Get Mushy: The Online Platform Elevating Design and Eccentricity
What does Mushy mean? 'Excessively sentimental', according to creative consultant Dina Adlouni and architect Tarlan Vaziri Farahani. The duo's e-commerce platform stocks everything from creatively-shaped candleholders to elaborately designed furniture, fashioned to form a geometric playground.
Headquartered in Dubai, Mushy is a haven of head-turning trinkets, tableware and head-turning home furnishings. Lighting is moulded into sculptural, swirly shapes, while abstract mirrors are bordered by colourful appendages. A gold-rimmed ashtray is stamped with a Rolex logo, while the bulb of a periwinkle-coloured lamp is nestled between two ears with hoop earrings. A yellow ceramic art piece meanwhile, in the shape of a squished-up tube labelled 'Special glue for broken hearts', belongs on the coffee tables and bookshelves of self-assured connoisseurs of kitsch.
Photo: Dina Adlouni and Tarlan Vaziri Farahani
Such conversation-starting items target a specific type of clientele, says Adlouni, who previously worked in PR for Gucci, and then Louis Vuitton. 'They're tastemakers, rule-breakers and people who curate their spaces like they curate their wardrobes. They don't just follow trends – they set them. They appreciate design that has wit, charm and a little bit of weirdness. Whether they're
collectors or just starting their interior journey, they want their space to tell a story,' she explains.
Home decor in the Middle East often falls into one of two categories: pristine and minimalist, or utterly ostentatious. Between these two extremes, within its own realm of whimsy, lies Mushy,
and its founders are making a strong case for enhancing your home with items that reflect uniqueness, personality and offbeat charm. 'The region has long leaned into opulence – grand, gilded and glamorous. Mushy takes a different route: playful, experimental and a little bit rebellious. We love pieces that spark conversation. It's less about 'lavish' and more about 'let's have fun with this,'' says Farahani.
Design and eccentricity converge within these homeware essentials imbued with a coveted cool factor. Pieces by Persian designers, including statement furniture from Kouros Maghsoudi, stone-like resin vases by Soheil Rad and sculptural papier-mâché creations by Ali Honarvar are available through Mushy. The site also stocks quirky glassware by Polish brand Szklo, Turkish label Deya and Palestinian designer Lameice Abu Aker, while mirrors bordered by colourful glass contorted in exaggerated and almost avant-garde shapes by Jordanian designer Raghad Al Ali appear to defy gravity.
Whoever the designer, their unique point of view is pivotal. 'Some lean into surrealism, some into craftsmanship and some are just wildly unexpected, in the best way. Many of them are stocked exclusively in the Middle East through Mushy, making us the go-to spot for design lovers who want something they won't see in every other home,' emphasises Adlouni. One popular piece sold by the duo is the melting clock from Danish brand Silje Lindrup, which is made from glass and painted silver, appearing like a liquid form situated on the wall. It's a mesmerising marriage of modern design with traditional functionality, and has reached cult status among design aficionados across the globe. 'People love it for its surrealist aesthetic – it's a bold statement piece that feels like a dream, or a Salvador Dali painting come to life,' she shares.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Crypto Insight
3 days ago
- Crypto Insight
Dubai real estate sales hit $18B in May amid tokenization push
Dubai's real estate market surged in May, posting record sales volumes and transaction values that signal growing investor confidence and potential readiness for property tokenization. According to data shared in a press release with Cointelegraph by real estate platform Property Finder, Dubai's real estate sector reached a total sales value of 66.8 billion dirhams (about $18.2 billion) across 18,700 transactions in May. The figures indicate a 44% year-on-year surge in transaction value and a 6% rise in sales volume. The growth was driven by both primary and secondary market activity. Primary sales saw a 314% spike in value compared to May 2024, while secondary sales rose 21% in value. The performance comes amid an accelerating push into real estate tokenization, which opens up the market to more investors and reshapes the dynamics of property ownership. Dubai's real estate market performance signals tokenization readiness Scott Thiel, the co-founder and CEO of the real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform Tokinvest, told Cointelegraph that the record-breaking performance of Dubai's real estate market signals the city's readiness for real estate innovation like tokenization. 'It reinforces what we already knew, Dubai is becoming one of the most active and attractive real estate markets globally,' Thiel told Cointelegraph. 'When you see 60 billion dirhams in transactions in a single month, it's a strong signal that the market is liquid, dynamic and ready for innovation.' The executive added that real estate tokenization is no longer a futuristic concept but an active development gaining steam. Thiel added that the volume presents a perfect launchpad for fractionalization — dividing properties in smaller, more affordable shares — to meet investor demand locally and internationally. Thiel added that tokenization will not just follow market growth but will help accelerate it. 