• One-of-a-kind designs created by the artists will be showcased in-store, blending Scandinavian design with local craftsmanship and cultural narratives.
  • Community activations include artist-led workshops and the ‘Your Local Story’ contest, inviting customers to share their own connections on Instagram for a chance to win an artist-designed ‘Globally Local’ piece.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: IKEA has launched ‘Globally Local’ in the UAE, a new initiative celebrating the intersection of global design and local culture. The campaign brings together talented artists from the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt to reimagine iconic IKEA products through their own cultural lens, combining IKEA’s Scandinavian design and functionality with the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling traditions of their home countries.

From traditional motifs and materials to contemporary interpretations of regional design, each custom creation reflects how modern Arab homes continue to draw inspiration from the past, where function meets emotion, and where design becomes a story of identity and belonging. Through ‘Globally Local’, IKEA honours the beauty of regional traditions and creative expression. Each artist-designed product is inspired by local crafts, patterns, and heritage, resulting in pieces that are both personal and proudly local.

In the UAE, IKEA has partnered with Emirati artist Muhra Al Muhairi, who has reimagined five beloved IKEA pieces: the STILREN Vase, LAUTERS Floor Lamp, GRÖNSTA Chair with Armrests, LACK Side Table, and TOLKNING Room Divider. Each piece draws inspiration from the UAE’s artistic heritage and modern identity, blending natural materials and traditional elements with IKEA’s clean, functional aesthetic. These one-of-a-kind items will be showcased at the IKEA store on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with story plaques and narratives that highlight the artistry, meaning, and inspiration behind their creation, offering customers a glimpse into the intersection of local creativity and Scandinavian design.

The campaign demonstrates how meaningful design can be both beautiful and practical. While these customised pieces are unique, they remain relatable, embodying IKEA’s wider commitment to accessibility and purposeful living.

’Globally Local’ is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality, and a reflection of how design can be both deeply personal and universally relevant,” said Carla Klumpenaar, GM Marketing, Communications and Interior Design, IKEA UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Oman. “Through this initiative, we are collaborating with talented artists from across the region to reimagine some of our most loved IKEA pieces through a uniquely regional lens. Each design tells a story that honours traditional craftsmanship, materials, and motifs, while bringing them into conversation with the clean lines and functionality of Scandinavian design.”

She added: “At IKEA, we have always believed that design can be both beautiful and practical. These creations embody that philosophy as pieces inspired by tradition yet crafted for modern living. ‘Globally Local’ is an invitation for the community to celebrate their own stories of culture and creativity.”

In addition to the in-store displays, participating artists will lead workshops where IKEA Family members, customers and visitors can experience their crafts firsthand – taking their audiences through their practice and personal stories before guiding a hands-on session to co-create a simple, customised IKEA piece to take home. The initiative also invites customers to participate in ‘Your Local Story’, a competition designed to celebrate community voices.

To join, customers are encouraged to:

  1. Visit the IKEA store at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi
  2. Snap a picture of their favourite #IKEAGloballyLocal piece
  3. Share what it means to them on Instagram by tagging @IKEAUAE (posts or stories, and public profiles only) and using #IKEA_YourLocalStory and #IKEAGloballyLocal

IKEA will curate the most heartfelt and creative submissions and award five winners, each receiving one of the designs at the end of the contest period, allowing participants to bring a piece of this local celebration into their homes. Whether it’s a cherished memory, a cultural connection, or simply a spark of inspiration, each story will contribute to a collective social artwork, showcasing the community’s shared creativity and passion for design.

Through this collective artwork and its unique blend of form, function, and cultural storytelling, 'Globally Local' ultimately reveals the profound emotional and cultural depth that everyday objects can hold.

About IKEA UAE

IKEA UAE offers an extensive range of home furnishing products & accessories of good design, value and functionality. In the UAE for 34 years, the IKEA stores in Dubai Festival City, Festival Plaza in Jebel Ali and Yas Island, Abu Dhabi closely follow the popular self-serve and self-assembly concept which was conceived in Sweden over half a century ago. IKEA serves a wide choice of refreshments at the IKEA Restaurant and Café. The Customer Ordering and Collection Point in Al Ain offers residents easy access to well-designed products at a great price.

Customers can also join the IKEA FAMILY loyalty programme to avail of great offers and extended services on every visit to the store. Toll free number for the world-famous brand is 800 4532 (800 IKEA). For more information visit www.IKEA.ae, www.facebook.com/IKEAUAE or @IKEAUAE on Twitter.

About Al-Futtaim Group

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Operating across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, the CIS and Asia, the Group spans key sectors including automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. Al-Futtaim’s work is driven by a clear purpose: to enrich lives and elevate communities through practical, forward-looking solutions.

Employing a workforce of more than 40,000 people, Al-Futtaim represents a portfolio of over 200 of the world’s most recognised and trusted brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and many more.

With a strong focus on digital innovation and artificial intelligence, sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and empowering its people, Al-Futtaim’s approach is anchored in long-term value creation. Its integrated business model positions the Group as a reliable partner to stakeholders, supporting customers, communities, and collaborators alike in navigating the needs of today while planning for tomorrow.

Underpinned by the values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim continues to build a legacy that reflects its responsibility to people, progress, and the planet.

For more information, visit: www.alfuttaim.com

Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn (@Al-Futtaim)
Instagram (@alfuttaim)
X (@alfuttaim) 
Facebook (@Al-Futtaim)