INDEX

🤝 Last week, we had the privilege of hosting the INDEX Advisory Board meeting for 2026, bringing together some of the most influential interior designers, architects, hospitality professionals, and developers who are shaping the future of design MENA and beyond. ⭐ It was an inspiring exchange of ideas, perspectives, and expertise — all aimed at steering INDEX toward an even more impactful and forward-thinking edition. Our discussions delved into Branded Residences & Lifestyle Ecosystems, Sustainability & Regenerative Design, Hospitality & Destination Design highlighting “The Guest Experience”, Business & Entrepreneurship in Design and Technology Integration in AI, AR/VR, Smart Materials, Design Innovation & Experimentation. 🔥 These insights will play a key role as we curate a bold, trending and insight-driven INDEX 2026, where innovation, creativity, and collaboration take center stage. #INDEX2026 #INDEXDesignTalks #Exhibition #AdvisoryPanel Tatiana Preeker

🛋️ Where function meets luxury - The Kitchen & Bathroom sector at INDEX continues to set the stage for innovation. This fast-growing sector brings together luxury fixtures and fittings, sustainable appliances and bespoke designs from leading global brands redefining spaces. Are you one of them? 🤝 Across MENA, interior designers, architects, retailers, distributors and specifiers visit INDEX to discover something new, products that elevate both functionality and aesthetics. ✅ If you have the solutions, we have the platform for deals to be made. Get in touch with us and secure your spot at INDEX 2026 (2 - 4 June, Dubai World Trade Centre) : https://lnkd.in/d7JQvtmz #INDEX #DesignRewind #InteriorDesign #Furniture #Exhibtion #Exhibit

⭐ Projects Spotlight: Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort by M atelier. 🔥 Dubai’s iconic pyramid-shaped Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort gets a fresh, contemporary update while honoring its heritage. Inspired by the beachfront, the redesign uses organic shapes, soothing colors, and natural textures to create spaces that feel both timeless and inviting. 🛋️ From the revitalized lobby to flexible social and dining areas, every corner balances comfort, functionality, and elegance. Dive into the full story and see how thoughtful design transforms guest experiences. 🤝 INDEX is proud to showcase refurbishment projects that honor the MENA's rich heritage and culture while introducing a fresh, contemporary perspective. https://lnkd.in/dVZkskRG #INDEX #Exhibition #ProjectFeature #InteriorDesign #Architecture

Yesterday saw the successful conclusion of our INDEX 2026 Advisory Board meeting.🤝 This gathering united leading creative minds and industry voices. Thank you to our advisors for your visionary insights and guidance - your expertise drives INDEX and is shaping the 2026 edition to set new standards in interior design. ⭐ Proud members of INDEX 2026 Advisory Board from yesterday: adriana graur, Design Director, dwp. Agata Kurzela, Founder, Agata Kurzela Studio Angelica Romanazzi, Vice President, FF&E Design Sobha Realty David Thomson, Senior Vice President, The First Group Hospitality Diane Tabet, Director of Interior Design, Accor Esra Lemmens, Founder, the esra lemmens agency Gilbert Boustany, VP Projects Delivery 3D Consultants, Chalhoub Group Hani Asfour, Vice President of Innovation and Insitutional Partnerships, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation Himank Goswami, Senior Director - Head of Design and Capital Planning, IHG Hotels & Resorts Indu Varanasi, Design Director, IRD Design Janus Rostock, Regional MD Buildings, AECOM Leali Ezzat, Founder and Design Director, ELE Interior Design Mahsa Gholizadeh, Founder, DBM STUDIO (Design by Mahsa) Martin Louis du Plessis, Senior Director of Development, DAMAC Properties Arch Mustafa Khamash, Founder, Kart Group Nadia Shafiq, Director of Interior Design, OMNIYAT Rabah Saeid, Founder and Creative Director, STYLED HABITAT Sandra Woodall, FRIBA, FRSA, AoU,  RIBA GULF Chapter Committee/ Uae Country Representative and Design Principal tangram MENA. #INDEX2026 #INDEXDesignTalks #Exhibition #AdvisoryPanel