'Tokenisation won't just accompany the next record, we believe, it will help drive it,' he said. Regulators back tokenized assets Dubai's real estate boom in May coincided with major regulatory and industry developments to modernize how properties are sold and bought. On May 1, Dubai's MultiBank Group, real-estate giant MAG and blockchain provider Mavryk signed a $3 billion RWA agreement. The deal will bring MAG's luxury real-estate projects into the blockchain using a regulated RWA marketplace. On May 19, the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai's crypto regulator, updated its guidelines to include provisions for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. Lawyer Irina Heaver told Cointelegraph these rules give issuers and exchanges a clear path to launch and trade tokenized real estate assets. On May 25, the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, and the Dubai Future Foundation launched a tokenized real estate project in the Middle East and North Africa region. The government institutions launched a platform that allows investors to buy tokenized shares in 'ready-to-own properties in Dubai.' Source:
Crypto Insight
05-06-2025
- Crypto Insight
Building global Web3 ecosystems: From Dubai to the world — Interview with CoinW
The blockchain industry faces a complex challenge: technology is evolving faster than regulations can keep pace. It breeds uncertainty that can stifle innovation and expose users to risk. Regulators worldwide struggle to balance an environment where creativity can flourish with ensuring consumer protection. CoinW, a fast-growing global crypto exchange that recently made Dubai its new home, invited Nassar Achkar to come on board. He is a seasoned strategist with deep expertise in blockchain ecosystems, technology innovation and regulatory engagement. His experience co-founding the Dubai Blockchain Center and driving digital transformation across industries makes him uniquely qualified to guide CoinW's global expansion and innovation strategy. Dubai's emergence as a global blockchain hub makes it the perfect home for CoinW's headquarters. It has clear regulatory frameworks, visionary leadership, and a vibrant tech ecosystem. Anchored in Dubai, CoinW seeks to accelerate Web3 adoption across emerging markets and shape the future of the digital economy with confidence and compliance. In this interview, Achkar details how CoinW is knitting together Web2 giants like LALIGA and Web3 powerhouses such as Solana, why emerging markets from Southeast Asia to Africa are poised to leapfrog into crypto, and how security, transparency and user empowerment underpin every move. His playbook, forged in Dubai but aimed squarely at the world, offers a front-row view of the forces shaping the future digital economy. Cointelegraph: Could you briefly walk us through your professional journey and how these experiences have shaped your vision for CoinW's strategic direction? Nassar Achkar: My career began in the IT sector, where I led digital transformation programs for leading global technology institutions. I advanced to managing large-scale international projects and cross-border teams, gaining deep experience in navigating complex operational, regulatory and cultural environments. This trajectory led me to executive leadership, where I drove strategic growth, innovation initiatives and global partnerships as a managing director. In parallel with the evolution of emerging technologies, I co-founded the Dubai Blockchain Center and launched a pioneering Web3 health platform. These ventures deepened my engagement with blockchain and AI, reinforcing my belief in their capacity to reshape industries through decentralization, automation and data-driven intelligence. These cumulative experiences have equipped me with the strategic vision and executional expertise that I now apply in my role as chief strategy officer at CoinW. My vision for the company is to architect a globally integrated blockchain ecosystem that empowers users, drives innovation and upholds the highest standards of security and inclusivity. By connecting diverse markets and communities, we aim to unlock the full potential of decentralized technologies in building a more transparent, accessible and future-oriented digital economy. CT: As a co-founder of Dubai Blockchain Center, you've observed Dubai's evolution closely. What would you say has been the biggest catalyst in transforming Dubai into a leading Web3 hub? NA: Dubai's transformation into a leading Web3 hub has been driven by visionary government leadership combined with a proactive regulatory approach. The biggest catalyst, in my view, has been the government's commitment to fostering innovation through clear frameworks and strategic initiatives, such as the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This forward-thinking environment has attracted top-tier talent, global companies and pioneering startups, all within a supportive ecosystem that balances innovation with responsible governance. Coupled with Dubai's world-class infrastructure and global connectivity, these elements have positioned the city as a true epicenter for blockchain and Web3 development. CT: What motivated you to join CoinW? Could you share a bit about your current role and the key responsibilities you hold within the organization? NA: What motivated me to join CoinW was the opportunity to help shape the future of digital finance at a pivotal moment for the blockchain industry. CoinW stood out not only for its rapid global growth but also for its strong commitment to compliance, user-centric innovation and technological excellence. I saw a clear alignment between my experience in scaling emerging technologies and the company's vision to become a trusted global leader in the blockchain space. As chief strategy officer, I'm responsible for driving CoinW's long-term strategic direction. This includes identifying growth opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, guiding market expansion and ensuring alignment between our product roadmap and evolving global