In an industry often filled with noise, Bruno Nakad and Patrick Daniel, Managing Partners of Bluecamel, stand apart for their humility, precision, and quiet confidence. From childhood friends to leaders of a respected fit-out practice, their story is one of craft and collaboration — a story that reaches a remarkable chapter with Ciel Tower, the world’s tallest hotel, where their commitment to detail takes centre stage
Patrick Daniel and Bruno Nakad - Managing Partners of Bluecamel
Patrick Daniel and Bruno Nakad – Managing Partners of Bluecamel

There’s a certain calm that defines the way Bruno Nakad and Patrick Daniel, Managing Partners of Bluecamel, speak about their work. No grand gestures, no exaggerated claims — just a quiet pride shaped by years of building something meaningful one project at a time. For them, Bluecamel isn’t merely a company; it’s a story of friendship, dream to build meaningful and beautiful spaces in the city they call love.

When I sat down with this talented duo, it became immediately clear what sets them apart. There were no theatrics or rehearsed lines — just humility, focus, and an unwavering dedication to their craft. They spoke with genuine appreciation for everyone around them, from junior team members who obsess over details to senior leads who guide with experience and vision.

Roots, Friendship & the Spark of Bluecamel
“We both grew up in Dubai — a city we’ve called home for nearly 50 years,” Bruno and Patrick say with a nostalgic smile. “We came here as babies, went to school here at Al Mawakeb, and have witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of Dubai’s skyline and the UAE’s spirit. It’s impossible not to be inspired when you live in a place that constantly reinvents itself through design.”

Their journey into design started naturally — through curiosity and friendship. “What truly drew us into design and fit-out was curiosity and friendship — that sense of wanting to achieve something together, To better understand how spaces make people feel and how materials can be manipulated to ignite
emotions.

Patrick’s father was an early influence, planting the seed that eventually became Bluecamel. “From that spark grew the idea of building something together. Bluecamel began as both a partnership and a promise: to create grew, so did their capabilities. “Over the years, we’ve built specialist divisions — in carpentry, steel manufacturing, MEP, and other key areas. A turnkey service that takes our clients on a journey that values their designers’ dreams,” Bruno explains.

Tower in Dubai Marina, is both a technical accomplishment and a deeply personal milestone. Leadership, for them, is rooted in collaboration. “The goal has always been to create an open, collaborative culture — where people feel proud of what they’re creating and where clients and designers feel truly heard,” Patrick says. Ciel Tower: Precision, Pride & Perseverance Ciel Tower stands as a defining chapter in their journey. Rising over 360m in Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel is not just an architectural feat — it represents ambition, resilience, and international recognition. For Bruno and Patrick, contributing to a project of this spaces that bring together imagination and integrity,” they say with warmth.

Over time, that promise became a purpose. “We evolved by leading with our hearts first and by being true to who we are. We’ve stayed hands-on, no matter how much we grow — on site, reviewing drawings, touching materials. That’s how we keep our edge,” share Bruno and Patrick.

Building the Bluecamel Way
Bluecamel began in 2004, as a modest design and fit-out studio. But as their ambitions grew, so did their capabilities. “Over the years, we’ve built specialist divisions — in carpentry, steel manufacturing, MEP, and other key areas. A turnkey service that takes our clients on a journey that values their designers’ dreams,”
Bruno explains. Two decades later, Bluecamel has shaped some of Dubai’s most impressive spaces — hotels, lounges, offices, restaurants, and private villas. Their latest achievement, the Ciel Tower in Dubai Marina, is both a technical accomplishment and a deeply personal milestone.

Leadership, for them, is rooted in collaboration. “The goal has always been to create an open, collaborative culture — where people feel proud of what they’re creating and where clients and designers feel truly heard,” Patrick says.

Ciel Tower: Precision, Pride & Perseverance
Ciel Tower stands as a defining chapter in their journey. Rising over 360m in Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel is not just an architectural feat — it represents ambition, resilience, and international recognition. For Bruno and Patrick, contributing to a project of this magnitude has been both a professional and emotional milestone. They share their excitement: “Ciel Tower is a milestone — professionally and personally,” they say. “It’s the world’s tallest hotel, rising over 360m in Dubai Marina, and we’re proud to have delivered all of the lobbies at different levels, the drop off area, the Pool and bar lounge at the 11th , The Nest Club Lounge at the 16th , Risen Café, as well as the Retail on Ground Floor.

