Nicola Trivett
General Manager & Sustainability Leader
I have been watching the UAE’s commercial landscape transform from the ground up and seen the conversation around office design shift from “how many desks can we fit?” to a much more profound question: “How can this space make our people thrive?”
At Summertown Interiors, we have always believed that employee wellbeing sits at the heart of every successful, sustainable business. It is not just about a beautiful aesthetic: It is about creating environments that improve organisational performance while minimising our impact on the planet.
Today, as we look toward 2026, the data confirms what we have long felt instinctively: The UAE wellness economy has surged to a staggering $40.8 billion. People are no longer willing to work in stale, uninspired environments.
In fact, 90% of UAE residents now prioritise healthy living and working environments above almost all other factors. For business leaders, this means that a wellness-oriented workplace is no longer an optional luxury: It is a core strategic asset for talent retention and long-term value.
The “ROI of Wellbeing”: More Than Just a Metric
When I speak with CEOs across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the first question is often about the bottom line. I always tell them: Wellbeing is an investment, not an expense. We call this the “ROI of Wellbeing”. Poorly designed offices contribute silently to absenteeism and “presenteeism”, where employees are physically there but mentally disengaged due to discomfort or poor air quality.
By contrast, a high-performance Sustainable Office Fit Out delivers measurable financial gains:
- Operational Savings: Certified green offices in the UAE typically see an 18% reduction in utility costs.
- Engagement: Strategic design can lead to a 21% increase in employee satisfaction and focus.8
- Retention: 83% of UAE employees are more likely to stay with a provider that champions environmentally responsible and healthy practices.
We aren’t just building offices; we are crafting environments that empower business success. A sustainable fit-out is a legacy that pays dividends in both human health and financial performance.
Take our recent project for Schneider Electric in Dubai Silicon Oasis. We didn’t just create a beautiful workspace. We delivered what’s now an award-winning sustainable office fit-out that achieved 93% waste diversion while creating an environment people genuinely love working in. The project earned us the Sustainable Project of the Year award at the Design Middle East Awards 2025, proving that wellbeing and sustainability go hand in hand.
Read the full story of how we achieved 93% waste diversion on the Schneider Electric project
1. Biophilic Office Design Dubai: Reconnecting with the Soul
One of the most transformative tools we use is biophilia. In our region’s arid climate, providing a “psychological refuge” is essential. Biophilic design is the practice of bringing the outdoors in – using living walls, natural light, and organic textures like stone and wood.
It is not merely about putting a few plants on a desk: It is about a holistic sensory connection. Research shows that residents in the UAE actively prefer nature-inspired interiors, with 75% of people feeling more creative and less stressed in these spaces.
At Summertown, we integrated these principles into our projects, where we successfully reduced water consumption and waste while creating vibrant, biophilic hubs that foster true communities.
In The NEST project for Schneider Electric, we created vibrant biophilic hubs with living greenery, timber tones, and natural textures throughout. The result? A space where people actually want to spend their day, with collaboration zones that feel energising rather than draining.
The pantry features a flowing green wave ceiling light that’s become a focal point, while breakout zones are supported by planting that encourages both focus and wellbeing. These aren’t just design flourishes. They’re strategic choices that reduce stress and boost creativity.
2. Ergonomics: The Science of the User
A human-centric office must suit human physiology. In 2026, ergonomics has moved beyond the “standard chair.” We now focus on “active design”, layouts that encourage movement. This includes sit-stand desks, adjustable monitor arms, and “onstage/offstage” zoning that allows people to choose the environment that fits their task.
At Summertown, we select and configure furniture to support natural movement. This proactive approach reduces long-term health risks and, more importantly, sends a signal to your team that you value their physical comfort. When people feel physically supported, their morale and focus naturally increase.
3. The Invisible Essentials: Air and Light
We often overlook the elements we cannot see, yet indoor air quality and lighting have the most immediate impact on cognitive function. Stale air leads to fatigue and headaches, the silent killers of productivity. In the UAE, where we spend so much time indoors, high-efficiency HVAC systems and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) materials are non-negotiable.