trends. I also work closely with cross-functional teams to strengthen our position in both established and emerging markets, with a strong focus on innovation, regulatory readiness and sustainable ecosystem development. CT: CoinW recently relocated its global headquarters to Dubai. What were the key strategic considerations behind this decision, and how do you foresee this impacting CoinW's global presence? NA: Moving to Dubai was a strategic decision to position CoinW at the heart of a fast-growing and innovation-friendly market. Dubai is widely recognized as a leading global hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency. It is often called the 'crypto capital of the world'. This is thanks to its visionary regulatory framework and government-backed initiatives. Dubai has a thriving ecosystem of startups and industry events such as the recently concluded Token2049. Its global connectivity, regulatory clarity and vibrant tech community make it an ideal base for expanding our reach. This relocation will strengthen our partnerships and accelerate our growth. It allows CoinW to better serve users across the region and beyond while benefiting from Dubai's reputation as a magnet for blockchain innovation and global business. CT: What are the core values embraced by CoinW, and what measures or innovations CoinW has implemented to set a benchmark for these areas? NA: At CoinW, our core values are security, transparency, innovation and user empowerment. These principles are not just aspirational — they are embedded in our operations, technology and community engagement strategies. To uphold security, we've implemented institutional-grade infrastructure and real-time risk monitoring systems, and we regularly undergo third-party audits to ensure the safety of user assets. For transparency, we maintain clear communication with our users and adhere to rigorous compliance standards across jurisdictions. On the innovation front, we've launched advanced trading products and AI-driven risk controls and are pioneering integrations with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to bridge centralized and decentralized ecosystems. Finally, to ensure user empowerment, we continuously invest in education, intuitive platform design and localized support, making blockchain accessible to both new and experienced users globally. These initiatives not only reinforce our core values but position CoinW as a benchmark in the industry for responsible innovation and user trust. CT: Could you elaborate on how CoinW approaches forming strategic partnerships with key industry players from both Web3 and Web2, and the overall impact they have on your ecosystem growth and user experience? NA: At CoinW, we pursue strategic partnerships that reflect our core mission: driving innovation and enhancing accessibility in the blockchain space. One such collaboration is with Superteam Europe, a key community and talent hub for the Solana ecosystem. Through co-hosted hackathons, educational programs and community-driven events, this partnership plays a vital role in nurturing grassroots development and empowering the next generation of Web3 builders. In the Web2 sphere, we've also aligned with global brands like LALIGA, bridging the gap between traditional sports audiences and the world of digital assets. By creating integrated crypto experiences for mainstream users, we're expanding access to blockchain technology in ways that are engaging and relatable. These partnerships not only broaden our ecosystem but also enhance the value we offer by providing users with more ways to learn, earn and engage within a dynamic, inclusive digital economy. CT: CoinW is deeply involved in the development of a global Web3 community. What strategies or criteria do you use when selecting projects and communities to partner with? NA: When evaluating potential partnerships, we prioritize projects and communities that demonstrate innovation, integrity and a strong dedication to user education. Our criteria also emphasize visionary leadership, well-defined roadmaps and a proven history of active community engagement. A prime example of this philosophy in action is WConnect, our flagship online forum series. WConnect serves as a platform for in-depth dialogue, expert analysis, and collaborative knowledge sharing, bringing together thought leaders and grassroots communities from across the blockchain space. These sessions not only facilitate meaningful exchange but also help us identify high-potential partners that align with our strategic values. Beyond virtual engagement, CoinW maintains an active presence at major industry events worldwide, such as Paris Blockchain Week. These in-person interactions enable us to stay closely attuned to emerging trends, cutting-edge innovations, and the evolving needs of the broader crypto ecosystem. This direct involvement ensures that our partnerships are both well-informed and strategically impactful. CT: Could you highlight a particular partnership or ecosystem collaboration that exemplifies CoinW's approach to fostering global Web3 adoption? NA: A standout example of CoinW's commitment to advancing global Web3 adoption is our strategic partnership with Superteam Europe and Solana for the Solana Breakout Hackathon. Spanning four key European regions — France, Germany, Poland and the Balkans — over the course of a month, this initiative convened leading Solana developers and Web3 enthusiasts to collaborate, innovate and share expertise on the Solana blockchain. CoinW played an active role in supporting this landmark event by providing financial backing, facilitating event organization, and offering winning projects valuable incentives such as free platform listings and incubation resources. Leveraging our extensive global network and exchange expertise, we