In Newport Beach, a home with beautiful traditional bones has undergone a stunning transformation, thoughtfully orchestrated by MINDY GAYER DESIGN. They embraced the home’s original aesthetic, enriching it with classic materials, custom cabinetry, and elegant furniture. The integration of warm hues and luxurious wood tones has created a harmonious and deeply characterful residence, where every detail speaks to a refined sensibility.
The United Arab Emirates has long been a canvas for some of the world’s most daring architectural feats. As we look ahead, the country’s skyline continues to evolve driven by a bold vision for innovation, sustainability, and human-centric design. From vertical cities to eco-conscious tech hubs, the UAE is not just shaping buildings, but reimagining the way we live, move, and interact within urban environments.
In this feature, we explore five of the most exciting upcoming architectural projects across the UAE each one a masterwork of design ingenuity. Alongside these groundbreaking structures, we introduce the visionary architects behind them creative forces redefining the boundaries of what architecture can achieve in the 21st century. Whether you’re an interior architect, urban designer, or simply a design enthusiast, these projects offer an inspiring glimpse into the future of architecture in the Emirates.
Architect: ZNera Space
Downtown Circle is a groundbreaking urban design concept developed by the experimental Dubai-based architecture studio ZNera Space. The proposal imagines a striking 550-meter-tall circular structure spanning 3 kilometers in circumference, completely surrounding the Burj Khalifa. Conceived as a self-sustaining vertical metropolis, the project merges futuristic aesthetics with environmental consciousness.
At the heart of the design lie two interconnected rings joined by a central green corridor called the Skypark a lush, elevated space acting as the building’s ecological core. This expansive park would host a variety of natural landscapes, including canyons, waterfalls, and tropical zones, helping to regulate temperature and purify the air, while also promoting biodiversity within an urban setting.
The concept responds to the growing challenges of urban overcrowding by integrating residential, commercial, and civic spaces into one unified structure. Anchored by five monumental support pillars, each with the potential to house environmental infrastructure like air purification systems, the structure aims to serve both form and function. A key innovation includes a high-speed transit system made up of suspended pods, capable of traveling up to 100 km/h, offering efficient transport and panoramic views of the city below.
Though still in the conceptual stage, Downtown Circle reflects ZNera Space’s forward-thinking vision for sustainable, high-density living. If realized, the project is anticipated to be completed around 2040, pending approvals and developmental logistics.
Architect: Norman Foster (Foster + Partners)
Set in the heart of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, the Zayed National Museum stands as a tribute to the life and legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Designed by the globally acclaimed Foster + Partners, the museum’s striking form draws inspiration from Sheikh Zayed’s deep love of falconry. Its five sculptural steel towers resemble falcon wings and double as thermal chimneys passively cooling the building using innovative natural ventilation systems.
The museum is embedded into a landscaped artificial hill, reflecting the desert terrain of the Emirates. This not only harmonizes the structure with its surroundings but also improves energy efficiency by insulating and shading key spaces. Inside, daylight filters through precisely placed skylights and openings, echoing traditional Arabic architectural principles.
Upon completion, the museum will house six permanent exhibition galleries that narrate the story of the UAE’s cultural evolution from ancient heritage to modern achievements. It will also showcase over 1,000 priceless artifacts, including the iconic Magan Boat and the exquisite Blue Qur’an, offering visitors a deep, immersive journey into the nation’s past.
Completion Year: Anticipated in 2025
Architect: URB
The Dubai Urban Tech District is an ambitious, forward-thinking development aimed at advancing green urban technologies, education, and professional training. Spanning approximately 140,000 square meters in the Al Jaddaf area, this innovative district is designed to be a hub for sustainability-focused research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
The project will feature cutting-edge infrastructure including conference centers, seminar halls, innovation labs, and research facilities dedicated to exploring smart city solutions and environmentally conscious urban planning. By bringing together industry experts, academics, and government bodies, the district aims to accelerate the UAE’s transition towards sustainable urban ecosystems.
