In an exclusive interview with Living Gulf, Benoit Rondard, Founder of Yla, shares insights on building a homegrown furniture brand in Dubai, the importance of local production, and the future of design in the Middle East.
In a region rapidly shaping its creative identity, a new generation of founders is building brands that are both locally rooted and globally relevant. Among them is Benoit Rondard, a Dubai-based entrepreneur who has spent over 25 years in the UAE. Through his contemporary furniture brand Yla, Rondard is exploring the intersection of design, engineering, and craftsmanship, with each piece produced locally in Jebel Ali using stainless steel and aluminium.
In this conversation with Living Gulf, he reflects on the opportunities of building in Dubai, the importance of resilience in today’s global climate, and how homegrown brands are shaping the region’s creative future.
Q: As a founder building Yla from Dubai, what does it mean to develop a homegrown design brand within the UAE’s growing creative economy?
Building Yla from Dubai is both a responsibility and an opportunity. The UAE has created an environment where entrepreneurship, design, and industry can come together in a very direct way. Being a homegrown brand means contributing to that ecosystem by producing locally and demonstrating that high-quality design can emerge from this region.
Yla was conceived and developed in Dubai, with production based in Jebel Ali using stainless steel and aluminium. This proximity between design, engineering, and manufacturing allows us to experiment, refine, and maintain a high level of craftsmanship. It also reflects the spirit of the UAE itself, which is ambitious, international, and open to new ideas.
The country genuinely supports new initiatives and creative industries. It gives founders the ability to transform ideas into tangible projects, which is something we value deeply.
Q: In the current geopolitical environment, how important is resilience and adaptability for companies operating in the region?
Resilience and adaptability are essential for any company today, particularly in a global environment that can shift quickly. Recent events are a reminder that businesses need to remain focused, flexible, and grounded in their approach.
At Yla, we continue to stay committed to our work while supporting the wider ecosystem. Our production continues, our team remains focused, and we stay open to collaboration with architects, designers, and partners who want to engage with the brand.
What gives us confidence is the stability of the UAE. The country has consistently shown its ability to manage complex situations while maintaining a strong environment for business and creativity. That stability allows companies like ours to focus on building long-term value.
Q: Dubai has become a global hub for entrepreneurship and creativity. What advantages does the city offer founders with international ambitions?
Dubai offers a unique combination of infrastructure, international connectivity, and entrepreneurial energy. Few cities allow a founder to design, produce, and present a brand to a global audience from the same place.
The city is highly international. Designers, architects, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world operate here, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and exchange.
For Yla, this is particularly valuable. While our pieces are inspired by nature and contemporary living, we present them to a global community that passes through Dubai every day. The city naturally becomes a platform for international visibility.
Q: Many businesses are reassessing supply chains and production strategies. How does Yla approach this while continuing to grow from Dubai?
From the beginning, we chose to keep design and production close together. Our pieces are produced locally in Jebel Ali, which allows us to maintain strict quality control and remain agile in our manufacturing process.
This model reduces dependency on long international supply chains and gives us the ability to adapt quickly when needed. It also aligns with our focus on craftsmanship and precision, where each piece is created with careful attention to materials, finishing, and durability.
At the same time, Dubai’s logistics infrastructure ensures we remain connected to international markets. The balance between local production and global reach is one of the key advantages of operating from the UAE.
Q: Looking ahead, what role will homegrown brands play in shaping the future of the Middle East’s design industry?
Homegrown brands will play an increasingly important role in defining the region’s creative identity. As the Middle East continues to invest in culture, design, and architecture, locally developed brands can offer perspectives that are rooted in the region while remaining globally relevant.
For Yla, this means continuing to explore materials and a minimal design language expressed through metal, often drawing inspiration from natural forms. Our aim is to combine technical precision with emotional resonance in everyday objects.
More broadly, the next decade will likely see more brands emerging from the region that are confident in their voice and capable of competing internationally. The foundations are already in place, and it is an exciting time for the creative industries in the UAE.
