1. As a founder building Yla from Dubai, what does it mean to you to develop a homegrown design brand within the UAE’s growing creative economy?
Building Yla from Dubai is both a responsibility and an opportunity. The UAE has created an environment where entrepreneurship, design, and industry can meet in a very direct way. For us, being a homegrown brand means contributing to that ecosystem by producing locally and by showing that high-quality design can emerge from this region.
Yla was conceived and developed in Dubai, and our pieces are produced locally in Jebel Ali using stainless steel and aluminium. This proximity between design, engineering, and production allows us to experiment, refine, and maintain a very high level of craftsmanship. At the same time, it reflects the spirit of the UAE itself: ambitious, international, and open to new ideas.
We are grateful to build the brand here, because the country genuinely supports new initiatives and creative industries. It gives founders the possibility to transform an idea into a tangible project.
2. In the current geopolitical environment, how important is resilience and adaptability for companies operating in the region?
Resilience and adaptability are essential qualities for any company today, particularly in a global environment that can change quickly. The recent events remind us that businesses must remain focused, flexible, and grounded.
At Yla, our approach is to stay committed to our work while continuing to support the ecosystem around us. Our production continues, our team continues to build, and we remain open to collaborators, architects, and visitors who want to engage with the brand.
What gives us confidence is the strength and stability of the UAE. The country has consistently demonstrated its ability to manage complex situations while maintaining a strong environment for business and creativity. That stability allows companies like ours to remain focused on building long-term value.
3. Dubai has become an increasingly important hub for entrepreneurship and creativity. What advantages does the city offer founders building brands with global ambitions?
Dubai offers a unique combination of infrastructure, international connectivity, and entrepreneurial energy. Few cities in the world allow a founder to design, produce, and present a brand to a global audience from the same place.
The city is also incredibly international. Designers, architects, investors, and entrepreneurs from many countries operate here, which creates a dynamic environment for collaboration and exchange of ideas.
For a brand like Yla, this is particularly valuable. We design pieces inspired by nature and contemporary living, but we present them to a global community of architects, designers, and hospitality professionals who pass through Dubai every day. In that sense, the city naturally functions as a platform for international visibility.
4. Many businesses are reassessing supply chains and production strategies. How does Yla approach these considerations while continuing to grow from its base in Dubai?
From the beginning, we chose a model that keeps design and production close together. Our pieces are produced locally in Jebel Ali, which allows us to maintain strict quality control and remain agile in our manufacturing process.
This approach reduces dependency on long international supply chains and gives us the ability to adapt quickly when needed. It also aligns with our philosophy of craftsmanship and precision: each piece is produced with careful attention to materials, finishing, and durability.
At the same time, Dubai’s logistics infrastructure allows us to remain connected to international markets when required. The combination of local production and global connectivity is one of the strengths of operating from the UAE.
5. Looking ahead, what role do you believe homegrown brands will play in shaping the future of the Middle East’s design and creative industries?
Homegrown brands will play an increasingly important role in defining the region’s creative identity. As the Middle East continues to invest in culture, design, and architecture, locally developed brands can contribute perspectives that are rooted in the region while remaining globally relevant.
For Yla, this means continuing to explore materials, colours inspired by nature, and a minimal design language expressed through metal. Our collections aim to combine technical precision with emotional resonance in everyday objects.
More broadly, I believe the next decade will see more brands emerging from the region that are confident in their voice and capable of competing internationally. The foundations are already here, and it is an exciting moment for the creative industries in the UAE.