amplified the hackathon's reach through coordinated social media campaigns, AMAs, livestreams, and partnerships with universities and blockchain clubs. CT: Looking ahead, what emerging trends or regions do you believe will be crucial for CoinW and the broader Web3 ecosystem over the next few years? NA: Regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa are uniquely positioned for accelerated Web3 adoption, driven by their youthful, tech-savvy demographics and rapidly expanding digital economies. In Southeast Asia, widespread digital wallet penetration and strong engagement with blockchain technologies are catalyzing innovation, supported by a vibrant creator economy and progressive government policies that facilitate ecosystem growth. Africa is witnessing a notable rise in localized decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and decentralized identity solutions, alongside increasing real-world applications of NFTs. These developments are propelled by a strong demand for financial inclusion and the need to address shortcomings in traditional infrastructure. Simultaneously, global Web3 evolution is being shaped by trends such as real-world asset tokenization, AI-powered blockchain applications and the emergence of specialized appchains. CoinW is actively monitoring and engaging with these dynamic regions and technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge and drive substantial impact throughout the blockchain ecosystem. Source:
bnok24
04-06-2025
- bnok24
Nasdaq Dubai Welcomes Mashreq's USD 500 Million Sukuk Listing
Nasdaq Dubai welcomed Mashreq's ('Mashreq' or 'the Bank') debut listing on the exchange with the admission of a USD 500 million Sukuk issued by Mashreq Al Islami Sukuk Company Ltd The Trust Certificates, due in 2030, were issued under Mashreq's USD 2.5 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme and are being admitted as a secondary listing following strong demand in the primary market This marks an important milestone for Mashreq as it expands its access to international capital markets and strengthens its presence in the Islamic finance space. It also reflects Nasdaq Dubai's continued role in connecting regional issuers with a global investor base through a well-regulated and diversified platform Senior officials from Mashreq, including Ahmed Abdelaal, Group Chief Executive Officer; Joel Van Dusen, Group Head of Corporate & Investment Banking; and Salman Hadi, Group Head of Treasury & Global Markets, attended the market opening ceremony at Nasdaq Dubai to celebrate the listing. The bell was rung by Ahmed Abdelaal in the presence of Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of Mashreq, commented: 'This Sukuk listing marks an important step in Mashreq's commitment to strengthening the global Islamic finance landscape. It is a clear demonstration of Mashreq's long-term commitment to Islamic finance, the deepening of cross-border capital flows, and the UAE's continued emergence as a global nexus for ethical and Sharia-compliant financing. Through this programme, we are proud to reinforce investor trust and contribute meaningfully to the maturing of Islamic capital markets Ahmed Abdelaal, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mashreq said: 'Our debut listing on Nasdaq Dubai marks a new chapter in Mashreq's capital markets journey. This Sukuk issuance not only attracted strong investor interest, but also affirms our disciplined approach to funding, even in a complex macro environment. As we continue to diversify our capital structure through Sharia-compliant channels, we remain committed to delivering strong fundamentals, market transparency, and sustainable value for all stakeholders Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), said: 'This listing reflects Mashreq's growing ambitions in the Islamic finance sector and underscores our role as a leading marketplace that connects regional issuers with global investors. As Dubai continues to strengthen its capital markets infrastructure, we remain committed to providing an efficient and transparent platform that supports diverse financing needs and promotes sustainable growth across the financial ecosystem This landmark Sukuk issuance marked Mashreq's successful return to the international debt capital markets. It was also the first public issuance from the CEEMEA region since the announcement of U.S. tariffs in April 2025, which had triggered heightened volatility across global markets. The success of this transaction renewed market participants' confidence, and was followed by a string of issuances, thereby helping to reopen the market for regional issuers The transaction attracted significant investor interest, resulting in an orderbook of USD 2.9 billion, nearly six times oversubscribed. The final pricing was tightened to UST +105 basis points with a fixed profit rate of 5.03% per annum, reflecting the strength and quality of the orderbook and strong investor confidence in Mashreq's credit fundamentals. With broad participation from over 90 global investors across the Middle East, Europe and Asia, the issuance reaffirms Mashreq's leadership in Islamic finance and reinforces Dubai's growing stature as a global hub for Sharia-compliant capital markets With this listing, the total value of Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai has reached USD 97.2 billion, further strengthening the exchange's position as one of the world's largest centres for Islamic fixed income. The overall value of debt securities listed on Nasdaq Dubai now stands at over USD 140 billion, across 163 issuances. These figures reflect the depth and maturity of the UAE's capital markets, as well as the growing appeal of Dubai as a gateway for regional and international investment Google News تابعونا على تابعونا على تطبيق نبض
