“Gerbou” Restaurant, Dubai
An installation of advanced textile partitions reinterprets the cultural legacy of the Emirates through innovation and design coherence.
Situated in the refined and vibrant Nad Al Sheba district—home to racetracks and prestigious villas—Gerbou, part of the renowned Atelier House Hospitality group, exemplifies a sophisticated synthesis of tradition and contemporary sensibilities. The project deftly interweaves elements of local heritage and identity—including the Emirati ethos of hospitality—with environmental consciousness, collaborative creativity, and a global design perspective.
Housed in a 1980s villa, the restaurant was initiated by Tashkeel, a prominent UAE-based art and design incubator founded by Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum. The interiors were masterfully curated by Kristina Zanic Consultants.
“Gerbou,” which means “welcome to my humble home” in the Emirati vernacular, is both a statement and a philosophy—an atmosphere of warmth that celebrates the local roots and heritage in every detail, from furnishings to curated installations that reflect the memories, lifestyle, and social traditions of the original Emirati communities.
Nature holds a central place in the project’s narrative—evident not only in physical features like the sculptural tree trunk at the entrance and allusions to flora, fauna, and marine life, but also in the selection of natural materials and artworks by local designers that animate the interior and exterior spaces. Nature’s influence also extends to the menu, which is strictly organic and rooted in sustainable resource use, respect for all living beings, and seasonality. The dishes are simple, authentic, and responsibly sourced from local producers and artisans.
The collaboration between Tashkeel Studio and Kristina Zanic Consultants has achieved a refined synthesis of cosmopolitan style and cultural identity. Central to this dialogue is the “Dubai Pattern”—a distinctive motif born from research into local visual language. Inspired by traditional perforated masonry blocks, the pattern serves as a contemporary homage to vernacular architecture, adding a sense of nostalgia and contextual depth while subtly dividing the space.
Within this thoughtful design language, tailor-made partitions by i-Mesh become a key architectural and emotional element. Their intricate, site-specific pattern—steeped in architectural and cultural references—creates a breathable, semi-transparent structure that both defines and connects the restaurant’s spaces. These installations encourage a sensory experience that is at once intimate and open.
Constructed from basalt fiber and carbon fiber, the permeable partitions balance structural integrity with visual lightness. They demarcate public and private zones within the dining area without disrupting flow or obstructing light, preserving a bright, inclusive atmosphere. Aligned with Gerbou’s sustainable philosophy, these long-lasting, zero-waste textiles support a low-impact design approach that respects the environment while elevating the dining experience.
The interiors of Gerbou pay homage to the site’s architectural and cultural lineage, using natural materials and references that evoke the traditions of the Emirates. In this context, textiles become both a technical device and an expressive medium, offering softness, structure, and innovation. The result is a space where nature, memory, and design converge, creating a contemporary hospitality environment deeply rooted in place, material intelligence, and narrative richness.
“Gerbou would be a dream project for any designer,” said Kristina Zanic, CEO of Kristina Zanic Consultants. “It’s a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine and conscious design. Collaborating with Tashkeel and the talented local designers allowed us to reimagine local heritage in a contemporary way and to give visitors an authentic taste of Emirati hospitality.”
