Welcome to Homat Al Dar—The definitive guide to the modern Emirati sanctuary. From the physics of sustainable cooling to the soul of the Neo-Majlis, we explore the architecture of living well in the UAE.
The Neo-Majlis: Hospitality Reimagined Introductory
The Majlis is the beating heart of our culture—a space where tradition meets the warmth of welcome. But in 2025, the Majlis is evolving. We move beyond the gilded heavy drapes of the past to embrace “Calm Luxury.” Italian furniture manufacturers now offer specialized collections for Majlis design, featuring U-shaped modular seating systems, neutral desert palettes, and invisible technology integration that redefine the way we gather. Brands like Minotti and Flexform have adapted their modular configurations specifically for traditional Majlis layouts while incorporating contemporary climate control and smart home integration.
Guardians of the Environment Introductory
To build in the desert is to negotiate with the sun. True luxury today is sustainable, intelligent, and efficient. We profile the innovations protecting your home and our shared environment—from VRF cooling systems that whisper to smart glass that reacts to the sun.
“Did you know? Smart cooling retrofits can reduce villa energy consumption by up to 40%. Join the movement toward Net Zero.”
- Interior Designer’s Specification Guide: Top Italian Furniture Brands for UAE Projects
Selecting Italian furniture in Dubai requires understanding manufacturing standards, import logistics, and climate-specific performance metrics that directly impact project budgets and client satisfaction. UAE interior designers face unique challenges when specifying European furnishings: extreme humidity fluctuations between 30-90%, indoor temperatures maintained at 18-24°C against outdoor peaks of 50°C, and dust infiltration rates requiring monthly deep… Read more: Interior Designer’s Specification Guide: Top Italian Furniture Brands for UAE Projects - From Import to Innovation: The Brands Defining the ‘Made in UAE’ Renaissance
The 29-day shipping delay that stranded a container of Milanese sofas off the coast of Jebel Ali in 2021 marked a turning point for interior designers across the Emirates. What began as frustration evolved into opportunity. Today, a different conversation unfolds in Dubai’s design studios—one where local manufacturing addresses problems that imported furniture never could.… Read more: From Import to Innovation: The Brands Defining the ‘Made in UAE’ Renaissance - Cooling the Sanctuary: Advanced Climate Technologies for the UAE Villa
The UAE villa presents a paradox. Its owners commission soaring double-height majlis spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows that capture views of the Arabian Gulf, yet these same architectural ambitions create thermal nightmares. A 12,000-square-foot residence in Dubai Marina can consume 150,000 kWh annually—roughly equivalent to powering fifteen average American homes—with cooling accounting for 65% of that… Read more: Cooling the Sanctuary: Advanced Climate Technologies for the UAE Villa - The Neo-Majlis: How Tradition is Shaping the Future of UAE Social Spaces
The Majlis has functioned as the UAE’s primary social infrastructure for centuries. What began as a designated reception area in Bedouin tents evolved into dedicated rooms in permanent structures, serving as venues for conflict resolution, business negotiation, and family gathering. The space operated under strict protocols: gender-separated areas, hierarchical seating arrangements that reflected tribal status,… Read more: The Neo-Majlis: How Tradition is Shaping the Future of UAE Social Spaces
Made in the Emirates
We celebrate the artisans, the joiners, and the visionaries building the future of UAE design right here at home. From the industrial zones of Sharjah to the design districts of Dubai, meet the brands proving that “Local” means “World-Class.”