A canvas for global design

Overlooking the historic Dubai Creek where dhows still ply their ancient trade routes, Omar Al Gurg sits, ready to answer our questions, in his studio that serves as a fitting metaphor for the designer whose work bridges the UAE's rich heritage and its bold, innovative future. Founder of Modu Method and curator of UAE Designer Exhibition, Dubai-born Al Gurg has emerged as a prominent figure in the UAE's burgeoning design scene, embodying the nation's spirit of creativity and cultural fusion.

Al Gurg's design philosophy is deeply rooted in his Emirati upbringing, yet shaped by global influences. "Growing up here in the UAE, I was always surrounded by my family," he reflects. "My grandfather used to work abroad as a diplomat, so he used to spend half the year abroad and bring back a lot of things from his travels to put around his house. I was always exposed to things that aren't from here." This early exposure, along with his curiosity for foreign cultures -which he explored by visiting museums during his travels, laid the foundation for his unique design perspective. His architectural studies at Queens University in Belfast further enriched his cultural knowledge and instilled in him problem-solving skills by teaching him to work with respect for existing spaces -a principle he now applies to his designs in the UAE.

The UAE's rapid growth has created a fertile ground for design innovation. Al Gurg observes, "The UAE is growing every single day and with that expansion, we are experiencing different things about different cultures at a level that we've never experienced before, considering it's a very young country -it's turning 53 this year!" This cultural amalgamation is reflected in the work of designers across the nation. He actually highlights a shared value among UAE-based designers: "Many of the designers who participate in [art and design] exhibitions here are influenced by each other; everyone is learning from one another because there is a strong sense of community in the design field." "I think that's really what resonates with me the most, the subtlety of how they can implement cultures within their design. It doesn't necessarily have to be a loud, 'in your face’ kind of way of designing, but more of a way of paying homage to certain aspects of different cultures," he adds.

When asked about innovative design trends in the UAE, Al Gurg highlights a shift towards bolder expressions: "There are more people using more bold colours and bolder forms in their designs. They're still using natural colours but in a way that’s a lot more exciting, actually taking advantage of all the colours on the spectrum and placing them in their designs, as opposed to the muted versions of design in previous years, when it was always about beiges, browns and neutral colors." This trend towards boldness is not just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of the UAE's growing confidence in its design identity. As he notes, "The UAE is known to embrace other cultures as well as practice its own, and nowadays, much more people are embracing Emirati design culture or our country’s heritage in a modern way,” which he explains is helping people realise that there is a lot to Emirati culture and to the field of design in the country.

The UAE's position as a global creative hub is no accident. Al Gurg believes the UAE was always a global hub for many things, “…so it's only natural for it to also be global in the creative industry." He points to the historical significance and strong aspect of globalization of the Dubai Creek, a testament to the country's long-standing role in global trade and cultural exchange. “Many countries used to come into the UAE, bringing their products from their own countries. It very much became a hub for tourism as well, with a lot of people visiting from all over the world.” This diversity is a key factor for the UAE's creative development. "The more diversity there is, the more we are able to develop that kind of hub for creativity over here.” He clarifies the correlation: the more people are going to want to come into the UAE to showcase their work and learn from the people that are over here, the more we're going to learn from them, and the bigger the hub will become.

Al Gurg sees platforms such as Dubai Design Week and Art Week as having a crucial role in nurturing emerging talents who, in turn, play a vital role in showcasing the country's growing design scene. "Every year, we have more and more designers participating in Dubai Design Week with innovative design solutions and exciting materials that they want to use," he says. "These are all people who are fresh in the field and who want to make a mark in their design career." These events not only provide exposure but also foster collaboration within the design community. He reflects on his own contribution: "I think I'm contributing a bit, little by little. Everybody in the field is contributing in their own way, whether by creating their own designs that are making waves in the market, by collaborating with others or by being given the opportunity to curate the UAE Designer Exhibition as well for example," he chuckles. The exhibition, now in its fifth edition, has become a cornerstone of Dubai Design Week. As curator, Al Gurg guided thirty emerging designers under the theme of inspiring moments of tranquility, encouraging visitors to slow down and engage with emotionally resonant, functional objects. "The UAE Designer Exhibition really gives emerging designers a chance to shine," he adds. "It's a platform where they can show what they're capable of, not just to a local audience but to people beyond the region. Plus, it allows designers to blend traditional elements with fresh, modern approaches, which keeps the design culture here constantly evolving and dynamic." 

