The first ever 25hours Hotel in the Middle East has opened, overlooking the stunning Museum of the Future and just a stone’s throw away from Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Woods Bagot, was responsible for the interior design and delivery of this new destination, one which boasts 434 rooms and suites, seamlessly blending nomadic yet contemporary design.

Memorable, authentic, and individual guest experience lies at the heart of the design of the interiors. The Woods Bagot team worked very closely with 25hours Hotel CEO Christoff Hoffman and the client’s creative team, the Extra Hour Lab, as well as the architects, Hopkins, on the storytelling of the design of the ancient Nomads and Bedouins; weaving their tales into the modern days where the local heroes meet the world travelers.

From the drop off and entrance area, to double-volume space of the lobby with impressive ceiling art, it is a place where we are all modern nomads on our own journey. Creative break-out areas provide unique spaces to enjoy the environment, meet, work, type a letter to loved ones, or take a journey in time discovering gems of the analogue world.

Each space tells a different story from the elevators, corridors to the bespoke rooms.  It is just a question where do you want to stop, connect, and learn?

Commenting on the launch, Christoph Hoffman, CEO 25hours said, “We are thrilled to be finally opening doors to the 25hours Hotel One Central playground and welcoming the local community and travelers from all across the globe. All our experiences and offerings have been carefully curated to make this property truly multi-dimensional – a living room, a party paradise, a romantic getaway or simply the go to destination for creative business meetings and co-working. This is one of the most exciting projects I have worked on, and me along with our incredible team are looking forward to paving the way for a new hospitality experience standard in Dubai.”

Aleksandra Nastic, Senior Associate and Interior Design Lead at Woods Bagot comments, “Woods Bagot is proud to have had the opportunity and responsibility to fully design the interior of 25hours Hotel One Central. Storytelling was the foundation of creating this charming and soulful place. Reviving the story of ancient Nomad travelers, our aim was to create a place with local ambience, which speaks to your heart easily and becomes your home naturally.”

The urban tale starts in the 25hours Hotel One Central lobby where guests are greeted by the ‘Fountain of Tales’, a central fountain with seating spaces and bookshelves featuring over 5,000 books. Adorning the top of the fountain is a rotating globe showcasing artwork created by several local artists around the concept of modern nomadic lifestyle.

As guest scan upwards, they will find the ceiling taken over by a stunning piece of art – ‘Under the Same Sky’ by Dominik Bulka – inspired by the constellations in the sky and interpreting them from a humorous, light-hearted point of view. Guests can explore narratives that relate to Dubai and reference 25hours, its stories and ethos.

That’s not all, art enthusiasts will also find a curated collection of artworks scattered across the property inspired by a modern interpretation of the rituals and traditions of the Dubai area and its people. Guests are invited to discover the magic of the Bedouin and Hakawati heritage and take part of the narrative that shapes modern day Dubai.

25hours Hotel One Central has a unique energy – full of activities, places of curiosity and warmth. It is layered with the celebration of experiences and the main question for guests is just how much you want to know and how much you want to explore. This is a place with stories of the past and the present, which aim to form connections with guests so that they think of their experiences long after they’ve left.