Faith, Future and Fashion - Design Inspiration from Dubai Pt. 1 🇦🇪

Reading time: 5 minutes

One of my favourite things about travelling is experiencing new cultures, seeing different perspectives, lifestyles and also observing the different ways those cultures express their creativity.

Over the last few months I’ve been to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Japan and in this article I’ve collected some of my favourite graphics and design inspiration that I’ve spotted in the Emirates specifically. I’ll be sharing more from the other countries I’ve visited, but for now—let’s kick things off with the UAE. 🇦🇪

Enjoy this small compilation of creativity!

Dubai has become a hub for innovation and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s one of the most advanced places in the world right now, and they’re not stopping anytime soon.

I’ve been visiting multiple times a year since 2017 I’m still impressed each time I land. You only need to take a drive through Sheikh Zayed Road to see what I mean - the towering skyscrapers, the architecture design which reflect the clear blue skies and sunshine. It literally feels like you’ve stepped into the future and it’s reminiscent of Corneria City (if you’ve played the Star Fox series, you’ll know what I mean).

But one building stands out from them all - The Museum of the Future.

Most of us are accustomed to seeing buildings that follow the rectangular structures but this one - it’s an oval with a hollow centre that acts as an open viewing deck for the visitors. And to top it all off - the entire building is covered in thuluth Arabic calligraphy.

And it lights up at night.

Even inside the museum the walls are adorned with the same calligraphy patterns. The details are wild.

The Museum is a prime example of the high level of creativity in architectural design in Dubai and it sits nicely alongside other iconic structures in the city like the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai Frame and more. Like yo, they probably sat there and thought “Let’s build a spaceship-doughnut-looking building, cover it in calligraphy, and light that thing up after sunset.” 💡

THAT IS INNOVATION.

Side note: If you visit, be sure to hit up SALT at Museum of the Future. Thank me later.

Packaging at Nike Store, Dubai Mall

This package design is too DOPE. They took traditional floral and geometric patterns that are common in Middle Eastern rugs or home decor and blended them with sneaker culture. The result? A mini shoebox that feels like a cultural mashup of Nike’s energetic vibe and the regional art.

The side panels of this mini shoebox displays their slogan “Just Do It” in a unique custom type that mimics Arabic script. And that’s just the package.

The box is packed with a selection of accessories - a phone popsocket, a fabric patch tag and a Nike Air Max keychain - all branded with the Nike DXB look, a collection you can only get in Dubai. Even the Swoosh has been tweaked to read “DXB”.

Super Creative. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I love seeing how global brands tap into the local culture in their products, graphics and packaging. I hope to write an entire article about this in the future.

Al-Rahim Mosque, Marina.

Islamic Arts is widely celebrated in the Emirates and Mosques often have some of the most intricate forms of Arabic Calligraphy displayed inside and out.

But one of my favourites was this huge ultra minimal kufic-inspired monument displayed outside Al-Rahim Masjid, in Dubai Marina which reads:

لا إله إلا الله

(“Laa illaha il Allah”, “There is no diety worthy of worship except Allah”))

I spotted this during my visit to DXB in Ramadan in 2019 and I’ve yet to see any masjid that has this sort of subtle yet striking creativity. At first glance, it just looks like a clean, modern sculpture with abstract linear patterns. But once you realise what it says, that light bulb goes off in your head. 💡💡💡💡💡

It’s a perfect example of how faith-inspired design can live within a modern architectural environment of Dubai. It’s elevated, elegant, and thoughtful.

Jordan Dubai Mall

The Air Jordan Brand is no stranger to high quality aesthetics and one of the reasons why I personally dig them so much is because of their connection to arts, streetwear and urban culture. It’s not just a sneaker brand, it’s a form of creative expression.

And the Jordan Dubai Mall exemplifies this. Here we see a fusion of fashion, art and sneaker culture to create a unique experience - even if you walk out empty handed, you leave feeling inspired.

One standout feature of this store is this amazing piece of art on display - a basketball backboard featuring intricate patterns inspired by traditional Persian rugs. This piece was created by Miami-based artist Jason Seife.

Seife also designed this Jordan basketball which is displayed inside the store alongside Jordan sneakers, Be@rbricks and KAWS’ Companions.

That mix of the Jumpman logo resting on top of traditional Persian patterns is BRILLIANT example of in blending brand identity and urban lifestyle while paying homage to local arts and culture. 🔥

And while we’re discussing Jordan in Dubai, here’s how they celebrated the opening of the current store - a drone light show that recreated the iconic Jumpman logo inside the Dubai Frame at Za’beel Park 

Seriously. Wild. 🔥

City Walk Masjid

Most Mosques in Dubai and the Emirates tend to follow a similar look - white or sandy tones, domes, towering minarets. Classic. You can spot them a mile away. Which really helps when you’re out and about and need to find a spot to perform your prayers.

But this Masjid stands out and is different from the rest. City Walk Masjid.

This is one of my personal favourites to visit and pray at (taraweeh there is amazing!!!), blending modern architecture with Islamic influences.

The entire building is a cube. That’s it. Simple but bold.

There’s no dome. No arched doors or windows. Even the minbar has polygonal edges. This is Islamic architecture reimagined through a contemporary lens. The design is heavily inspired by minimalism with a strong focus on clean and open spaces that create a sense of peace, serenity and reflection. 🤲

There’s a simple water feature on either side and an outdoor installation of Arabic calligraphy that blends perfectly with the architecture and the surrounding City Walk vibe. The mosque is identifiable with the Testimony of Faith calligraphy displayed at the main entrance.

And it definitely makes a big difference from the chandeliers, pillars and towering minarets which we’re so used to seeing from our TV screens to when we visit the Muslim world.

And when you step out of the masjid and back into City Walk, and you’re instantly met with a view that captures it all: the perfect view of the Burj Khalifa in the distance, clean streets, ambient lighting and a bold graffiti mural by The London Police. A perfect snapshot of Dubai’s creative vibe that mixes faith, art, innovation, design and reminder of how this city thrives on creativity. 🔥

Keep an eye out for part 2.

Until then, Stay inspired and stay safe.

✌🏽+ 💙

P.S. I’ve been working on a big personal project which hopefully should be launched in the next week or two!!!

P.S.S I’m planning a design-based course. Stay tuned for more information!! 👀