market is today, but how investors believe it will evolve. By measuring expectations and comparing them with verified market outcomes, we are creating a new layer of transparency around investor confidence and behaviour.”

Launched in June, StakePredict gives participants the opportunity to forecast future trends across Dubai’s property market and compare their views against verified market data. As the Middle East’s first real estate prediction market, it offers a new way to capture investor sentiment and understands how expectations evolve alongside market performance.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, StakePredict will return in mid-August, inviting investors to forecast the key trends shaping Q3. Participants can share their outlook, track how sentiment shifts and see how their predictions compare with real results.

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.

Located in Dubai Design District, Oo La Lab was founded in 2017 with the aim of making perfumery more accessible, expressive and community-driven through immersive fragrance workshops and sensory experiences. Today, the studio invites guests to create custom scents inspired by their own personalities, emotions and memories, while exploring the connection between fragrance, creativity and self-expression.

According to Oo La Lab, warmer climates such as the UAE can significantly affect the way scent behaves, often causing certain notes to project more intensely or fade faster compared to cooler environments. As a result, the studio is encouraging consumers to take a more intentional approach to fragrance during the summer months, from lighter daytime layering to scents better suited to evenings, travel and warmer weather routines.

Dan Terry Jacobson, Founder of Oo La Lab said: “In warmer climates like the UAE, scent becomes far more reactive to both skin and environment. Heat, humidity and changing summer routines can completely alter how a fragrance develops and behaves throughout the day. During summer, fragrance should feel like part of the atmosphere around you, not something competing with the heat. We’re seeing more people become intentional about choosing scents that suit different moments, whether that’s daytime wear, travel, summer evenings or staycations, while also exploring fragrance as part of a wider wellbeing and self-expression ritual.”

Oo La Lab recommends taking a more adaptable approach to scent during summer, particularly in climates such as the UAE where fragrance can behave differently depending on heat, humidity and environment. The studio recommends:

Applying fragrance onto hydrated skin and allowing scent to dry naturally after application, as moisture levels and skin preparation can influence how scent settles throughout the day.

Exploring lighter and more transparent scents during daytime hours, such as fresher, cleaner profiles, for example, Citrus and Neroli, Mint blended with herbal aromatics, White Florals and transparent woods, or even Fig with salty marine notes.

Heat amplifies projection, so in warmer climates like Dubai, fragrance behaves very differently on the skin. Lighter layering and applying strategically to clothing, hair or cooler pulse points for longevity without overwhelming the senses.

There is also growing interest in fragrances that create a sense of emotional reset while travelling, scents that feel grounding, restorative or quietly energising rather than overly sweet or intense. Oo La Lab offers a workshop to create your own essential oil blend, which can be easily applied to pulse points, a format that may be well worth considering for the summer travel months.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a stronger fragrance will automatically perform better in summer weather. In reality, heat magnifies scent dramatically, so heavy ouds, gourmand or overly sweet fragrances can quickly become overpowering. We recommend to pair back your scent choice to one that sits closer to the skin and evolves naturally through the day.

Alongside fragrance creation, Oo La Lab is also continuing to explore the growing connection between scent and wellbeing through experiences such as their new Fragrance, Frequency and Scent and Wellbeing workshops. Designed around mindfulness, emotion and sensory exploration, these sessions encourage guests to engage with fragrance more intentionally while exploring how scent can influence mood, routine and everyday rituals.

As residents increasingly look for more thoughtful indoor experiences, creative workshops and wellness-led activities during the summer months, Oo La Lab’s Dubai Design District studio offers a space to explore fragrance through creativity, personalisation and sensory connection, whether for date nights, solo experiences, gifting or something different to do this summer. Alongside fragrance mixology workshops, the studio also offers custom fragrance design services, gift vouchers and online options. Oo La Lab is currently offering 20% off selected signature workshop sessions and fragrance experiences for a limited time.