The New Majlis: Reimagining Traditional Emirati Spaces for the Modern Family

The scent of cardamom-infused coffee, the gentle clink of finjans, the murmur of conversation that weaves together generations—these are the sensory hallmarks of the Majlis. More than just a room, the Majlis is the cultural and social heart of the Emirati home. It is a space built on the sacred tenets of hospitality and community, a sanctuary where stories are shared, bonds are strengthened, and heritage is passed down.

For centuries, its form has been intimately understood: a welcoming space, often near the entrance of the home, with seating lining the walls to foster inclusivity and conversation. But as Dubai has blossomed into a glittering, global metropolis of glass towers and hyper-connectivity, a question naturally arises: In this modern context, how does our most cherished social space evolve? How does the Majlis find its voice in the 21st century?

For us at Dubai Design Lab, this is one of the most exciting and meaningful challenges we undertake. Our philosophy is rooted in a deep and abiding respect for tradition. We believe the answer is not to replace or discard the past, but to reimagine it. It is to create a New Majlis—a space that preserves the timeless essence of its purpose while embracing the aesthetics, technology, and dynamic lifestyle of the modern Emirati family.

Beyond Form: Deconstructing the Essence

To reimagine the Majlis, we must first look beyond its physical form and understand its fundamental soul. What core values does this unique space embody? We believe they are:

• Unbounded Hospitality (Hafawah): At its core, the Majlis is the ultimate expression of welcome. It is a space designed to honour guests and make them feel instantly at ease and respected.
• Generational Connection: It serves as a vital bridge between generations, a place where grandparents, parents, and children gather, sharing wisdom and creating collective memories.
• Open Dialogue: From family decisions to community news and simple storytelling, it is the home’s epicentre for conversation and counsel.
• Inherent Flexibility: It must effortlessly adapt, transforming from a formal reception area for esteemed guests to an intimate, relaxed lounge for the immediate family at a moment’s notice.

These values are not relics of a bygone era; they are more crucial than ever in our fast-paced world. Therefore, our design process begins not with a floor plan, but with a commitment to preserving this essence. The physical form can and should evolve, but its spirit must remain its steadfast anchor.

Layout and Flow: The Integrated Majlis

Traditionally, the Majlis was often a formal, enclosed space, distinct from the rest of the home. Today, family life is more fluid, casual, and interconnected. The New Majlis reflects this shift.

We envision and create a more integrated Majlis, one that exists in a graceful dialogue with other living areas. Imagine a layout where the formal reception Majlis flows subtly into a more casual family living space, which in turn opens onto a lush garden terrace. The boundaries are not solid walls, but elegant, semi-permeable architectural elements. We might use magnificent floor-to-ceiling sliding panels of wood or smoked glass that can disappear into the walls, or contemporary interpretations of mashrabiya screens, their intricate patterns creating a sense of separation without sacrificing light or a feeling of connection.

A subtle change in floor level or a shift in ceiling treatment can also demarcate the space, creating a distinct zone without closing it off. This approach fosters a more inclusive style of gathering. It allows for multiple conversations to happen in parallel and acknowledges that a family gathering today might involve children playing within view while adults converse nearby. This openness doesn’t compromise the need for privacy; through clever design, the space can be partitioned when a more formal or private setting is required, offering the best of both worlds.

Materiality: A Dialogue Between Heritage and Horizon

The aesthetic of the New Majlis is a curated conversation between past and future, expressed through a sophisticated palette of materials and motifs. We honour heritage not through literal replication, but through thoughtful reinterpretation.

The rich geometric patterns of Sadu weaving or architectural latticework, for instance, are a profound source of inspiration. Instead of applying them as a simple decorative theme, we integrate their spirit into the very fabric of the design. A timeless geometric motif might be meticulously laser-cut into a set of grand metal doors, subtly embossed onto bespoke leather wall panels, or woven into a magnificent custom rug in a chic, monochromatic palette. The pattern is there, its rhythm felt, but it is expressed with contemporary restraint.

This dialogue continues in our choice of materials. We love to create tension and harmony by pairing elements that speak of different eras and origins. Imagine the rugged beauty of a feature wall clad in rough-hewn Omani stone set against the flawless, mirror-like polish of an Italian marble floor. Or the warmth of traditional dark teak wood used as an accent alongside vast panels of polished concrete and light European oak. Textiles blend natural fibres like wool and linen with unexpected, elegant touches of brushed brass or bronze, creating a space that is both grounded in its roots and confidently global in its outlook.

Society and Seating: Fostering Modern Connection

The arrangement of seating is fundamental to the function of the Majlis. While honouring the traditional principle of inclusive, inward-facing seating, we move beyond rigid formality. The modern family socialises in more dynamic ways, and the furniture should reflect that.

We favour high-end, modular seating systems from the world’s leading designers. These versatile pieces can be configured in multiple ways—as a grand U-shape for a large reception, or broken into smaller, more intimate clusters for family movie night. We combine low-profile sofas that encourage relaxed lounging with elegant, sculptural armchairs and, often, a selection of beautifully crafted, oversized floor cushions as a direct and stylish nod to tradition.

Technology, too, is woven seamlessly into the design. It must serve the social function, not dominate it. This means discreetly integrated charging ports within side tables, hidden screens that emerge for sharing family photos, and sophisticated, one-touch lighting systems that can instantly transform the atmosphere from bright and formal to soft and intimate. True modern luxury is when technology provides every convenience without ever being obtrusive.

The Future is Rooted in Tradition

Ultimately, the New Majlis is more than an interior design concept. It is a living, breathing space that facilitates connection—it connects generations, connects the past with the future, and connects a family to its most cherished values.

By thoughtfully reimagining this vital space, we are not just designing a beautiful room. We are helping to craft the future of Emirati family life, creating a home where heritage is not only remembered but is lived, celebrated, and passed on with pride in a vibrant, contemporary world.