Editorial
Looking back on the 2018 design scene we have much to celebrate, with a number of significant new UAE projects completed.
Much of the Year of Zayed was dedicated architecturally to H. H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of this 47-year-old country, with the Zayed Memorial in Abu Dhabi and the recent reopening of the meticulously renovated Qasr al Hosn fort being the two most noteworthy.
For more than 11 years the architectural teams from the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism and CEBRA have dedicated much of their lives to the latter project, which now offers the UAE a valuable vision of the past.
Dubai’s Expo 2020 site has been in the news throughout the year as the schematic drawings for various pavilions – including the US, UK, Japan and most recently the Netherlands – are revealed by leading architects.
The hospitality sector seems to be purring along with new hotel openings. The inauguration of Ian Schrager’s EDITION Hotel in Abu Dhabi was the last of the year.
Designed by Manuel Clavel Rojo, who was inspired by a galactic scene, top chef Alain Ducasse’s new miX restaurant in Dubai’s Emerald Palace Kempinski is creating a buzz. The focal point of the restaurant is a gargantuan, golden Fabergé egg which spans three floors.
Dubbed as the rising star of design, Spanish-born Roja has created what is said to be the most luxurious restaurant in the world, which will open its doors just in time for the festive period. Its dramatic interior is bound to set new standards for gourmet dining spaces.
The number of boutiques in The Dubai Mall’s new fashion wing continues to grow, with Danish brand Lakrids the latest arrival. Johan Bülow, the brand’s founder, flew in for the opening of the store that boasts a very distinctive interior to complement the unique flavours of his choco-liquorice confectionery.
Tonino Lamborghini was also in Dubai recently for the launch of his striking debut property development: residences in Meydan being developed in collaboration with Oriental Pearls. To celebrate the occasion, the brand sponsored the 14th annual Beach Polo Cup in Dubai Marina. The show apartments, which are naturally fitted with Lamborghini furniture, bring another high-profile branded property development to the real estate offering. Looking to 2019 the long, long-awaited opening of the W Hotel – The Palm is expected. The region’s first library dedicated to design is also scheduled to open. Located close to Safa Park, the facility confirms the growing respect for, and importance of, the design sector here.
We are also laying the foundations for the 2019 id Design Awards – the fifth edition – which will have some new categories and will launch in Q1, when entries will open. For updates on the awards programme follow us on identity. ae.
I’d also like to thank all of you and of course our sponsors – Alessi, Cosentino, Gaggenau, Galleria Luxury Visions, Häcker, Herman Miller, Iittala, Jalapeno Trading, Kvadrat Maharam, Lobo & Listone, MotivateZakti, Purity, SANIT, Style Bangkok and Technogym – who kindly supported the 2018 awards.
Meanwhile, it’s time to plan a trip to Maison et Objet to meet 2019 Designer of the Year, Sebastian Herkner, and discover all the exciting new novelties that will be rolled out during the show, helping us to start the year off with new ideas…
Wishing you a New Year that’s filled with creativity and inspiration… Happy 2019!