Roar's workplace scheme in Dubai an explosion of joyful colour inspired by nature and cultural landscapes.

"We wanted to create a workplace that makes people feel something – a connection to this city, this culture, and the work they do here.

"This isn’t a cookie-cutter office; it’s a celebration of identity and purpose."

This comment from Pallavi Dean, founder and creative director at Roar, explains the team's approach to the new Dubai office of a Global Management Consulting Firm, which boldly reimagines the modern workplace by immersing it in the UAE’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage.

Spanning 2,320 square metres, the office embodies Dubai’s spirit of innovation and connection, weaving the UAE’s natural phenomena – mangroves, coral reefs, dunes, and wadis – into colour-coded zones that foster intuitive navigation and functionality. This design creates a sensory journey, blending the region’s landscapes with the firm’s forward-looking vision for the future of work.

Green Zone: Mangroves

The journey begins with The Oasis, a striking entrance lounge that captures the tranquillity of the UAE’s mangroves. A tree grows through a custom-designed collaboration table that serves as both a visual centrepiece and a symbol of growth. Green acrylic accents highlight the space, complemented by bronze exhibition pillars, a mosaic floor, and a mirrored ceiling that amplifies light and movement. From casual conversations to focused work, every element encourages interaction while grounding visitors in the natural world.

Blue Zone: Sea

The calm of the Arabian Gulf informs the open-plan workspaces in the Blue Zone. Overhead, gradient acoustic baffles mimic gentle ocean waves, softening sound and creating a sense of fluidity. Secluded phone booths and private focus rooms provide spaces for deep work, while flexible single offices are outfitted with standing desks, lounge seating, and custom finishes. Even areas without natural light have been transformed using mirrored stretch ceilings, creating a sense of openness and continuity that feels organic and unobtrusive.

Pink Zone: Coral

Playful yet sophisticated, the Coral section energises collaborative spaces and features hidden printer stations that combine functionality with artistry. The café area stands out with ribbed and gradient mirrors, vibrant shades of pink, and a ceiling that layers bronze, green, and pink mirrored elements. It’s a space for both informal gatherings and larger events, offering a mix of seating options, including bench niches and bar tables, all designed for flexibility and comfort.

Terracotta Zone: Wadi

A floating staircase defines this zone, its bronze base and glass balustrade creating a dramatic focal point. The surrounding lounge spaces offer various setups for relaxation and collaboration, mirroring the winding paths and layered textures of the UAE’s wadis. Adjacent to the staircase is a staff lounge designed for privacy, featuring a pantry, lockers, and a focus nook. Thoughtful details like pantry joinery and sand-inspired finishes bring a tactile dimension to the design.

Beige Zone: Dunes

Taking cues from the serenity of the desert, the Dunes zone is a haven for focused work and quiet reflection. Acoustic baffles overhead mimic the rolling contours of sand dunes, while the colour palette – soft beige with subtle gradients – invites calm and clarity. Workspaces here are adaptable, designed to meet individual needs with standing desks, custom finishes, and furniture that merges form with function

Beyond its zones, the office is packed with thoughtful touches. Arabic cultural motifs punctuate the space, with installations utilising innovative materials such as mirrors, LED tubes, and bronze.

Attention-to-detail is paid to every specification decision, which includes carpets and furniture from Material Source Studio partners, EGE and Naughtone, respectively.

Pallavi adds: "Art isn’t just decorative here – it’s a medium to convey the spirit of the region. It connects people to the space emotionally and intellectually."

Underpinning the entire design is wellbeing. Amenities include dedicated wellness rooms, a Majlis room honouring Emirati hospitality, and multipurpose spaces that adapt to diverse work styles.

Each area is designed to inspire and engage.