Nestled on the golden sands of Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Ula is a beachside restaurant/bar and onestop’s first-ever stint in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The project took place between the third and last quarter of 2021, with onestop supplying loose furniture for the restaurant and lobby area consisting of dining tables, chairs, and sofas.
Overlooking the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf, the organic and grounded beachside restaurant and bar is a picturesque holiday oasis for those seeking a relaxing vacation. As the first project in UAE, onestop pulled all stops to achieve nothing less than perfection.
THE LOVE FOR WOOD
Bringing forth an earthy balance throughout the space, this establishment called for mostly wood-structured designs such as timber rods for the roof. Unlike our usual projects in the Maldives, wood designs are more suitable in the UAE due to the country’s dry climate. In more humid climates, water in the air will invariably be drawn in by the wood’s porous nature, which can cause the material to swell. In drier climates, solid wood furniture pieces are sturdy, timeless, and versatile options that add flair to a space. Production for this project was carried out at onestop’s very own factory in Indonesia, ensuring consistency in both quality and finish.
A WHOLE NEW MARKET
As onestop’s first project in the UAE, onestop had to learn about the traits of this exciting new market to determine a feasible price point. Markets in different countries have varying budgets influenced by their geographical positioning. For example, a project in Maldives hails competitors from Southeast Asia while a project in the UAE would commonly be furnished by European suppliers. Supplies from Southeast Asia and Europe automatically place the competition and price points at drastically different standpoints. Understanding where onestop’s prices stand in this new market was challenging but essential. A great new challenge to take on.
NEW LOGISTICS, NEW EXPECTATIONS
Compared to the process that onestop was familiar with in the Maldives, another noticeable difference was how foreign the logistics process was in the UAE. onestop needed to source for their own logistical support, along with a representative on site to create a presence in the area. With differences between the processes in both countries, the team needed to manage client expectations to ensure the success of the project.
Ula’s success was brought through with great management and teamwork, alongside onestop’s determination to deliver the better make. The team’s ability to adapt and accept new challenges helped to move the project along smoothly, resulting in a fruitful experience with new learnings for everyone.
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