News & Industry Updates

The “Made in the UAE” programme is expected to showcase 30+ local ateliers and workshops, with curated installations exploring regional materials, joinery techniques and the rise of climate-considered design. ELEVÉ is monitoring the programme as part of our commitment to UAE manufacturing.

Downtown Design 2026 runs alongside the wider Dubai Design Week programme in d3 (Dubai Design District) in November.

Most Emirates Hills properties are now 18–22 years old, and a generational handover is driving comprehensive interior refreshes. Common scope: master suite renovation, formal majlis re-design, and full custom furniture packages typically running AED 800K–2M+ depending on villa size.

Read our full guide to designing for Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills.

The shift toward UAE-manufactured furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) is being driven by two factors: lead-time compression (8–12 weeks vs 16–24 for European imports) and the resilience of regional supply chains in the wake of recent shipping disruption.

For operators planning F&B venues in 2026, see our guide to restaurant and hotel fit-outs in Dubai.

Performance fabrics with Martindale ratings of 30,000+ rubs are becoming the residential default in luxury Dubai homes, with the very top end specifying contract-grade textiles (50,000+ rubs) for high-traffic majlis seating. Stain-treated linens and bouclé in particular are dominating new villa briefs.

Full breakdown in our Dubai climate materials guide.

The shift away from heavy carved traditional majlis furniture toward cleaner, lower-profile pieces continues to gather pace. Most-requested elements: continuous perimeter sofa runs in cream bouclé, single mashrabiya statement screens, brass and travertine accent tables, and layered Persian rug compositions.

See our complete modern majlis design guide.

For Palm Jumeirah and other coastal Dubai properties, brushed brass and chrome hardware regularly show oxidation within 6–12 months. Marine-grade 316 stainless steel and PVD-coated finishes are emerging as the new standard for both indoor and outdoor applications on the fronds.

The reinforced guidance includes Class B (or better) flammability ratings for vertical joinery surfaces, Class A for ceiling treatments, and certified low-flame-spread upholstery for all banquette and contract seating. Documentation must be submitted with the DCD design package before fit-out commencement.

For hospitality operators, our restaurant & hotel fit-out guide covers the full approval workflow.

The biophilic shift in Dubai Hills is being supported by the community's lower ceiling heights (3–3.6m typically), which favour horizontal landscape integration over the verticality of older luxury communities. Common requests: indoor gardens, water features, internal courtyards visible from main living areas, and floor-to-ceiling pivot doors onto private terraces.

Most leading Italian tanneries (including suppliers we work with regularly) have responded to Red Sea route uncertainty by offering air-freight as a standard option for premium hide orders. Cost premium is typically 15–25% over sea freight, but lead time stays predictable at 4–6 weeks vs the 8–12 weeks now common for sea routes.

Read our bespoke sofa guide for more on leather selection.