Integral to Dubai’s broader vision for smart growth, the Urban Tech District will serve as a catalyst for new technologies in renewable energy, waste management, and green architecture. It is also set to provide training programs and workshops, equipping future generations with skills vital for sustainable city development.
The Dubai Urban Tech District is expected to be completed by 2027, aligning with the city’s 2040 urban master plan focused on creating a greener, smarter metropolis.
Architect: URB
Designed by the visionary urban planning firm URB, The Loop is set to redefine sustainable transportation in Dubai. Stretching an impressive 93 kilometers, this enclosed and climate-controlled corridor is exclusively dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians, offering a safe, green, and year-round active travel experience.
What sets The Loop apart is its complete reliance on renewable energy, including kinetic energy generated from movement within the pathway. It also integrates recycled water systems for irrigation, emphasizing the city’s growing focus on water conservation and sustainable resource management.
But The Loop is more than a transit route it’s a multifunctional urban space. Inside, users will find an array of wellness-oriented amenities such as fitness centers, playgrounds, sports courts, boutique hotels, vertical farms, and community gardens. These features work together to support a healthier and more connected urban lifestyle.
As part of Dubai’s broader vision for a 20-minute city, The Loop is expected to be completed by 2027, making it a key player in the emirate’s journey toward becoming one of the most sustainable cities in the world.
Architect: AE7
Developer:https://www.azizidevelopments.com
Expected Completion: 2028
Set to rise majestically along Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Azizi is an architectural statement of Dubai’s ambition and innovation. Once completed, this awe-inspiring tower will soar to a height of 725 meters, securing its position as the second tallest building in the world, just after the Burj Khalifa.
Designed by international architecture firm AE7, Burj Azizi will span 133 floors, housing a vibrant mix of high-end residential units, ultra-luxury hospitality, retail, and entertainment. The tower will feature:
With a scheduled completion date of 2028, Burj Azizi is poised to become a new global landmark and a symbol of Dubai’s ongoing pursuit of architectural excellence and urban luxury.
Kitchens are becoming more than just cooking spaces they’re evolving into multifunctional, design-forward hubs of the home. From integrated tech to sustainable finishes, here’s a look at the top kitchen trends shaping 2025
A major shift in kitchen design is the rise of fully integrated appliances. Homeowners are now choosing fridges, ovens, and dishwashers that blend invisibly with cabinetry, creating a clean, minimalist aesthetic popular in upscale homes across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Check out:
Connected kitchens are gaining momentum in the UAE. From appliances that respond to voice commands to smart lighting and AI-assisted meal prep, tech integration is making kitchens more functional and future-ready.
Top Picks:
Sustainability is no longer optional. Designers are leaning into materials like bamboo, recycled glass, and reclaimed wood to create kitchens that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
2025 kitchens are breaking free from safe neutrals. Vibrant tones like emerald green, matte black, and terracotta are making bold statements. Intricate and colorful backsplashes are also regaining attention as design focal points.
Kitchen islands are doing more than ever. They now serve as dining spots, charging stations, and prep spaces. Open shelving, once strictly functional, is now curated like a gallery displaying cookbooks, ceramics, and greenery.
Nature-inspired designs are taking over the kitchen. Think wood-covered cabinets, natural stone countertops, and herb gardens by the window. These elements offer a grounding, calming atmosphere perfect for the UAE’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Customizable lighting is redefining how kitchens feel and function. From under-cabinet LEDs to app-controlled ambient lights, modern lighting elevates the vibe of any kitchen.
One-size-fits-all is out. UAE homeowners are now requesting fully customized storage features from pull-out spice drawers to appliance garages to reflect their personal cooking and lifestyle habits.
In 2025, home décor is more than a style statement it’s a reflection of personality, purpose, and the evolving way we live. Post-pandemic priorities, global influences, and a return to craftsmanship are reshaping the aesthetics of interiors. This year, the design world is not just about how a home looks, but how it feels and functions.
