For me, it seems like Omar Al Gurg — an Emirati artist, designer, and founder of Modu Method — is always up to something. He is constantly creating. Even when he is quiet on social media, that usually means he is deep into a new project. Whether it is something for Modu Method, photography (like his recent exhibition inspired by his climb up Kilimanjaro), or another creative adventure, he is always making something exciting.

For Dubai Design Week (and Downtown Design), Omar is involved in two projects.

The first is a collaboration called Kabana — a project developed with Stellar Works, the Japanese-founded furniture brand, and Calico Wallpaper, the New York–based studio known for its artistic wallcoverings. Omar has envisioned a series of spaces where visitors can experience Stellar Works’ latest collections in a real-life setting. Each area is wrapped in Calico Wallpaper’s in-house designs.

The second project is a collaboration with Massimo Dutti called FRAMED HERITAGE — an immersive installation that explores the dialogue between material and meaning, with leather, a key element of the brand’s identity, at its core. You can see it at Jossa, Alserkal Avenue (Warehouse 45) on 7–8 November.

I wanted to dive a bit deeper into these projects, so I asked Omar a few questions about them.

— Omar, for this Dubai Design Week, you are participating in two projects simultaneously. Tell me what you are working on.

— So, first, I’m collaborating with two brands — Calico Wallpaper and Stellar Works. Both are known for their exceptional quality and refined aesthetics. They are creating a booth at Downtown Design, and they have invited me to curate it. It is going to be beautiful.

The booth will feature a bar at its centre and a lounge area where people can sit and relax. It won’t be a full-service bar, but rather a place for light refreshments, such as water. And, hopefully, there will be a stunning four-meter-tall tree right in the middle of the bar, creating a warm and inviting focal point for the space.

— But what is the concept?

— Calico is launching new wallpapers — some with cloud patterns and others with plant motifs in different finishes. Wood is also a common theme, connecting plants and furniture, so much of the furniture will be made from natural materials.

The palm tree in the centre is meant to anchor the design in this region. Creating a lounge space that feels warm and welcoming is important to us — we want the booth to reflect the spirit of hospitality that is so characteristic of this region and to share that with everyone visiting.

— Now, the second one — Framed Heritage — you are collaborating with Massimo Dutti on an installation. What is it about?

— It is going to be both an installation and an activation. Visitors will be able to explore the archives of Massimo, including some of their most iconic leather pieces. Most of the display will use Modu’s furniture, and we are also customising a few elements specifically for Massimo to highlight the heritage and structure of leather.

You will see pieces that incorporate concrete to emphasise form and structure, as well as existing Modu designs reimagined in leather. For example, the Coco piece will be completely covered in leather, and we are introducing Ned in a new leather colour.

The whole idea is to showcase what Modu can produce in collaboration with Massimo — how the two brands complement each other, celebrate their shared values, and elevate one another through design.

— From what I understand, you have covered these pieces in leather for the first time — that is quite an enormous change. How does it feel?

— I am really happy to be doing this because I have always wanted to explore the idea of luxury. Of course, Modu’s design philosophy is centred around accessibility — we aim to create pieces that are approachable and functional.

But now, there is also growing interest in collectable design. So, exploring that side of things with a brand like Massimo is a wonderful opportunity for us.

— Okay, and what do you think a visitor will feel when they enter Jossa?

— I think it will be somewhere that feels really fresh — a space filled with natural light. I want it to be a place where people can hang out, enjoy themselves, listen to good music, learn something, and also feel completely comfortable. They should be able to sit on the furniture, explore, and relax while taking in all the beautiful pieces from the archives.

— Are you planning to continue experimenting with different fabrics after this experience?

— Of course. We are always eager to experiment with different fabrics and leathers, and we often do that for special clients. Some request specific leathers, fabrics, or even custom sizes, and we recreate our pieces using those unique materials.

We are also preparing to launch a lighter version of our concrete pieces — it won’t actually be concrete but fibreglass. We are still developing that, and we are also exploring other materials like marble. For example, we have been creating incense burners out of marble that look a bit like spaceships — they are really fun.

We are constantly experimenting with new materials, whether industrial or tactile, but there is always a sense of human scale and connection in everything we design. The material itself doesn’t limit us — it is something we are always open to exploring.

— I always wanted to ask you: who are your artisans?

— It really depends on the product. For example, our concrete blocks are made by our team here, while the rugs are produced in Jaipur. The marble pieces, since the craftsmanship is excellent, are made in China.

Most of our products, though, are made in the UAE by different artisans. We also have our own joinery, and many of the craftspeople there are from India — they are incredibly skilled when it comes to working with wood. Those are the people we collaborate with most closely.

For the Massimo project, we worked with our joinery and the artisans based here in the UAE. The concrete came from Sharjah, and all the joinery work was done in our own factory.