SSH announces new architecture directors
SSH appoints Shane Lahiff as the new architecture director for design, and also welcome our newly appointed architecture director for delivery, Sami Abou Merhi. Together with their teams, Shane and Sami will be focusing on design quality, design management, as well as improved efficiency, ultimately resulting in greater client satisfaction and business growth.
Shane Lahiff is the architecture director for design. With 15 years of diverse project experience, Shane has led design projects across the GCC, the United Kingdom and Ireland. He joined SSH in 2016, and has had a key role in expanding the company’s design portfolio across the region, specialising in large-scale, mixed-use, master planning and hospitality projects.
Lahiff has collaborated with leading international brands, delivering award-winning hotel projects in Oman, KSA, and Bahrain. He is a graduate of Dublin School of Architecture and holds a professional diploma in architecture from University College Dublin.
New to SSH, Merhi has successfully led the design of many competitions and projects over the past 20+ years. Having worked on every aspect of projects design, from concept to implementation, his experience, passion and creativity have ensured the success of many prominent projects across different countries.
Merhi’s diverse portfolio spans a wide spectrum of sectors, including hospitality and resorts, mixed-use, high-rise, healthcare, cultural and residential. Having worked with international firms at managerial positions, he brings a deep knowledge of the GCC and European markets coupled with a wealth of experience in the architecture field with a hands-on approach.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
National Pavilion UAE announces its upcoming exhibition at the Biennale Arte 2022
The National Pavilion UAE announces its upcoming exhibition at the Biennale Arte 2022 (Venice Biennale) titled Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Between Sunrise and Sunset. The exhibition will present a new body of work created for the National Pavilion UAE by Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, a veteran of the experimental art community in the UAE. Curated by Maya Allison, Executive Director of The New York University Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, Between Sunrise and Sunset is an installation of human-sized, abstract and organic sculptural forms. The work draws from Ibrahim’s deep connection to the local environment of his hometown, Khor Fakkan – a city harbouring the rocky Al Hajar mountains on the east coast of the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE.
This exhibition marks the National Pavilion UAE’s seventh participation at the Biennale Arte, along with its move towards an artist-led approach whereby Ibrahim nominated Allison to curate the exhibition. The 59th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2022 (Biennale Arte 2022) will open to the public between 23 April – 27 November 2022.
The 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is curated by New York based Italian curator and artistic director Cecilia Alemani under the theme The Milk of Dreams, which questions the representation of bodies and their metamorphoses, and the connection between bodies and earth. In resonance with this theme, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim’s biomorphic sculptures cluster in undulating colour and movement – suggesting bodies, mutation, and metamorphosis. These forms arrive from his physical dialogue with the materials of the work: accretions of papier-mâché are built up over loose skeleton structures that shift and settle into their final position as he works. Often incorporating actual earth, leaves, tea, coffee, and tobacco, the texture of the forms derives from his raw materials.
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim said: “Between Sunrise and Sunset highlights the connection I have with the nature of Khor Fakkan – my hometown and the place I continue to live in. The exhibition demonstrates the tension between Khor Fakkan’s colorful bright mornings, when the sun rises over the ocean, and the disappearance of colors in mid-afternoon, when the sun drops behind the mountains that loom over my hometown. We can never see the sunset in Khor Fakkan, but we can imagine it on the other side of the UAE. I am looking forward to showing my new installation, working alongside Maya Allison and the National Pavilion UAE, to represent my country in our upcoming presentation at the Venice Biennale in 2022.”
Curator Maya Allison said, “Over the years, I have closely observed Ibrahim’s work process and its intense and intimate relationship with each environment he encounters, whether that be the rocky mountainous landscape of his lifelong home, or the landscapes of his residencies in Holland, France, India, and beyond. Even after almost 4 decades of art-making, the artist continues to evolve and deepen his practice, with a stubbornly persistent exuberance, nourished by his connection to his work and his artist community. For many years he worked against the odds of location and access, and I’m gratified to see the exposure and recognition of this artist by the wider art world. This is a watershed moment for the work of the institutions that are supporting this project.”
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
dwp announces new design directors for the Dubai studio
dwp | design worldwide partnership has grown its market presence through its global studios, with exponential growth in the Middle East over the last 12 months. In support of this, it resulted in the relocation of dwp’s regional managing director, Asia & ME, Charlie Kelly, to Dubai in the second quarter of 2021.
dwp has recognised the Middle East region as an expanding market with dwp offering a competitive edge, delivering state-of-the-art projects, setting benchmarks in sectors including hospitality, commercial, and residential.
dwp designed W Hotels The Palm and Abu Dhabi – Yas Island both received awards for exceptional interior design and the Dubai Smart office was awarded for innovative workplace design. The dwp Dubai Studio is now delighted to announce promotions and new additions to the team. “In an effort to continue to deliver landmark projects it is essential to strategically grow from within through leadership promotions as well as adding new staff. It was important for us at dwp to grow our team with people that are not only skilled in their field of work but have a deep knowledge of the ME market and also align with the dwp ethos of ‘design for a better world’. Our aim is to continuously design cutting edge projects with sustainability front of mind,” says Kelly.
