Ibn Battuta Food Court

Project Description

The Ibn Battuta Mall Food Hall is a contemporary culinary destination thoughtfully envisioned and brought to life by SBD International. Located within the iconic Persia Court of the renowned Ibn Battuta Mall, this project is a seamless fusion of heritage-inspired design with modern functionality. We led the design concept, full interior detailing, and comprehensive site supervision to ensure the vision was translated flawlessly into built reality.

Drawing inspiration from the rich architectural and cultural language of the Middle East, the food hall’s spatial experience pays homage to traditional Arabic motifs while embracing a cosmopolitan and urban design sensibility. The interplay between sleek surfaces, wood-grain textures, and modern geometric structures evokes a sense of elegant simplicity — a tribute to Dubai’s future-forward identity rooted in timeless tradition.

Ceiling treatments feature a sculptural layering of slatted wood and integrated LED lighting, echoing the rhythmic patterns of Islamic art while establishing a warm, ambient canopy that unites the entire space. Sculptural “tree-like” wood installations define gathering zones and provide vertical articulation within the open-plan hall. These visually striking forms serve as both aesthetic landmarks and subtle dividers between communal, family, and individual seating clusters.

The material palette is purposefully restrained yet rich — warm timber veneers, polished stone tiles, matte black metal accents, and curated upholstery selections ensure durability while elevating the tactile quality of the interiors. Designed to accommodate high foot traffic and diverse user preferences, the layout is optimized for efficiency, accessibility, and visual clarity. Open sightlines between food vendors, generous circulation paths, and well-dispersed seating ensure operational effectiveness and an inviting atmosphere.

Anchored by major food brands and diverse international cuisines, the Food Hall offers over a dozen F&B counters encircling a sculpted central seating arena. Feature canopies over the dining court create an experiential threshold between the fast-paced retail realm and a comfortable, engaging dining experience. From casual diners and mall-goers to metro-link visitors, the Food Hall has become a vital culinary and social hub in the community.

The design successfully blends cultural nuance with contemporary aesthetics, delivering a cohesive and vibrant environment that reflects Dubai’s dynamic character. The Ibn Battuta Food Hall stands as a testament to sensitive cultural referencing in commercial interiors — a place where past and present merge to serve the modern appetite.