MEAN - Middle East Architecture Network

18/03/2026

Set against a Papakha-inspired bench, Khabib tries on sneakers 👟 at Send Location, the first store for his brand, designed by MEAN*.

Built on community, discipline, and ethics.

Eid Mubarak from MEAN* 🌙

Photo credit:

05/02/2026

MEAN* was commissioned to design in Barcelona, bringing contemporary ideas of wellness into a holistic architectural framework. Developed over a two-year process, the project opened in January 2026.

Pictured here are the founders of Repeat, and , alongside their architect .joucka.

More project images to follow.

Photography by

09/12/2025

Honoured to see Send Location featured in the Commercial Interior Design Awards 2025 Special Edition.

“Send Location places MEAN* directly in the spotlight of future retail design.” 

Designed for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s debut store in Dubai, the space merges sport culture, storytelling, and architectural nuance — from the octagonal majlis to the bespoke “Alhamdulillah” installation and the immersive retail-podcast hybrid environment.

Thank you and editor for the feature.

04/12/2025

We’re proud to see our work recognised among leading studios shaping the future of design in the region. Thank you to , and .basharat for the nomination and to the AD team for spotlighting our approach and vision.

 “AD100 2026: The Best Designers in the Middle East and North Africa”

From Dubai to Barcelona to NEOM, our focus remains on advancing architecture through research, computation, and fabrication. This recognition fuels our mission for the year ahead: deeper collaborations, more innovation, and new ideas about how we live and build.

“MEAN* is reimagining how technology and culture intersect. Established in 2016, the Dubai-based studio works across architecture, research, and fabrication, producing modular systems and adaptive spaces that respond to environment and place. Recent works include Send Location in Dubai, Repeat Pilates in Barcelona, and Lamella in Neom – a 3D-printed canopy system that generates shade while harnessing solar power.”

Projects:
1-Lamella - NEOM, KSA (Render X .studio)
2-Send Location - Dubai, UAE (Photo X )
3-Meta-Modular House (Render X )

🔗 Link in Bio



19/09/2025

At the core of the store is the Octagon Majlis — merging the Arab space of gathering with the UFC ring that defined Khabib’s career.

Positioned between two structural columns, the Majlis also acts as a planning device: the columns are clad and transformed into vitrines, displaying garments from Khabib’s iconic victories and curated memorabilia. A custom carpet grounds the octagon with a triangulated pattern that reinterprets Dagestani textiles into a contemporary geometry. Both spatial anchor and narrative stage, the Majlis becomes the store’s cultural heart.

في قلب المتجر تتوسط مجلس الأوكتاغون، حيث يلتقي فضاء الضيافة العربي مع حلبة الـUFC التي صنعت مسيرة حبيب. بين عمودين إنشائيين، يتحوّل المجلس إلى عنصر تخطيطي محوري؛ حيث كُسيت الأعمدة وحُوّلت إلى واجهات عرض لملابس من أبرز انتصارات حبيب ومقتنيات مختارة بعناية. بساط مصمم خصيصاً يرسّخ الأوكتاغون على أرضية المتجر، بنمط هندسي مثلث يعيد صياغة أقمشة داغستان التقليدية بلغة معاصرة. المجلس هنا ليس مجرد مساحة جلوس، بل ركيزة مكانية ومنصة سردية، تشكل قلب المتجر الثقافي.

Project: ‘Send Location’ Flagship Store
Location: Al Wasl Road, Dubai, UAE
Client: Khabib Nurmagedov + Mohammad Hamed
Design: MEAN* Middle East Architecture Network
Contractor: Alpha Nero 
Completion: August 2025
Photography: Aylul Studio

18/03/2024

MEAN* is recognised as one of the leading young voices in architecture in ‘s new article ‘ArchDaily’s 2024 Best New Practices’

Article written by David Basulto (Editor and Founder of Archdaily)
(Research)studio (Visuals)

Congrats to the team, and on to more success! 💙💥

18/03/2024

MEAN - Middle East Architecture Network is on ArchDaily 2024 best new practices

Meet the 20 most innovative architecture practices of 2024

09/11/2023

Wormhole - Dubai (2023)

Designed for Dubai Design Week 2023 () MEAN* and DezignTechnic’s collaboration consists of a series of modular connective portals that can form pieces of urban furniture around d3 ().

The portals boast unique typologies that converge to form a vibrant and playful topography. The structure is made of pool noodles to complement the vibrancy and playfulness of the portals while remaining affordable, accessible, and comfortable.

The structure can then be re-purposed into a separate piece of urban furniture and wayfinding elements that enhance the experience of d3 residents and visitors.

Client — Dubai Design Week
Design — MEAN* Middle East Architecture Network + DezignTechnic
Lead Architect — Riyad Joucka
Design Team — Dheyaa Dheyaa, Habiba Mohamed, Joan D’Silva, Omar Allabban

02/06/2023

𝗦𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗔𝗘 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯)

𝗔 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
The United Arab Emirates was formed on December 2nd, 1971 through the signing of a federal constitution in the Union House, Dubai. Seven emirates joined together to create the federation: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. The signing marked the country’s independence from Britain and the beginning of a new era for the UAE. The UAE is a unique blend of modernity and tradition, and it continues to celebrate and preserve its cultural heritage as it moves forward into the future.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺
The national anthem of the United Arab Emirates is called “Ishy Bilady”. It was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1996, and its lyrics express the love and loyalty of the Emirati people for their country. The anthem is composed of three verses and a chorus, and its melody is inspired by traditional Emirati music. It is played at official ceremonies and events and is considered an important symbol of national unity and pride. The anthem is a source of inspiration and patriotism for the people of the UAE, and it reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and its aspirations for the future. The national anthem is a revered and cherished symbol of the UAE, and its words and music continue to inspire and evoke emotions of pride and love for the country.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲
The design aims to emphasize the national anthem and provide a unique sensory experience through touch, incorporating the symbol of the seven emirates as its spiraling foundation. This visually striking representation embodies growth, evolution, and limitless potential, reflecting the ideals embodied in the national anthem.

Client — Dubai Municipality
Design — MEAN* Middle East Architecture Network 2023
Lead Architect -Riyad Joucka
Design Team- Dheyaa Dhyeaa, Gaston Sanchez, Taima Barakat