🤝 We’re honoured to welcome four renowned industry pioneers joining the Advisory Board for INDEX 2026 to shape the dialogue of design. ⭐ Agata Kurzela – Founder, Agata Kurzela Studio Known for blending contemporary creativity, technological insight and contextual awareness in her work, Agata's multidisciplinary studio transforms briefs into poetic, functional spaces across product design, installations, interiors and architecture. With projects spanning the Middle East, Europe and beyond, her portfolio includes the award-winning Government Office in Abu Dhabi and the Royal Lounge for Formula 1. Agata’s approach celebrates both heritage and innovation, seen in her work with iconic cultural landmarks such as the former Armed Officers’ Club in Abu Dhabi. ⭐ Himank Goswami – Senior Director - Head of Design and Capital Planning, IHG Hotels & Resorts A seasoned hospitality design leader, Himank Goswami heads Design, Capital Planning and Technical Services across IHG’s hotel portfolio in the SWA-MEA region, from Luxury to Essentials. With a focus on innovation and brand consistency, Himank plays a pivotal role in shaping the design identity of IHG’s premium and essential hotel brands across a diverse and dynamic market. ⭐ Leali Ezzat – Founder and Design Director, ELE Interior Design Leali Ezzat has built a Dubai-based boutique studio known for its luxurious, liveable designs that bridge European and Middle Eastern sensibilities. Since its inception in 2018, ELE Interior has grown into an international practice with a team of 40 designers, working on residential, hospitality and commercial projects across the UAE, Africa, the UK and the US. Leali’s design philosophy combines empathy, craftsmanship and innovation, creating spaces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. ⭐Arch Mustafa Khamash – Founder,Kart Group Mustafa Khamash is a visionary creative whose two-decade career has helped shape the UAE’s design landscape. His notable works include the Presidential Palace, The Executive Council and national art installations such as The Vision and Frontliners. Honoured with UAE citizenship for his contributions to design and culture, Mustafa continues to champion sustainable, tech-forward creativity while mentoring emerging designers through initiatives like Design for Good with DIDI. #INDEX #INDEXDesignTalks #DesignLeadership #Architecture #InteriorDesign #HospitalityDesign #Sustainability #ArtAndDesign

🤝 We’re delighted to introduce four inspiring leaders helping steer the vision of the Advisory Board for INDEX 2026. ⭐ Martin Louis du Plessis – Senior Director of Development, DAMAC Properties With nearly three decades in the property industry, Martin brings a rare blend of creativity, technical expertise and leadership. His career spans iconic developments with NEOM, Attacq, Abland and now DAMAC, where he oversees large-scale mixed-use and luxury real estate projects across the region. Passionate about design, process and performance, Martin is known for building teams that deliver excellence from concept to completion, always with an eye for innovation, precision and people. ⭐ Diane Tabet – Director of Interior Design, Accor Based in Dubai, Diane leads the Interior Design vision for Accor’s PME brands across the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. With over 15 years of experience and a Master’s in Interior Design, she ensures each project embodies brand identity while embracing local culture. Diane believes design should foster human connection, creating immersive spaces that inspire authentic interaction and memorable guest experiences. ⭐ Mahsa Gholizadeh – Founder, DBM STUDIO (Design by Mahsa) An award-winning designer and visionary founder of DBM Studio, Mahsa is redefining the language of contemporary interior design across the Middle East, Europe and Australia. Her work, rooted in art, storytelling and emotion, transforms interiors into soulful experiences rich in materiality and cultural depth. Winner of Boutique Interior Design Firm of the Year 2025, Mahsa continues to expand her global footprint with a design philosophy that celebrates authenticity and human connection. ⭐ Indu Varanasi – Design Director, IRD Design Founder of IRD Design, Indu Varanasi is an award-winning architect and designer with over three decades of experience in Dubai. Her practice is built on a philosophy of Design Consciousness, blending aesthetic sensitivity, functionality and technical precision from concept to completion. With a Master’s in Design and Architecture, Indu has led projects across the GCC, India, East Africa, China and Italy. Recognised as one of the Middle East’s top 20 designers, she also champions women in design through her Re-Join programme for architects returning to the profession. #INDEX #INDEXDesignTalks #DesignLeadership #Architecture #InteriorDesign #HospitalityDesign #Sustainability #ArtAndDesign #UAEDesign