Being trusted by The First Group meant a great deal to them. “It’s recognition of our ability to deliver at a world-class scale. But it’s also deeply personal — to do this here in Dubai, in front of our families and friends after 49 years, is just magical,” they explain.

Every phase of Ciel demanded precision — tight timelines, complex coordination, and relentless attention to detail. But their favourite moment wasn’t technical. They say: “There was a point — a bit further into the project — when the beauty of Ciel’s immaculate interior design started coming to life, and everyone realised how special this project truly was. That was our moment.”

Collaboration was key — and something they are deeply proud of. “Being true to the design intent is everything. Working with Ms. Nadine Atta, the Vice President of Design at The First Group and her team was a joy. Their professionalism and commitment inspired us, and the freedom they gave us to build on their creativity is what made Ciel so unique,” they share.

There’s a remarkable team behind Bluecamel, and Bruno and Patrick understand that completely—they are incredibly proud of them. They insist that the success is not just theirs, but belongs to the entire team. As they put it: “All this would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our Senior Project Manager, Mohamed Harb, and his team. Their passion and love for Bluecamel, and what it stands for, is what made all of this possible.”

Craft First, AI Second
Working on new-age projects like Ciel Tower naturally demands an extensive use of technology — but for Bruno and Patrick, technology is only as powerful as the human talent behind it. They believe it should serve as an enabler, not a substitute. For them, the soul of design still lies in the hands that craft it, the minds that imagine it, and the emotions that ultimately shape an experience. “Technology excites us — but it should enhance, not replace craftsmanship. Their philosophy is rooted in a balance: embracing innovation without surrendering the authenticity that defines their work,” Patrick says.

They recognise AI as a powerful tool, one that can streamline the more mechanical layers of practice. “AI can generate options, but it can’t feel emotion. That’s still our job.” In their view, the rise of AI is not a threat but an opportunity — a way to elevate the precision and efficiency of modelling, scheduling, and coordination. These technical gains, they say, free designers to return to what matters most: materiality, expression, and the emotional resonance of a space.

Ultimately, they emphasise that technology should be a partner, not a replacement. “Technology should enhance what we do, not dilute it,” they feel.

Detail as a Signature
Detail is an obsession at Bluecamel, and it defines the way Bruno and Patrick approach every project. Their philosophy is simple yet uncompromising: “If a detail feels easy, it’s probably not the right one. Greatness lies in the complex, the uncommon, the meticulously crafted. Detail also starts with communication. Everyone knows what’s expected. There’s shared pride in getting it right.” Quality, for them, is not just a standard — it is a culture shaped by presence, accountability, and example. As Bruno explains, “We’re present — on site, in workshops. When people see how much we care, they care too. We’ve built a culture where challenges are discussed, not hidden.” Their dedication extends deeply into client relationships as well. “We’re in the business of creating experiences. These are journeys we talk about with our families — when we go home late at night knowing we’ve created something meaningful,”
they say. Projects like the Emirates Business Class Lounge and Concrete at Alserkal have contributed to their evolution, yet Ciel remains an emotional highlight. “In the city we grew up in comes the tallest hotel in the world, and we get to be part of history by doing what we love,” they reflect.

The Future Ahead
Curiosity remains the engine that drives Bluecamel forward. “Travel, art, and people. We’re endlessly curious. Inspiration can come from a shadow, a texture, a tile, or how someone moves through a space,” they share. And Dubai continues to be their muse — a city that mirrors their own pace of reinvention.

“The UAE’s openness and culture of collaboration keep us inspired. There’s always something new being built — it pushes us to evolve,” they say with a smile. As they look to the future, their momentum is stronger than ever. “We’re ready for the next phase,” they say — one filled with new typologies, broader portfolios, and challenges that spark their imagination. From a small studio to one of the UAE’s most respected fit-out firms, Bluecamel’s rise is rooted in friendship, persistence, and an unshakeable belief in meaningful craft. Their journey lives in every space they complete, carrying echoes of their childhood in Dubai and the pride they now share with their families. Patrick sums it up simply: “We want to keep building things that mean something.” And Bruno adds, “As long as it’s done with heart, it will always feel like home.”

“If a detail feels easy, it’s probably not the right one. Greatness lies in the complex, the uncommon, the meticulously crafted. Detail also starts with communication. Everyone knows what’s expected. There’s shared pride in getting it right.

Bluecamel’s journey shows that real progress isn’t rushed — it’s crafted with care, commitment, and a clear belief in doing things the right way. Bruno and Patrick embody the resilience and refinement that define Dubai’s creative culture, proving that excellence grows from staying grounded in your values