In the vibrant landscape of the Gulf, a global epicenter of luxury and innovation, the dining scene has reached unprecedented levels of excellence. Here, a restaurant is far more than a place to eat; it is a destination to be experienced, an immersive journey where every detail contributes to a unique narrative. In this context, design takes center stage, transforming spaces into truly emotional settings. A venue’s success is increasingly tied to the designers’ ability to interpret a vision, blending cultural identity with international trends. We explore the work of five firms that, with different yet complementary approaches, are defining this new era of design.
While on one hand we find the tailored precision of boutique studios like 4SPACE, which crafts conceptually rich and culturally resonant projects, on the other, we see the large-scale vision of international powerhouses like Benoy, whose 75-plus years of experience shape entire urban and commercial landscapes on a global scale. This dialogue between the micro and macro is joined by the human-centric approach of AEA Designs, which places interaction and well-being at the heart of its projects, merging craftsmanship with innovation. The landscape is further enriched by the bold and disruptive style of Bishop Design, celebrated for its ability to create immersive, emotionally driven experiences. Rounding out this picture of excellence is H2R Design, whose philosophy is rooted in timeless storytelling, creating environments that are both context-sensitive and built to last.
Firas Alsahin
4SPACE (on cover)
A recognized name in the region, 4SPACE is a boutique design studio defined by consistency, clarity, and originality. Since its founding in Dubai in 2012, the practice has become known for creating spaces that are both culturally resonant and commercially attuned. Operating at an intentionally focused scale, 4SPACE ensures that every project benefits from full authorship, strategic selectivity, and direct collaboration between founders, designers, and clients. Growth at 4SPACE has always been deliberate rather than rapid. The studio accepts commissions only when there is alignment in values, timelines, and ambitions, allowing its designers to devote full attention to each project. Concepts are developed entirely in-house, ensuring a seamless narrative from vision to execution. This approach allows the studio to remain boutique in spirit while delivering projects with global impact. Recent and ongoing projects reflect the studio’s distinct signature: conceptually rich and atmospherically distinctive. Every project is conceived as a complete architectural story. For 4SPACE, being boutique is a strength. It allows the team to remain agile, selective, and deeply attentive to detail.
FZN by Bishop Design – Photo © Natelee Cocks
Paul Bishop
Bishop Design
Founded in 2004 by Paul Bishop, Bishop Design is an award-winning global studio with offices in Dubai and Miami, celebrated for its bold, boundary-pushing designs across hospitality, commercial, and residential sectors. With over 20 years of experience, the studio delivers luxury and lifestyle experiences that blend creativity with functionality, shaping five-star resorts, boutique hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and entertainment destinations worldwide. Collaborating with renowned partners such as Major Food Group, Sunset Hospitality, Ennismore, Majid Al Futtaim, and Atlantis Resorts, Bishop Design has earned nearly 200 international awards, cementing its place as a leader in contemporary design.
Bujairi Terrace by Benoy
Tom Cartledge
Benoy
Benoy is a leading international design studio with over 75 years of experience shaping transformative spaces across the globe. Operating in more than 52 countries, Benoy combines strategic thinking, creative design, and deep local expertise to deliver projects that redefine cities, communities, and human experiences. Its multidisciplinary team works across Strategy, Urban Design, and Architecture, uniting global perspectives to address complex design challenges with innovation and integrity. Under the leadership of Tom Cartledge, CEO of parent company Handley House since 2016, Benoy has evolved beyond traditional architecture into a family of integrated design services that span the full lifecycle of development, from conception to delivery. A global business leader, Tom is committed to creating meaningful places that connect people and purpose while driving value for clients and stakeholders. His vision has guided Benoy’s expansion and success across 40 countries, with landmark projects including Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore, ICONSIAM in Thailand, Alibaba Headquarters in China, Mercedes-Benz HQ in the UK, Solitaire in Saudi Arabia, and Royalmount in Canada.
STEEP Café by AEA Designs
Esra Al-Kazem
AEA Designs
Founded in Doha in 2009 by Esra Al-Kazem, AEA Designs has grown into one of Qatar’s most versatile studios, bringing together 23 designers, architects, engineers, and craftsmen under one roof. The studio takes a human-centred approach, creating spaces that feel personal, inclusive, and enduring. Led by Al-Kazem, a designer and researcher with degrees in fashion and interior design, AEA Designs offers comprehensive solutions for interiors, architecture, product and furniture design, branding, and visual communication. The studio blends craft and innovation, balancing aesthetics with functionality to create spaces and objects that are both beautiful and genuinely useful. For AEA, design shapes moments, interactions, and memories, enriching everyday experiences.
Brew Café Jumeirah by H2R Design
Hasan & Husain Roomi
H2R Design
Founded in 2014 by brothers Hasan and Husain Roomi, H2R Design is a London- and Dubai-based studio shaping contemporary hospitality and commercial spaces across continents. With a 38-strong team, the studio thrives on creating design narratives that feel personal, context-driven, and timeless. Rejecting formulaic solutions, H2R instead craft immersive environments rooted in storytelling, always responsive to place and culture. Among their most compelling works is Brew Café Jumeirah, where the studio has reimagined a neighbourhood favourite with a fresh coastal identity. Calming blues, earthy terracotta, and layered textures create a warm yet contemporary setting that reflects its beachside location. The design balances familiarity with innovation: rough plaster walls meet warm timber and brushed metals, while flexible seating encourages both intimacy and community. True to H2R’s philosophy, the project is not just a café but an experience, seamlessly merging brand, setting, and atmosphere. This approach has earned the studio wide recognition, with awards spanning retail, hospitality, and sustainability. Yet what defines H2R is not accolades but their commitment to shaping environments that resonate, projects with soul, crafted to endure.