The bond between indoors and nature grows deeper. Earth tones like olive green, sand, and clay dominate walls and upholstery. Textures are raw and honest: think unfinished wood, jute rugs, terracotta vases, and stone-inlay side tables.
Product Picks:
Walls are becoming canvases. From oversized murals and gallery-style photo walls to richly pigmented paints like aubergine and ochre, 2025 is about bold storytelling through surfaces.
Commission a mural from a local artist or explore temporary peel-and-stick wallpaper from Stories For Walls.
Curves are in. From circular mirrors and rounded armchairs to ripple-edge shelves and bubble-like light fixtures, homes now echo comfort in form.
The trend is “controlled maximalism”: curated clusters of décor, layered textiles, and bold statement pieces, but always with breathing space. It’s the art of making “more” look intentional, not chaotic.
Layer your sofa with different textures—bouclé throws, velvet pillows, and linen back cushions. Add a vintage lamp or a sculptural ceramic as a focal point.
There’s a growing appetite for handcrafted, locally made pieces. These designs bring soul to space and reflect conscious consumerism.
Open-plan living is giving way to purposeful zones: reading corners, hybrid home offices, even meditation nooks. Furniture is multifunctional—storage ottomans, nesting tables, and extendable consoles.
Home décor in 2025 invites you to move beyond trends. The most beautiful homes are layered—not just with textures and colors, but with memories, meaning, and function. Choose pieces that resonate with your story, that will age with grace, and most importantly, feel like home.
In an ever-accelerating world, our homes are increasingly becoming the sanctuaries we crave spaces for solace, rejuvenation, and genuine connection. The latest trends in interior design reflect this profound shift, moving beyond fleeting fads to embrace a more intentional, comfort-driven aesthetic. This season, we’re seeing a beautiful convergence of natural elements, tactile textures, and thoughtful functionality, all designed to foster a deeper sense of well-being.
The innate human connection to nature, known as biophilia, continues to inspire and influence design. This trend is about more than just a few potted plants; it’s about seamlessly integrating natural elements, patterns, and light to create a calming and invigorating environment.
Abundant Greenery: From large statement plants like fiddle leaf figs and peace lilies to trailing ivy and delicate ferns, strategically placed houseplants instantly purify the air and add a vibrant touch of life. Consider vertical living walls for a dramatic and impactful display.
Natural Materials: Embrace the warmth and authenticity of wood, rattan, bamboo, cork, and natural stone. These materials introduce rich textures and organic beauty, grounding your space in nature.
Check out: Marina Home Interiors
Organic Forms & Soft Edges: Move away from harsh lines and sharp angles. Curved furniture, rounded mirrors, and gently undulating patterns create a sense of flow and comfort, mimicking the soft forms found in nature.
For curved furniture inspiration:Lavish Decor
While maximalism still holds its place, the influence of “quiet luxury” is undeniable. This trend prioritizes comfort, quality, and timeless design over overt opulence. The focus shifts to rich, tactile materials that engage the senses and create a truly enveloping atmosphere.
Material Drenching: This evolution of “color drenching” involves using a single material or a harmonious palette of similar materials across walls, furniture, and even ceilings. Think dark wood cabinetry, plush velvets, and multi-layered drapery.
For luxurious fabrics and textiles: Sedar
Plush Textiles & Billowing Drapery: Comfort is paramount. Opt for sumptuous fabrics like cashmere, wool, linen, and silk in throws, cushions, and upholstery. Soft, billowing drapery adds a touch of romanticism and enhances the feeling of coziness.
For high-quality home textiles: Risala Furniture
Heightened Reflective Materials: High-gloss paints and strategically placed mirrors add energy and play with perception, expanding the sense of space and bouncing light around the room.
Beyond classic neutrals, the current color palette leans towards earthy, grounding tones with bursts of vibrant personality.
