SIMEXA is pleased to announce the official launch of its latest outdoor furniture collection, “Outdoor at Its Best 2026,” developed in strategic partnership with Messara Living and Vincent Sheppard. This milestone marks SIMEXA’s first Middle East showcase, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-end, performance-driven outdoor solutions to the regional market. The newly introduced range features advanced, eco-responsible materials, premium aesthetics, and enhanced durability engineered for the demanding GCC environment.
Since its founding in Belgium in 1992, Vincent Sheppard has established a global reputation as a leader in outdoor furniture design and manufacturing. The brand is distinguished by its heritage in weaving craftsmanship and its focus on creating long-lasting, refined products that consistently meet the requirements of top-tier hospitality operators worldwide.
Influencial figures
To commemorate the launch, SIMEXA hosted an exclusive industry gathering, “The Future of Outdoor Furniture in Hospitality,” at Messara Living’s Umm Suqeim showroom in Al Barsha. The event convened influential figures from the design, contracting, and hospitality sectors, including Duncan O’Rourke (CEO, Accor Middle East & Africa), Victoria Sertic (Senior Vice President, Accor), Ben White (Senior Director, Cracknell Landscape Architecture), Jonas Bevernage (Export Manager, Vincent Sheppard), and Victoria Pustovita from IVI Interiors.
Panel: The future of outdoor furniture in hospitality
Guests enjoyed an engaging industry evening featuring live entertainment, bespoke refreshments, and a curated walkthrough of Messara Living’s showroom. The tour highlighted the brand’s portfolio of customizable outdoor rugs, natural sisal flooring solutions, and premium European outdoor furniture — each selected to deliver elevated outdoor environments defined by quality, comfort, and design distinction.
A key component of the event was a forward-focused panel discussion on the future of outdoor furniture in hospitality, featuring Coralie Claeys (Co-Owner, Vincent Sheppard), Gilbert Khalil (Design Director & Technical Services, Sunset Hospitality), Manar Al Ali (Interior Designer, GCC Market), and Shahad Al Selmi (Marketing & PR Manager, Messara Living).
The dialogue examined the ongoing convergence of indoor sophistication and outdoor functionality, with an emphasis on natural palettes, advanced performance fabrics, and culturally resonant design expressed through texture and form. Panellists also highlighted the increasing demand for “quiet luxury” — understated, enduring design that prioritises comfort and harmony over extravagance.
Addressing the specific environmental challenges of the UAE and broader GCC region, the discussion underscored the importance of resilient materials, integrated solar lighting solutions, and low-maintenance finishes. Notable innovations included Les Jardins’ solar-powered smart tables, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation and operational efficiency in hospitality settings.
The evening concluded with attendees inspired by new opportunities for collaboration and advancement across the outdoor design space.
Design professionals and clients are now invited to explore the new high-performance outdoor collection and experience SIMEXA’s approach to refined outdoor living at Messara Living’s Umm Suqeim showroom in Dubai — where design excellence meets open-air hospitality.
