The first 25hours hotel outside of Europe has opened in Dubai

Client

Woods Bagot

Category

Interior Design

Location

Dubai One Central

Guests at 25hours Hotel One Central step into a world where the ancient traditions of the Bedouins meet modern urban living. Overlooking the Museum of the Future, near Dubai International Financial Centre, this 434-room hotel is an embodiment of creativity, energy, and cultural storytelling. From its playful design concept to its bold departure from conventional luxury hotels, 25hours is a brand that thrives on individuality and an adventurous spirit.

I’m often found photographing hotels at the pre-opening stage, capturing their very first set of marketing images. When Josh from the hotel’s marketing team initially reached out to me for a shoot, I was eager to be involved. Unfortunately, my existing commitments made it impossible to align schedules. However, not long after, Woods Bagot – the global architecture and interior design powerhouse – contacted me to shoot the hotel for their portfolio. This time, the timing was perfect.

 

A Design Story Rooted in Culture“Storytelling was the foundation of creating this charming and soulful place. Reviving the story of ancient Nomad travellers, our aim was to create a place with local ambience, which speaks to your heart easily and becomes your home naturally.”
– Aleksandra Nastic, Senior Associate & Interior Design Lead, Woods Bagot

Designed by Hopkins Architects and launched in late 2021, 25hours Hotel One Central is a fresh, progressive hospitality concept. It fuses modern design with timeless Bedouin traditions, celebrating the region’s nomadic heritage through its dynamic and eclectic interiors. The spaces are rich with textures, layered with vibrant storytelling elements, and packed with intricate design details – everything from handwoven carpets to curated artwork feels intentional.
 
The Photography Approach – Working closely with Aleksandra and the team on-site, I focused on capturing how each space was designed to feel – immersive, unconventional, and full of personality. From the buzzing communal areas to the intimate guest rooms, every shot needed to reflect the sense of discovery that 25hours embodies.

The Challenge

Shooting in a fully operational hotel required careful coordination to capture high-quality images while minimising disruptions. The dynamic and lively atmosphere of 25hours Hotel One Central meant working around guests and staff, ensuring that the spaces appeared pristine and undisturbed in the final shots. Additionally, the hotel’s bold and eclectic interior design presented a unique challenge – each space was rich with intricate details, textures, and contrasting elements that needed to be thoughtfully composed and lit to maintain visual harmony and reflect the designer’s vision.

The Brief

Work within Woods Bagot’s brand guidelines to capture a comprehensive set of images showcasing all areas of the hotel. The photography needed to highlight the unique design elements, rich textures, and storytelling aspects of the interiors while maintaining consistency with the firm’s global visual identity. The final images had to reflect the vibrant character of 25hours Hotel One Central while ensuring they were suitable for both the designer’s portfolio and wider marketing use.

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The Results

The final set of images perfectly captured the essence of 25hours Hotel One Central, staying true to Woods Bagot’s creative vision and brand guidelines. Delivered on time and to the highest professional standards, the imagery not only highlighted the unique storytelling and design philosophy behind the project but also played a role in Woods Bagot securing multiple design awards. The success of this shoot reinforces the impact of high-quality architectural and interior photography in showcasing world-class design.

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