The Dubai-based interior design firm H2R has revealed details of yet another project completed in 2021, The 9 – a new luxury private members’ club, located in The Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates.

A regional first for a shopping destination, the opening of the club is the first phase in Mall of the Emirates’ development plans as it further enhances its customer experience, F&B and lifestyle offering.

A destination designed to indulge the interests of the most discerning individuals, luxury shoppers and mall lovers, H2R Design worked closely with the MAF team to design various areas of The 9, as well as Capsule Arts to complement the design with art and decorative accessories.

This includes The Library – a space to read, relax and play with a pool table, library shelving for books and board games; The Suite – a luxury sleeping pod, perfect for jet-lag or a mid-afternoon nap; 9 Cigars – a state of the art humidor and cigar boutique combined with a unique lounge; The Link – a meeting room for conferences yet designed in a contemporary and minimalist style with a beautiful courtyard feature; Sartoria by Sergio Nesci – a bespoke tailoring service for suits and shirts, The Pod – an office; The Fitting Rooms – personal Stylist Services and finally The Barber – for male grooming and treatments.

Speaking about the opening, Husain Roomi from H2R said: “Projects such as The 9 are exactly the type of destination and experience that truly inspires us. Rather than create something seen before, having the chance to create a new destination within the already established one of Mall of Emirates, inspired by the luxury clientele that it will welcome, was a source of great fun for us. The minimalist and luxurious design reflects our personal tastes well and is a fantastic example of how style and the consumer experience can go hand in hand and complement each other perfectly.”

Inspired by the luxurious and yet minimalist taste of its refined clientele, the design pays close to attention to details (much like the detailing of a well-tailored suit), with different textures and layers, a colour palette of dark browns, black and leather. Building on the luxury narrative, sports memorabilia and collectables feature throughout the entire space, alongside framed black and white sartorial photography that captures luxury travel, exclusive sporting events and movie stars. Typographic artworks exhibit motivational and humorous quotes aimed to appeal to the guest’s personality.

From the moment of arrival, the reception’s design aesthetic instantly speaks of sophistication and craftsmanship to appeal to the discerning clientele. Due to the extensive use of marble, custom wallpapers and Italian furniture, guests enter into an exclusive world of curated spaces that have all been tailored for sophistication and self-care.

The Library showcases statement art pieces, select photography artwork focusing on high-class sporting events, and plush lounge seating, with a striking Irish Green Marble tile wall, and Athens Grey Marble stone flooring.

With the use of natural light, the luxury cigar boutique, 9 cigars has comfortable and inviting furniture, dimmed lighting and a well-equipped state-of-the-art humidor. A curated collection of books are displayed amongst distinctive sculptures and decorative accessories in a variety of glass and ceramic, that together set the ambiance.

Taking centre stage within the Cigar Room is a striking and powerful monochrome image of a local Cuban woman posing confidently as she goes about her day, with a cigar casually held between her teeth. The image was taken by established German photographer Bastian Linder, where he manages not only to capture her character, but the feeling of cuba – a city most famous for its cigars.

The Fitting Room stands proud in style and elegance. Crafted elements have been built into the hotel pod which feel like sanctuary, whilst beautiful clothes are showcased against stunning surfaces.

Lastly, The Barber, an intimate private space that offers a host of relaxing services, has been curated with the modern man in mind. The space is complete with olive, chrome, and black marble undertones, presenting a contemporary yet masculine feel.