 Situated in the heart of the business district of Shahra-e-Faisal, Dubai Islamic bank speaks of warmth, luxury, tactile intimacy and repose. Designed by veteran architect Kalim A. Siddiqui, it shows an intelligent use of various materials and textures without being overwhelming.
The all glass façade outside is cleverly tackled inside to control the glare and give appropriate and desired lighting effects. The mood is set by rich and warm materials, accentuated by subdued warm yellow tones of lighting. Elegance and pragmatism go hand in hand.
Exterior is a complete glass shop front with graphic display of signage in a bright array of colors
 Exterior: Defying the conventional norms of conservative banking institutional outlook the exterior is a complete glass shop front with graphic display of signage in a bright array of colors
Layout: A summary description pegged to an imaginary walk through would start from an entrance with grandeur of a hotel lobby .A huge circular geometric motif on the floor in a combination of light and dark parquet, yellow marble and salmon pink granite defies the conventional corporate approach and gives a consumer friendly impact. With a simple and straightforward approach, the layout is very directional. The circular lobby converges into a tangential corridor on the right. The lobby branches out on the right side, flanked by offices and meeting rooms on both sides.
 At the end of visual axis is the banking counter in warm wooden tones accented with details of glass and steel and highlighted by warm yellow up lights. Comfortable waiting areas compliment the curvilinear geometry of the entrance atrium.
The circular lobby layout makes the whole space animated with movement, rhythm and life. Decorated ceiling in similar pattern adds to the visual drama of the space with appropriate lighting. Flat ceilings punctuated by a combination of old fashioned and modern fixtures giving it various depths.
The lobby on right side is flanked by offices and meeting rooms on both sides.
 Materials: A combination of materials like porcelain tiles, marble and granite mosaic carpet and wood on the floor would make one feel that it’s an overwhelming mix of materials, however the blend is quite subtle and unique. The materials flow into each other effortlessly and pleasantly.
Details: Internal partitioning of the office area is all 12mm glass with interesting arabesque frosting patterns, confirming and reminiscent of the glorious Muslim architecture with a fresh vocabulary of modern materials. These partitions fulfill the function of both visual privacy and open door policy at the same time.
The circular lobby layout makes the whole space animated with movement, rhythm and life. Decorated ceiling in similar pattern adds to the visual drama of the space with appropriate lighting. Flat ceilings punctuated by a combination of old Frosted glass patterns have been repeated on solid walls for added detail and in the decorated ceiling to cover light fixtures. Circulation areas are clearly demarcated by hardwood flooring and offices spaces with carpet.
 Tastefully designed and strategically placed graphics confirm with the overall ambiance of the space and add color to the otherwise monochromatic scheme. . Flat ceilings punctuated by a combination of old fashioned and modern fixtures giving it various depths.
Furnishing: Furniture is simple and modern in a combination of mahogany colored wood with a glossy lacquered finish; frosted glass table tops add lightness to the bulk of the table. Stainless steel supports are added for finer details as support system. Corian countertops at various places add a textural variety to the material vocabulary. Overall the materials and details compliment each other to create a look of grandeur, luxury and efficiency elegance and simplicity.
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