Located at the prestigious Address Downtown, Dubai, multiple award-winning restaurant and bar, 99 Sushi Bar UAE can seat up to 99 guests in its 6,270 square foot space. Designed to cater to high-end Japanese connoisseurs, 99 Sushi Bar UAE has been fitted out with the worldwide branding of the restaurant and its enviable location in mind. A&T Group Interiors’ brief was to match the brands global design intent already rolled out in earlier locations, whilst modifying the design to fit the challenging shape of the new restaurant in Downtown Dubai.
The project was executed to perfection by working over well-defined renders and the design was developed to align with its unique location as well as additional outside space and world-class views. The interiors create a chic dining experience with plush velvets, mirrors, striking ornate fixtures, and a colour scheme staying true to the brands colours of gold, black and red. Guests have the option of banquet seating in the restaurant, intimate seating in the private dining room or the option to watch the award-winning chefs at work while dining robata-style at the Sushi bar.
Decorative chain walls provide separation of key areas while high-grade carpet with the restaurants logos embroidered remind guests of the restaurant’s renowned branding. The restaurant also boasts a large outdoor terrace equipped with pergola and sail works, plus a remote-controlled, fully retractable roof enabling the terrace to be used all year round from day - night. When dining on the terrace guests can enjoy beautiful views over the iconic surroundings including the world-famous Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains. Completing the outdoor setting is a variety of plants that enhance the terrace area.
The full interior fit-out, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services, furniture, fittings and equipment (FF&E) for 99 Sushi Bar UAE were all handled in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown that crippled many in the construction sector. This presented a number of challenges in executing this project due to delays on items coming from overseas and factories in the UK and Spain being closed due to restrictions. To overcome this, the normal sequence of work was adjusted where possible to minimize the impact of the delays on the overseas items.
For example, all low-level and concrete flooring works were completed first and then the floor was protected. This ultimately reduced the completion time and avoided long delays to the program. Upon arrival of the materials multiple teams worked around the clock to keep the project on track whilst maintaining strict health and safety protocols and social distancing. A second challenge faced was that the space for 99 Sushi Bar UAE was previously a restaurant and so it was required to modify the whole look and feel whilst maintaining the existing MEP and back-of-house (BOH) from the previous restaurant. Despite these challenges the entire project was delivered in less than six months.