🤝 Your next big lead is waiting at INDEX. Exhibiting with INDEX means meeting interior designers, specifiers and architects all under one roof – but don’t just take our word for it, hear it from Ligne Roset ⭐ Over three immersive days, INDEX provides manufacturers and suppliers the space to showcase their products and meet key, regional buyers. ✅ Join us at INDEX from 2-4 June 2026 at DWTC and secure your spot with us today: https://lnkd.in/dSMbK3Mi #INDEX #Exhibitor #Testimonial #EnquireNow

🤝 We’re delighted to introduce three visionary leaders to our Advisory Board for INDEX Design Talks 2026. ⭐Tristan duplessis – Founder, tristan du plessis studio An award-winning interior designer renowned for his bold and immersive style, Tristan has shaped acclaimed spaces such as Ristorante Loren, SAN Beach, The Cullinan (Marsa Al Arab), JouJou (Four Seasons Dubai) and Giselle Miami. With ongoing collaborations with Four Seasons, Belmond, Raffles, Ennismore and Pacha, he continues to redefine hospitality design from his bases in South Africa and Dubai. ⭐Olly Bradley - Barnard-Barnard – Director, Chapman Taylor With over a decade of international design experience, Olly has led award-winning projects across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, including Mui Dinh Eco Park, winner of MIPIM’s “Best Futura Mega Project” Award. His approach focuses on creating authentic, culturally rooted designs that reflect the character and context of each destination. ⭐Hani Asfour – Vice President, Innovation & Institutional Partnerships, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation A Harvard and MIT-trained architect, Hani is a leading figure in regional design and education. Former Dean of DIDI, he now drives innovation and partnerships to shape the next generation of creatives. Recognised among the 45 most influential architects in MENA, he also co-founded Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary studio in Beirut. #INDEX #INDEXDesignTalks #Architecture #DesignLeadership #CulturalInnovation #Sustainability #ArtAndDesign #UAEDesign #InteriorDesign

🤝 We are thrilled to welcome three exceptional leaders to our Advisory Board for INDEX Design Talks 2026. ⭐ Bruce Fraser – Vice President, Design Services Middle East & Africa, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Bruce has shaped landmark Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts across three continents during his 17-year tenure with the iconic brand. Leading the Design Services team for all hotel, resort, branded residential and major capital projects in the Middle East and Africa, Bruce believes that collaboration and continuous learning are the foundation for extraordinary design and immersive guest experiences. ⭐ adriana graur – Design Director, dwp. Adriana brings energy, creativity, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of design. A LEED Accredited Professional and graduate of Birmingham City University, she has honed her expertise at Perkins & Will and now excels as a leader, mentor and client partner at DWP. Adriana is committed to delivering unique, customised spaces while championing sustainability in design. ⭐ Rim Guirari – CEO, mustard & linen Rim has built an award-winning interior design studio renowned for its blend of sophistication and authenticity. Born in Abu Dhabi and trained at École Bleue in Paris, Rim empowers her team to create meaningful, timeless spaces. Her vision and attention to detail bring elegance and innovation to every project, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. #INDEX #INDEXDesignTalks #Architecture #DesignLeadership #CulturalInnovation #Sustainability #ArtAndDesign #UAEDesign #InteriorDesign

🌊 Projects Spotlight: Sirene by GAIA - Finasi Located on Dubai’s iconic J1 Beach, Sirene by GAIA redefines beachfront hospitality with a seamless blend of Mediterranean influences and thoughtful spatial flow. Designed by UK-based studio First Within and developed by Fundamental Hospitality, the venue brings together dining, lounging, and beachfront experiences in a single, immersive environment. From indoor dining to poolside lounges, private cabanas, and direct beach access, every element of Sirene by GAIA has been carefully considered — from materiality and lighting to custom joinery and landscaping. Guests move effortlessly across spaces, enjoying a continuous journey where atmosphere, design, and service intertwine. 👉 Discover the full story and explore how Sirene by GAIA sets a new benchmark in Dubai’s hospitality scene. https://lnkd.in/eVGJVZZV At INDEX, we celebrate such outstanding projects that push the boundaries of design and elevate guest experiences across the region. #INDEX #Exhibition #ProjectFeature #InteriorDesign #Architecture