Adriana Graur, who joined dwp in 2019, is promoted to design director. Graur has the unique ability to understand the client needs and deliver designs that exceed expectations through research and enquiry.
To add strength, energy and vitality dwp also is delighted to announce new senior staff appointments, Kanika Puri and Tala Melek. Puri is appointed as design director, and she has over 18 years of extensive experience as an interior designer across various sectors predominantly in hospitality and F&B design, but also across residential, workplace and retail.
Melek has joined as the business development director. she is a qualified British Architectural Engineer, having studied at Westminster University in London.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Pantone announces the colour of the year for 2022 and it’s dreamy!
Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives. Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by a new perspective that resonates today, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.
We are living in transformative times. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through. As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways. Digital design helps us to stretch the limits of reality, opening the door to a dynamic virtual world where we can explore and create new color possibilities. With trends in gaming, the expanding popularity of the metaverse and rising artistic community in the digital space PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how color trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.
“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer.” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “Creating a new color for the first time in the history of our Pantone Colour of the Year educational color program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place. As society continues to recognise color as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red violet infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us”.
Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
SAY Studio announces full renovation of public spaces at Fairmont SZR
Dubai-based design firm SAY Studio announces Phases II to III in its refurbishment plans for Fairmont Dubai. Situated in the heart of Dubai’s bustling financial district, Fairmont Dubai is currently undergoing Phase I of SAY Studio’s roll-out plan to refurbish all private guest spaces for the hotel brand.
According to CBRE’s Market Review UAE Q3 2021; As travel restrictions continue to be eased globally, we are seeing a marked increase in the number of daily flights through or to Dubai. The average daily number of flights reached highs close to 96,000 as of the 30th September, 2021. Whilst this is still 20.7% below the same period in 2019, due to the fact vaccination rates continue to increase and travel restrictions are made less onerous, we expect that we will continue to see the gap narrow.
STR’s Middle East Q3 2021 hotel performance update notes; Interestingly, in September, Middle East hotel occupancy was 58.6%, which was the region’s highest level since February 2020 and 93.9 % of the 2019 comparable (62.4%). These levels reflect a consistent upward trend as the region’s occupancy was 50.7% in July and 55.9% in August, which represented 83.8% and 88.6% of 2019 comparable, respectively.
Phase I sees the refurbishment of 275 rooms and suites, as part of an initiative to further elevate the hotels’ guest experience. Spanning three categories including the signature rooms, junior suites and one-bedroom suites designed with the modern business traveler in mind, the rooms have been refurbished to add a modern touch while retaining the luxury and standard to which guests have come to expect of Fairmont hotels around the world. Within the rooms, SAY Studio has used a soft palette and natural materials representative of those that could be found within the surrounding landscape. Warm timbers, to represent the soft tones of the dunes, complimented with deep ocean blues found within the carpet and furniture, is a subtle reference to the views of the Arabian Gulf. The occasional use of satin bronze displayed within the bespoke light fixtures pays homage to the early decadence of the Fairmont in San Francisco. Finally, the textured wall coverings add a sense of depth and luxury making the environment warm and inviting.
Rasha Al-Tekreeti, senior interior designer at SAY Studio said: “When we began the project, we took inspiration from two distinct points, the rich history of Fairmont and the innate ambitions of grandeur found in Dubai. It is easy to view Dubai in the form which it holds today, a vibrant cosmopolitan city that pushes boundaries and sets global standards. But if you return to a few decades ago, things were quite different. We felt a symbolic representation of the city’s diversity and development, and inspirational ambition could be found in the dynamism of its location. It perfectly balances the idea of travel, and a destination. The ambition was to create a timeless yet classic ambience that respected the story of both Fairmont and Dubai equally.”
Matthew Sexton, managing director at SAY Studio concluded: “We are delighted our work on this project has extended so far beyond the initial brief. We are in discussions with multiple hospitality brands concurrently, all with similar briefs to upgrade rooms and public spaces in order to attract the increasing number of visitors due to both Expo and peak tourist seasons.”
Known for its unique exterior inspired by an Arabic wind tower, the 34-story property is home to 394 guest rooms and suites, 12 dining and entertainment venues including The Theater, OPA and Bagatelle, Bistrot Novanta, a unique hotel spa covering 40,000 square feet and two terraced rooftop swimming pools.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Sharjah Art Foundation announces details for FOCAL POINT Art Book Fair
Sharjah Art Foundation announces the programme and exhibitors for FOCAL POINT, the region’s largest and most diverse art book fair. Returning for its fourth edition, the fair brings together printed matter from the MEASA (Middle East, Africa, South Asia) region, including artist books, academic volumes and journals, zines and other non-traditional and experimental publications from more than 120 publishers, magazines, artists, editors, authors and makers from the UAE and MEASA region. FOCAL POINT takes place from 9 to 11 December 2021 in Sharjah Art Foundation’s Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, Arts Square.