Nature-Inspired Hues: Greens and blues of all shades are trending, evoking a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world. Deep browns, warm caramels, and sunbaked reds also offer warmth and reassurance.
Statement Hallways: Often overlooked, the hallway is emerging as a vibrant design playground. This is the perfect space to experiment with bold colors, patterned runners, epic feature lights, and elaborately tiled floors.
Artful Display: Curated gallery walls with a mix of media, frames, wall sconces, and even vintage accessories are replacing rigid compositions, allowing for a more personal and eclectic expression.
Sustainability is no longer a niche concept but a core principle guiding modern interior design. Making mindful choices that are kind to the planet without sacrificing aesthetics is at the forefront.
Vintage & Antique Treasures: Incorporating pre-loved pieces not only adds character and history to your home but also reduces your carbon footprint. Explore flea markets, estate sales, and online platforms for unique finds.
For vintage furniture marketplaces: Home Kode
Reclaimed & Recycled Materials: Furniture and decor made from reclaimed wood or recycled glass bring unique textures and a lived-in feel, while actively reducing waste.
For reclaimed wood furniture: Home Kode
Eco-Friendly Flooring & Finishes: Opt for flooring alternatives like bamboo, cork, or reclaimed hardwood. When it comes to paints and finishes, prioritize low-VOC (volatile organic compound) options for healthier indoor air quality.
By embracing these trends, you can create a home that is not only visually stunning but also fosters a sense of comfort, connection, and conscious living. Modern interior design is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about crafting spaces that truly enhance our lives.
The Elara Horizon is a distinguished landscape project by AZ LANDSCAPE, part of AZ Greenworks, renowned for their minimalist and Mediterranean-inspired designs. Situated within the Madinat Jumeirah Living community in Dubai, this project exemplifies a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
Design Concept
The design philosophy of The Elara Horizon centers on creating a seamless dialogue between earth, water, and air.Embracing Mediterranean minimalism, the landscape features sculpted greenery, timeless materials, and tranquil water elements. The infinity-edge pool serves as a focal point, blurring the line between the architectural structure and the expansive ocean view, while meticulously curated paths and plantings enhance the sense of rhythm and retreat.
Infinity-Edge Pool: Designed to merge with the horizon, offering unobstructed views of the coastline.
Sculpted Greenery: Strategically placed to create a sense of movement and tranquility.
Timeless Materials: Use of natural stone and other enduring materials to complement the surrounding environment.
Curated Plantings: Selection of flora that enhances the aesthetic appeal and supports the project’s minimalist ethos.
By AZ LANDSCAPE
British-born architect Jonathan Ashmore, founder and principal of ANARCHITECT, is redefining contemporary design in the Middle East and beyond. Based in Dubai with an international footprint, Ashmore has established himself as a visionary known for his ability to balance modern minimalism with material richness and contextual depth.
Educated in the UK and trained across Europe and the Middle East, Ashmore founded ANARCHITECT in 2013 with a clear mission: to create architecture that is both rigorously refined and deeply responsive to its environment. Under his leadership, the studio has grown into a globally recognized practice with a reputation for award-winning work that spans residential, hospitality, cultural, and commercial sectors.
Ashmore’s approach is rooted in a quiet, purposeful aesthetic one that respects context, climate, and craft. His projects are known for their tactile materiality, architectural precision, and seamless integration between interior and exterior space.
Among his standout works is the Al Faya Desert Retreat & Spa in Sharjah, UAE a stunning transformation of a 1960s clinic and fuel station into a contemporary wellness destination. With its rust-toned steel and weathered stone finishes, the retreat is a masterclass in restrained design set against a raw desert landscape.
Another defining project is the Chabros Villa, a private residence in Dubai that reflects Ashmore’s talent for blending sculptural minimalism with warm, livable interiors. Additionally, his Residential Mountain Villa in Lebanon showcases the studio’s ability to work across extreme topographies, balancing architectural geometry with breathtaking views.