As the nation continues to establish itself as a global design hub, Al Gurg believes in a bright future for the country's creative community. He reminds us that emerging designers are becoming more daring and bolder with their shapes and colours, which he finds invigorating to witness.

Despite the thriving creative scene, Al Gurg acknowledges the challenges faced by designers in the region. "I think showcasing your creativity might be the easy part, there are a lot of opportunities that allow creative people to showcase their work. It's about taking advantage of that opportunity and using it," he says. "The problem is the making of the work, finding the motivation to make your piece." He emphasises on the difficulty in convincing manufacturers to take on small projects amidst the country's large-scale developments. "There's a matter of convincing, of knocking on everybody's door. Almost every single time you speak to a new manufacturer, you have to pitch yourself." Another challenge Al Gurg identifies is staying connected with the broader design community. "When you’re in your own field focusing on your work, you sometimes forget to look at what others are doing and learn from them, which is important so that the element of growth stays in your own work as well."

For this young designer with global acclaim, success is not defined by a single goal but by continuous growth and learning. "Practicing what I like and growing my practice, that, to me, is already successful," he admits. "Just looking at all of our achievements year by year, knowing we can achieve more and working hard towards learning something new -I know I say this a lot, but learning is very important- is to me being successful. I'm excited about that ultimate goal as well as the journey." His philosophy mirrors the UAE's own approach to development, always looking forward while respecting its roots.

In fact, Al Gurg's designs are deeply rooted in Arab heritage and storytelling, promoting accessible design that solves practical problems while maintaining aesthetic appeal. When asked about that, he tells us: "Incorporating elements from my cultural heritage into my designs comes naturally and subconsciously. I don't try to force it; I try to tell a story through my designs, and make them as interactive as possible. I think that's why people can relate to them on a more global scale." This approach to design as a form of storytelling is evident in "Spike", a wooden coat hanger and the first piece he designed for Modu Method. The furniture piece was inspired by the inconvenience of clutter, and the idea came to him during his national service, when he began sketching to exercise his mind. “I aimed to solve common household problems through furniture design. At that time, I was dealing with my clothes crammed into a bag instead of being neatly hung. Subconsciously, I designed a coat hanger with a more appealing shape than others, making the pegs removable and adjustable depending on the number of clothes or items to be hung." The piece is a perfect example of the designer’s mission to promote accessible design, which implies catering to as many people as possible, while problem solving through form and function. Incidentally, “Spike” is also his favourite piece from his own collection. He describes it as “the eldest child [he has]. He's great, such a lovely piece of furniture.” “They’re all like my children,” he muses.

Talking about favourites, I inquire about his favourite design piece of all time, from any other designer or brand. “There is one. It’s called ‘Pratone®’ by Gufram,” the non-conformist, Italian furniture brand. “It’s a very large piece of grass, it’s kind of like a couch, a bed, an armchair. It can be uncomfortable for some and very comfortable for others.” A quick online search leads me to discover the surreal-looking, playful green piece of furniture that unquestionably must be one of the most unique seats in contemporary design history. Created in 1971 by Giorgio Ceretti, Pietro Derossi and Riccardo Rosso, and reimagined several times across the years, the inimitable seat takes the quirkiness of design to another level, crossing conventional boundaries just as both Al Gurg and the UAE have been and excelling at it in every field.

I also grab the moment to ask about for design pieces he recommends as a gift for a household, with the festive season almost at our doors. “It depends on the people; look at their home, walk in and see what you would like to buy them. A candle is always a good option if you don't know what to buy. They have some great ones at Dyptique,” he adds with a warm laugh.

As the conversation with Omar Al Gurg draws to a close, it becomes clear that the UAE's design scene is more than just a local phenomenon nurturing emerging talent and fostering a spirit of innovation; it extends far beyond its borders, into a global movement with roots firmly planted in the nation's soil. It's this openness to the world, combined with a deep respect for heritage, that makes the UAE a real home for all -designers and dreamers alike. As Omar Al Gurg and his contemporaries continue to push boundaries and tell timeless stories through their creations, they are not just shaping objects -they are crafting the narrative of a nation that has become a real home for global design.