TAREQ KHALAFAWI, CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, A&T GROUP INTERIORS

Founded in 2009, by industry ex- perts Atti Assi and Tareq Khalafawi, A&T Group Interiors has become a leading name in high-end interior fit-out across the Middle East. With its headquar- ters in Dubai and an established presence in Riyadh, the firm has grown to serve the region’s most dynamic Hospitality, F&B, and lifestyle destinations. The firm leverages more than 16 years of expertise to transform distinctive, experience-driven con- cepts into exceptional spaces.

Specialising in the fit-out of five-star hotels, award-winning fine dining venues, beach clubs, and large-scale commercial spaces, A&T delivers fully integrated turnkey services that cover every stage of the process – from design coordination and pro- curement to engineer- ing, site execution, and final handover, allowing for seamless project delivery and full control over quality, timeline, and costs.

At the core of A&T’s operations is a multi-dis- ciplinary in-house team of over 250 profession- als, including engineers, interior designers, quantity surveyors, and project managers. This structure enables precise coordination and qual- ity assurance across all stages. Their 30,000sqft. joinery facility in the UAE further ensures custom craftsmanship, consistency, and control over production sched- ules – key to meeting the standards of luxury clientele.

In 2024, A&T achieved a 27% increase in completed projects. The momentum continues into 2025, marked as the firm’s best-performing year to date, with over 30% projected growth. This success reflects its strong foothold in the region’s most dynamic markets, especially in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, positioning A&T as a fit-out partner of choice for regional and international operators alike. Its client portfolio includes prestigious names such as Jumei- rah Group, Paris Society International, DMCC, Addmind Hospitality, and IFA Hotels & Resorts.

A&T Group Interiors has crafted some of the re- gion’s most iconic venues. Highlights include Flow Kitchen and the revamped Fairmont Beach Club at The Palm, the elegant KIRA & Litt at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, and Gigi Rigolatto at J1 Beach—an expansive coastal retreat by Hugo Toro. In Down- town Dubai, the firm deliv- ered TATEL and TOTÓ, co-owned by Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal, as well as Mimi Mei Fair and Jamavar, each rich in cultural storytelling. Gats- by at Nakheel Mall com- pletes the list, offering Art Deco flair and a seamless day-to-night experience.

Other notable projects include Besar at Bluewa- ters Island blending Span- ish and Arabic design with terracotta tones, Moor- ish patterns, and cozy terraces; DMCC Uptown Social at Uptown Tower, a pet-friendly café with modular seating, macramé curtains, chrome accents, and biophilic elements; and DUO Gastrobar at Dubai Creek Harbour, featuring a cream-and- blue palette, custom wood furnishings, and minimalist elegance.

A&T expertly bridges cre- ativity and construction, ensuring design concepts are executed with techni- cal precision and attention to detail. Their in-house materials specialists work closely with clients to recommend solutions that balance aesthetics, durability, and budget. Sustainability is a core principle—seen in the use of FSC-certified wood, re- cycled materials, low-VOC paints, and modular con- struction, all supporting long-term flexibility and environmental responsi- bility.

A&T’s portfolio spans iconic destinations like Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Downtown Dubai, Blue- waters Island, J1 Beach, and Palm Jumeirah. The firm is a trusted partner for restaurateurs, hotel opera- tors, and luxury hospitality brands seeking quality execution and collabora- tive delivery.

Recognised by Merex Investment Group for work at J1 Beach and City Walk, A&T’s projects like Smoked Room at LEÑA (MENA’s 50 Best 2025) and DUO Gastrobar and Hoe Lee Kow (Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024) reflect its cultural and design impact.

With ambitious, de- sign-forward ventures ahead—including interna- tional brands and regional concepts—A&T is set to unveil a bold new chapter focussed on quality, innovation, and fu- ture-ready interiors.

“IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN BUILDING INTERIORS; IT’S ABOUT CREATING LASTING EXPERIENCES.”

LITT BAR FEATURES A DISTINCTIVE PEACOCK-INSPIRED BAR, ACCENTED BY GOLDEN LIGHTING AND VELVET TEXTURES, EVOKING A MOODY, LATE-NIGHT LOUNGE EXPERIENCE. FULLY FITTED OUT BY A&T GROUP INTERIORS.
BESAR RESTAURANT ON BLUEWATERS ISLAND OFFERS A ROMANTIC FUSION OF SPANISH AND ARABIC INFLUENC- ES THROUGH RICH TEXTURES, TERRACOTTA TONES, HANDCRAFTED WOODWORK, AND MOORISH PATTERNS. THE SPACE WAS THOUGHTFULLY FITTED OUT BY A&T TO CREATE AN INTIMATE AND CULTURALLY EVOCATIVE DINING EXPERIENCE.