Beyond built work, Ashmore is also a frequent speaker and design advocate, pushing the dialogue around sustainable, site-sensitive architecture in the Gulf region and globally.
As both a creative leader and craftsman, Jonathan Ashmore brings a rare sensitivity to modern architecture one that bridges innovation with timelessness, and rigor with emotion. His work doesn’t shout it resonates.
In the world of interiors, few designers channel pure happiness as effortlessly and unapologetically as Ghislaine Viñas. Known for her playful yet purposeful use of color and bold design narratives, Viñas brings her signature energy to a 6,000-square-foot home in Pound Ridge, New York her third collaboration with a loyal client who previously enlisted her talents for a Manhattan loft and a Palm Beach condo.
Originally built in the 1980s, the sprawling, three-level residence sat on a picturesque 5.5-acre wooded plot, but its interiors told a different story. Dated and dim, with dark-wood floors dominating nearly every room, the house lacked warmth, let alone the vibrant character Viñas is known for. “It did not exude joy,” the designer recalls with characteristic candor.
To breathe new life into the home, Viñas envisioned a full-scale transformation one that honored the clients’ love of mid-century design while making space for her expressive, contemporary aesthetic. The goal: to strike a joyful balance between bold and livable.
The redesign began with a crisp architectural envelope whitewashed walls and wide-plank, Scandinavian-style pale oak floors that allowed colorful moments to take center stage. Saturated hues of blue, green, and orange punctuate the home, reflecting the family’s palette preferences while creating visual rhythm throughout the space.
“My methodology is always collaborative,” Viñas notes. “It’s about extracting what I can from myself and blending it with what the client dreams of.”
That philosophy is evident in every room from the energized gathering spaces to the quieter private quarters all unified by a spirit of optimism and individuality.
The result is a home that feels anything but generic. It’s a joyful retreat a vibrant reflection of both designer and client, and a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful, fearless design.
Thoughtful Tweaks and Artistic Flourishes: Ghislaine Viñas’s Layered Vision Comes to Life
Although the original layout of the Pound Ridge home remained largely untouched, designer Ghislaine Viñas made intentional refinements that transformed the residence without unnecessary waste. “There was no need for structural changes,” she notes. “I prefer to work with what’s there just with a different lens.” Out went the traditional moldings and baseboards; in their place came bold vertical elements graphic wall paneling and hand-painted stripes that delivered both texture and rhythm.
To further elevate the architectural character, Viñas brought in long-time friend and collaborator Alan Barlis, principal of BarlisWedlick Architects, alongside associate Jessie Goldvarg. “Our interventions focused on the thresholds both literal and conceptual,” Barlis explains. Their scope included extensive exterior work: reimagined landscaping and hardscaping, nearly 2,500 square feet of new decks and patios, and newly articulated indoor-outdoor connections that extend the living experience beyond the walls. Perhaps the most notable addition is a former garage, now re-envisioned as a 550-square-foot guest barn, clad in Scandinavian-inspired finishes and flooded with light.
Inside, Viñas sidestepped predictable mid-century modern tropes by blending rare vintage finds with bespoke furnishings of her own design. In the living room, a custom white-oak coffee table featuring playful inset color blocks sits harmoniously among icons like Joseph D’Urso chairs, a Warren Platner ottoman, and a sculptural lamp by Dutch design collective Atelier Van Lieshout. Viñas, who is Dutch herself and spent her formative years in South Africa, brings global layers to every detail.
Above the main stair, a striking 11-foot chandelier by Piet Hein Eek, fashioned from mismatched glass shades, becomes an architectural moment unto itself. The newly refined staircase now features a fluid, sculptural railing that adds elegance to its function. On the landing, a Saarinen settee shares space with a bold art credenza by Richard Woods, adding visual tension and unexpected wit.
