The McKinsey and Company’s Middle Eastern Sentiment Survey found that people in the UAE are responding to fears of economic instability by becoming more cautious with their disposable income. As purse strings tighten, they're increasingly favouring value goods over luxury prestige items.

Fashion houses are no strangers to home design – many already have their own home and interior lines. But at Salone del Mobile 2016 in Milan – the world’s largest furniture fair – brands have been pushing boundaries, stepping up their game with bold interdisciplinary collaborations.

As women shatter glass ceilings every day, brands that recognise their hard-earned achievements are also starting to be noticed. For women in the UAE, Emirates has won their respect, with them naming the carrier the most impressive brand in their region, following several female-first initiatives.

Most people associate France with haute couture and extravagant cuisine. But what about furniture? While people immediately recognise Scandi design, French furniture design is a little nebulous. Maison et Objet has set out to change this and bolster national pride in home-grown homeware.