For the first time this year, FOCAL POINT will feature a day-long talks programme at the iconic Flying Saucer about new books released from the Foundation, The Africa Institute and publications supported and made possible by the FOCAL POINT Publishing Grant. The event will bring together publishers, distributors, art professionals, knowledge producers, graphic designers, writers, journalists and editors to learn about these publications.
FOCAL POINT’s public programme extends throughout the art book fair with children and community workshops, music events and more.
A number of major publications and artist monographs will launch during FOCAL POINT 2021. These include:
Ahmed Morsi: A Dialogic Imagination, published by Sharjah Art Foundation, The Africa Institute and Skira, a significant monograph discussing the places, people, texts, ideas and materials that have shaped the unique practice of the New York–based Egyptian artist Ahmed Morsi.
Creating Dangerously: A Postscript to Sharjah Biennial 14, a collection of essays, poems and thoughts representing an extension of the SB14 platform, Making New Time, edited by Omar Kholeif, Director of Collections and Senior Curator, Sharjah Art Foundation.
The second edition of Beirut Bereft: The Architecture of the Forsaken and Map of the Derelict, a collaborative publication and exhibition project by Rasha Salti and Ziad Antar, which was originally commissioned, published and produced for Sharjah Biennial 9 (2009).
Corniche 3, a SAF Community publication project which brings together artists specialised in comics and illustrations based in the UAE and broader region.
The Africa Institute will launch Selene Wendt’s latest book Beyond the Door of No Return: Confronting Hidden Colonial Histories through Contemporary Art which explores the legacies of colonialism in contemporary art as well as the memoirs of Ibrahim El-Salahi, At Home in the World, tracing his life and career from Khartoum to Doha to São Paulo to New York.
Ma3azef, in collaboration with SHFRA studios and Barzakh, will release The Moment of Tarab, which takes an intimate look into the lives of singing legends such as Fayrouz and Abu Bakr Salem, and Omissions in the Official Narrative, an anthology of the Golden Age of Arabic music. These two publications are produced as a result of the 2019 FOCAL POINT Publishing Grant, awarded to Ma3azef.
FOCAL POINT 2021
9–11 December 2021
Talks Programme: The Flying Saucer
10:00 am–4:00 pm, 9 December
Art Book Fair: Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, Arts Square
4:00 pm–10:00 pm, 9–11 December
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
du announces latest collaboration with Digital DEWA to deliver new 5G use case for smart grids
du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has announced a new collaboration with Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and its subsidiary, InfraX, to develop a new 5G use case for smart grids in the city.
The leading UAE telco provider has made invaluable 5G contributions to Emirati society since rollout activities began, providing residents, businesses, and industries with valuable connectivity benefits through the technology. With 5G housing the capabilities to drive transformative and sustainable impacts, InfraX will now access a highly capable 5G network to deliver a seamless use case that bolsters on-site operational efficiency. The collaboration was announced at GITEX Technology Week 2021, which is currently taking place at Dubai World Trade Center.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO, EITC, said: “du has always been immensely proud of its track record for supporting government entities on integral sustainability projects and ensuring they integrate the necessary technological capabilities for desired outcomes. Therefore, we are delighted to be honoring this tradition once more alongside Digital DEWA and its subsidiary Infra X. This year, we have worked together to deliver numerous tech-based use cases for digital transformation purposes, and the shared success we have enjoyed means we enter this latest project even more prepared. 5G is a fundamental pillar of our society now and in the future, and we are enthused by the prospect of facilitating 5G benefits to propel the industry to new heights.”
Inspired by a shared vision to drive digital transformation through 5G, du will support InfraX and Digital DEWA with 5G use cases integration for operational purposes. With boosting efficiency and reducing water and power supply industry costs topmost priorities in the years ahead, the two parties will deliver on these obligations by automating related processes through the use of robots and drones. With these key enablers set for immediate implementation, project deliverables will subsequently be met through a series of 5G network features and functionalities, including cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI), intelligent power distribution systems, edge computing analytics, thermal cameras, site inspections, video streams, and live broadcasting.
Marwan Bin Haidar, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Digital DEWA, added: “As Digital DEWA looks to the future, new technologies will be crucial to supporting the government’s vision to promote sustainable development and drive energy and water usage efficiency. We are delighted to announce our collaboration between InfraX and du to meet upcoming technology and transformation aspirations for the local community .”
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));