In the primary bedroom, scale is managed masterfully through a double headboard—one layer upholstered, the other wood-paneled creating a tactile, dimensional focal point that both anchors and softens the space.
Through layered craftsmanship and fearless vision, Viñas and her collaborators have given this once-ordinary home a wholly new narrative one where joy, artistry, and intention shape every corner.
For Olena Korzh, cofounder of Bordo Design, crafting her own family home in Kyiv wasn’t simply a design exercise it was a deeply personal exploration of restraint, meaning, and emotional resonance. Eschewing color bursts and decorative flourishes, Korzh chose instead to build visual intrigue through texture and form. The result is a minimalist sanctuary where each surface and object carries quiet significance.
“I intentionally avoided anything superfluous,” Korzh reflects. “I wanted every piece to have not only a function, but emotional weight something that matters.”
This ethos is evident throughout the apartment, which is notably spare in storage but rich in considered detail.
At the heart of the space are the sculptural, embossed wall panels soft, wave-like forms that ripple gently across otherwise minimalist backdrops. Their presence, Korzh explains, is a counterpoint to the rigid geometries often found in modern interiors. “I was craving softness and movement something alive. The walls bring an organic calm, echoing the natural world in a way that feels instinctive, not forced.”
This philosophy of conscious consumption guided every design decision. Materials were selected with intention; furnishings are multifunctional, understated, and often vintage.
“This approach made my home feel not only visually harmonious, but authentically mine,” Korzh shares. “There’s nothing extra only what truly belongs.”
A muted palette of warm beiges grounds the space, lending a sense of openness and light. Delicate accents brushed gold finishes, soft velvet textures layer in subtle warmth. “Beige became my color not because it’s neutral, but because it soothes,” she explains. “It doesn’t overwhelm. It gives space to breathe.”
Among the few standout furnishings is a green velvet sofa, positioned like an anchor within the main living space. It’s Korzh’s favorite element a tactile, emotional centerpiece. “It’s more than a seat,” she says. “It invites pause. I find myself drawn to it not just to sit, but to be still, to exhale. That’s the power of a truly meaningful object.”
In Korzh’s Kyiv apartment, beauty lies in the intention behind every curve, texture, and hue. It’s a space where design doesn’t just serve it resonates. A quiet, sculptural home that, like nature itself, asks for nothing and gives everything.
By Olena Korzh, cofounder of Bordo Design
Set within the raw, elemental landscape of Tinos, this project responds to the island’s dramatic topography and austere beauty with an architecture that is both grounded and evocative. Characterized by its rocky morphology and wind-swept terrain, the Cycladic site calls for a design approach rooted in integration rather than imposition.
The result is a linear composition of six cave dwellings, discreetly carved into the slope and aligned to follow the land’s natural contours. These subterranean structures, partially embedded in the earth, are punctuated by protruding volumes that emerge like geological formations solid masses echoing the native rock. Together, they create a compelling interplay of void and mass, depth and surface.
The communal spaces are designed to continuously engage with the seascape, framing expansive views through large, strategically placed openings. Interior and exterior boundaries dissolve as U-shaped courtyards and sunken terraces draw the architecture outward. These sculpted voids not only house private plunge pools but also amplify the experiential layering of light, air, and landscape.
Private outdoor areas are subtly defined by monolithic prisms architectural gestures that mirror the island’s rocky outcrops. Openings remain minimal, reinforcing the sheltering, intimate feel of the cave typology while allowing controlled glimpses toward the horizon.
The material palette is intentionally subdued, aligning with the natural hues of the Tinian terrain. Colored plasters, exposed and chipped concrete, and locally sourced stone offer rich, tactile surfaces that interact dramatically with the shifting light, creating textured shadows that animate the architecture throughout the day.
This project is not merely a cluster of dwellings but a meditative composition in dialogue with its environment—an architectural expression that is as much about excavation as it is about form, where landscape and living are interwoven with restraint and reverence.
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