Similarly, our bodies are wired to respond to the sun. We use circadian lighting systems that replicate natural daylight patterns, bright and cool in the morning to boost alertness, and warmer in the evening to support the body’s natural rhythm. In our own LEED Gold-certified headquarters, we have seen first-hand how proper daylighting reduces eye strain and keeps our team energised throughout the day.
| Wellness Feature | Strategic Benefit | UAE Market Trend 2026 |
| Biophilic Elements | 15% boost in creativity | 75% of residents prefer these |
| Circadian Lighting | Better sleep and mood | Standard in 2026 “Smart” offices |
| Low-VOC Materials | 35% fewer health complaints | Mandated by new 2023 regulations |
| Acoustic Zoning | 20% reduction in stress | Focus on “Quiet Rooms” |
4. The Power of Certification: LEED and WELL
We are often asked if certifications like LEED and WELL are worth the effort. My answer is always: Yes, because they provide a roadmap for excellence. While LEED focuses on the “building’s health,” the WELL Building Standard UAE is purely about the “human’s health”.
The NEST project for Schneider Electric is now targeting both LEED Platinum and WELL certification, two of the most respected global benchmarks. Every stage was carefully planned to meet these standards, from selecting low-VOC materials to optimising lighting and acoustic comfort.
As the leading expert fit-out contractor in the UAE with both LEED and WELL accredited professionals, we help our clients navigate these complex pathways. We offer complimentary LEED Certified-level certification for all projects over 2,000 sqm to ensure that cost is never a barrier to doing the right thing.
This commitment has helped organisations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi achieve internationally recognised sustainability credentials without adding to their project cost. It’s one of the ways we’re accelerating the adoption of green building practices in the region.
Discover how we can support your LEED certification journey
5. Purpose-Led Zoning: The Death of the Open Plan
By 2026, the uniform open-plan office is a relic of the past. We are now designing for “purpose-led zoning”. This means creating a variety of spaces:
- Focused Work Zones: Sound-insulated pods for deep work.
- Collaborative Hubs: Open areas with modular furniture for team brainstorming.
- Wellness Rooms: Dedicated spaces for prayer, nursing, or a five-minute “digital detox”.
This flexibility allows the office to earn the commute. If the office offers a better environment than a home office, better air, better light, and better connection, people will want to be there.
The Circular Economy Connection: Waste to Worth
Here’s something that might surprise you. Wellbeing and sustainability aren’t separate goals. They’re deeply connected. When we design for human health, we’re also designing for planetary health.
Our sustainable office fit-out approach means planning for material reuse from day one. On the Schneider Electric project, we achieved 93% waste diversion by salvaging HVAC systems, reusing glass partitions, and repurposing furniture elements. That’s 10,049 kg of materials kept in circulation rather than sent to landfill.
This circular thinking reduces carbon impact, lowers costs, and supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. But it also creates better workspaces. When you’re thoughtful about what goes into a building, you naturally select higher-quality, longer-lasting materials that create healthier indoor environments.
Learn more about our waste reduction strategies and how we achieve industry-leading diversion rates
Choosing a Partner for the Journey
Creating a space that balances human wellbeing with environmental duty requires more than just technical skill: It requires a shared vision. When you look for Interior Fit-Out Companies in Dubai, ask them about their own culture.
At Summertown, we were recently recognised as a “Great Place to Work,” with an 88% employee satisfaction rate. We don’t just talk about wellness for our clients; we live it every day.
We don’t design and build our projects based on trends. We deliver them for people. At Summertown, every space starts with listening and becomes an environment that supports wellbeing, sustainability, and how teams work every day. Because when people are supported, spaces don’t just look good. They work.
Our “Journey 2030” roadmap is our promise to you: By 2030, every single project we deliver will be green-certified. We use tools like our LEED ROI Calculator to help you see the tangible value of these decisions before we even break ground.
Explore Journey 2030, our roadmap to 100% sustainable projects.
Conclusion: A Commitment to People
The future of the UAE built environment is not found in the height of our towers, but in the health of the people inside them. As we move toward 2026, the office has evolved into a strategic tool for empowerment. By prioritising biophilia, air quality, and ergonomics, we create a resilient culture that can navigate any challenge.
At Summertown, we are ready to guide you through this transformation. Let’s create a workspace that works for your people, your performance, and our planet.
If you’re looking for a trusted fit-out partner who puts people first, visit our website at summertown.ae to connect with our team.
SOURCES
- Summertown Interiors (2025). Sustainability Report 2024 & 2025
- Global Wellness Institute (2025). UAE Wellness Economy Surges to $40.8 Billion.
- JLL (2025). Global Design Trends 2025: Street to Seat Experience.
- USGBC (2025). LEED v5 Unpacked: Decarbonisation and Quality of Life.
- Philips (2025). Health Trends Research UAE Second Edition.
Nicola Trivett
General Manager & Sustainability Leader