Daoun, the latest installation from design studio Duette, is a striking fusion of heritage and modernity, a reimagining of the ancient Emirati art of saaf nakheel—the weaving of palm fronds—through an inflatable light structure.
The piece pays tribute to the resourcefulness and resilience of traditional Emirati architecture while embracing contemporary design and material innovation. YUNG talks to Duette’s founders, Fuad Ali and Rahat Kunakunova, to learn more about the colourful installation, the idea behind it, and what triggered its creation.
“We started working on this project a while back with the Dubai Light Festival celebration at D3 earlier this year in mind. At the same time, we were immersed in a project that let us dive deep into life before the Union of the United Arab Emirates—exploring history and sustainable lifestyles long before the nation was formed. Being part of this project and having access to research and our own homework inspired us, especially the ingenious way palm fronds were used in everyday life,” the designers say.
Historically, Daoun symbolizes strength through unity, as woven palm fronds formed the foundation of homes, roofs, and essential tools. With Daoun, Duette reinterprets this time-honoured craft into a vibrant installation that shifts between different experiences. By day, its bright colours mirror the golden hues of the desert sun, while by night, it transforms into a glowing beacon, drawing in onlookers. “We spent several months refining the idea, concept, and design of Daoun, ensuring every detail resonated with our vision and the cultural narrative we wanted to share. We faced challenges preserving the original essence of palm fronds and the art of their interlocking design. Today, while you see an inflatable light structure, the core inspiration remains rooted in that timeless interlock,” the designers explain.
The choice of material was a deliberate decision to blend tradition with contemporary innovation. “As a design studio and artists, we’re always on the lookout for new materials. Inflatables were a medium we had never worked with before, and we chose them because they’re playful, easy to work with for what we wanted to achieve, and most importantly sustainable and reusable. Their modern aesthetic, with vibrant colours, mirrors the visionary, forward-thinking spirit of those who lived here before us,” said the designers.
Currently, Daoun is set to remain at Al Maryah Island for 90 days, but the journey doesn’t end there. “Not too long hah, hah! We’re already scouting the next partners and locations because we envision it as a traveling storyteller… one that shares its magic not only in the UAE but throughout the region,” the team said.
Beyond its striking visuals, Daoun aims to spark a personal connection with those who experience it. “We don’t aim to evoke anything specific, to be honest with you, maybe just a sense of awe and connection. By day, its vibrant colours and playful design awaken the inner child, reminding us that nothing should be too serious—even for those who spend their days crunching numbers at ADGM. By night, it transforms into a glowing beacon, inviting everyone to unwind and celebrate the end of the day.”
Duette, founded by Fuad Ali and Rahat Kunakunova in 2021, has quickly gained recognition for its ability to merge art, design, and technology into immersive experiences. While Daoun is currently the centrepiece, the studio’s ambitions extend far beyond. “We’re always cooking up new ideas. While we have some exciting projects in the pipeline that we can’t share yet due to NDAs (so, watch this space!), we want to build momentum on Daoun. We’re exploring new immersive installations that merge art, technology, and cultural storytelling, including collaborations with local and international brands and cultural institutions,” the designers say.
For a studio still in its early years, Duette has already left an indelible mark on the creative landscape. “Our studio might still be in its infancy, but if you follow us on Instagram, you’ll see we’ve been privileged to work with HUDA herself and her incredible team, Vogue x Louvre Abu Dhabi, Nike, and many other brands, campaigns and retail design projects. We also have projects under NDA that we’re excited about but can’t yet reveal. We’re incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in such a short time. Every project—whether early-stage concept creation or final execution—is hard work and a labour of love, and we can’t wait for everyone to see what’s coming next. We truly mean it,” they said.
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