Celebrating National Day: Bringing Emirati Culture Home

A modern majlis, reimagined

The majlis is the heart of Emirati hospitality. A place where conversation flows and guests feel instantly at ease. In a contemporary living room at Rolex Tower, anchor the space with a low-profile modular sofa arranged in a U-shape, layered with textured cushions in sandy neutrals and Sadu-inspired patterns. Add generous side tables for gahwa and dates, and a plush, hand-tufted rug underfoot to soften marble or porcelain flooring. Keep sightlines open to preserve city views, but layer sheers with blackout drapery to modulate light throughout the day. Mix upholstery in linen, camel leather and palm-fibre accents, while brass trays and hand-thrown ceramic bowls nod to tradition without overpowering a clean-lined aesthetic.

Light, shadow and mashrabiya craft

The dance between light and shadow is essential to regional architecture. At The Court, introduce mashrabiya-inspired screens in timber or powder-coated metal as sliding room dividers or wardrobe fronts. Perforated patterns filter light into intricate motifs while offering privacy. In powder rooms or corridors, laser-cut panels layered over mirrored backings create depth and a subtle play of reflection. Consider a custom geometric screen in a warm walnut stain to frame an entryway, balanced with a minimalist console and a single sculptural vase.

Colour story: dunes, sea and celebration

For a palette that feels both grounded and festive for 2 December, start with the hues of the landscape. Think dune beige, date brown, sea-foam green, then punctuate with National Day accents. In a Capricorn Tower dining space, keep walls and large furnishings neutral and introduce emerald glassware, crimson pomegranates, and black stoneware as a refined, seasonal tablescape that can be edited back after the holiday. Textiles with fine red or green piping rather than bold blocks of colour create a look that’s couture, not costume.

Sadu textiles & artisan details

Bedouin Sadu weaving brings rhythm and story into the home. Layer a Sadu runner across a console at Saratoga Complex, drape a throw across a reading chair, or frame a narrow panel as art. Complement with hand-engraved brass coffee dallahs, palm-frond braids, and clay incense holders - artisanal objects that stand beautifully on their own in pared-back rooms. Curate three objects per surface: one woven, one metallic, one organic (like date seeds in a glass cloche) to keep every vignette balanced and intentional.

Fragrance rituals: oud, bukhoor and gahwa

Scent is culture, memory and welcome.  In villas, (not apartments where this is prohibited) you could establish a fragrance ritual for guests: light bukhoor in the entrance at dusk, brew cardamom-laced gahwa in the kitchen, and place a discreet oud diffuser in the corridor. Choose elegant, refillable vessels in stone or glass to avoid visual clutter, and keep ritual items on a single tray that moves from majlis to terrace as the evening unfolds.

Calligraphy as contemporary art

Arabic calligraphy celebrates both meaning and form. In Al Neem Villas, commission a single large-scale calligraphy piece rendered in charcoal on raw linen, or explore metal relief lettering for a statement stair wall. Opt for minimal framing and allow generous negative space so the script can breathe. Neutral art with powerful lines reads timeless, while words like “karam” (generosity) or “sabr” (patience) add resonance to the home.

Natural materials and regional botanicals

Turn toward materials that resonate with Gulf vernacular. Think limestone, travertine, camel leather, walnut and hand-made zellige. Pair with regional flora: ghaf branches in a ceramic amphora, fragrant frangipani by the terrace, or a potted date palm where ceiling heights allow. In a high-floor apartment at Rolex Tower, a single ghaf arrangement can soften the city’s glass-and-steel panorama with organic warmth. Keep planting sculptural and low-maintenance, and elevate planters on plinths to create visual hierarchy without blocking views.

Water, breeze and the courtyard idea

Historic Emirati homes embraced inward-looking courtyards, shade and the sound of water. At The Nadd Residence, evoke this sensibility with a compact fountain, rippling table-top water feature, or a misting fan on the balcony. Linen sheers billow with the evening shamal, while outdoor rugs and lanterns transform a terrace into an intimate gathering space. Layer free-standing lanterns with warm LEDs to create a cinematic glow that feels both welcoming and efficient.

Finish with grace

Bringing Emirati culture home isn’t about recreating a museum. It’s about hospitality, craftsmanship and a quiet, confident sense of place. Whether you wake to the skyline at Rolex Tower, step into the calm of The Court, or gather family at Al Neem Villas, these nuanced gestures like a reimagined majlis, filtered light, a fragrance ritual all honour the past while elevating the present.

On behalf of Seddiqi Properties, we wish you a meaningful UAE National Day, one celebrated in beautiful spaces that feel unmistakably like home.