How Are Luxury Hotels and Royal Palaces in the UAE and Saudi Arabia Embracing Moroccan Interior Design?

Moroccan interior design has found a magnificent home in the luxurious world of five-star hotels and royal palaces across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In a region that deeply values tradition and opulence, the Moroccan aesthetic brings a captivating mix of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. It’s not just about the patterns or the palette—it’s about how every space tells a story through textures, handcrafted decor, and carefully curated furniture.

From the grand lobbies of luxury resorts in Dubai to the private salons of royal residences in Riyadh, Moroccan style interior design is being used to craft atmospheres that are both majestic and welcoming. Its unique combination of Andalusian influences, Islamic artistry, and North African craftsmanship makes it a perfect match for the Middle East’s love of intricate beauty and cultural depth.

As more architects and interior designers draw inspiration from Morocco’s rich design heritage, we’re seeing spaces that feel both authentically Arabic and globally sophisticated. Let’s explore how this stunning style is being woven into high-end interiors and why it’s becoming a symbol of elegance in the Arabian Gulf.

 

What Defines Moroccan Style Interior Design in Luxury Settings?

Step inside any Moroccan-inspired luxury suite or royal sitting room, and you’ll instantly feel the allure. But what exactly sets Moroccan decor apart in high-end settings?

The foundation lies in its distinct architecture—arched doorways, intricate mashrabiya screens, and geometric tile patterns that create visual rhythm. But beyond the structure, it's the furniture and interior decor that bring Moroccan design living rooms and lounges to life.

Furniture plays a leading role in Moroccan interior design. Think low-slung couches upholstered in velvet or leather, with carved wooden legs and mother-of-pearl inlays. Moroccan sitting rooms often feature majlis-style seating with plush cushions and embroidered fabrics, perfect for both formal gatherings and relaxed family time. The color palette is typically rich—deep blues, earthy browns, and sun-kissed golds—blended beautifully with handwoven rugs and textured throws.

Coffee tables and side tables are another statement in Moroccan design style. These are rarely plain. Instead, they are intricately carved or made of hammered brass or silver. In luxury hotels, these tables often double as decor, showcasing craftsmanship from Fes or Marrakech, surrounded by artisan ceramic stools or poufs.

No Moroccan interior is complete without wall art. In grand hotel lobbies or palace corridors, you’ll find Moroccan wall decor featuring geometric carvings, arabic calligraphy wall decor, mosaic tilework, and Moroccan wood wall art panels that double as dividers or headboards. Art is not merely ornamental here—it’s architectural and functional.

Lighting, too, is essential. Lanterns made of colored glass, brass, and wrought iron cast dramatic shadows across tiled walls, creating an atmosphere that is both warm and mysterious. These are often paired with Moroccan door wall art—doors repurposed as artistic wall hangings, each piece telling its own story of tradition and heritage.

Even bedrooms in luxury resorts are getting the Moroccan treatment. In a modern Moroccan decor setup, you’ll often find four-poster beds with filigree headboards, layered bedding in rich jewel tones, and side tables decorated with mosaic inlays. Moroccan decor bedroom themes emphasize relaxation, sensuality, and symmetry, making them ideal for high-end hospitality design.

For walls, Moroccan wall art isn’t just decorative—it’s transformative. Designers often use large hand-carved wooden panels or vibrant zellige tile murals to define spaces within open-plan interiors. These elements are increasingly found in both hotel suites and private royal villas, offering a sense of identity and timelessness.

What truly sets Moroccan style interior design apart is the attention to detail. Every cushion, every table leg, every lamp, and every carved border contributes to the space’s story. This layered aesthetic, rooted in centuries of craftsmanship, offers a unique blend of comfort and royalty, making it perfect for the region’s elite clientele.

Why Are Royal Palaces in the Middle East Choosing Moroccan Interior Decor?

There’s a reason why royal palaces across Saudi Arabia and the UAE are increasingly drawn to Moroccan style decor—it reflects both cultural pride and an appreciation for world-class artistry. The Middle East shares deep historical ties with the Maghreb, and Moroccan interior decor offers an elegant bridge between these two rich traditions.

One of the strongest appeals is the use of handcrafted home decor—a hallmark of Moroccan style. From custom-carved wooden furniture to ornate brass mirror frames, every item brings a sense of uniqueness and heritage. In a royal palace, where personalization and legacy are paramount, these pieces add meaning and authenticity.

Moroccan home decor is also known for its versatility. A palace in Jeddah might feature an opulent sitting room with gold-accented sofas, while a royal villa in Abu Dhabi may opt for a more relaxed modern Moroccan decor look with clean lines, neutral tones, and accents of turquoise or indigo. Regardless of the style, the common thread is artisanal craftsmanship—furniture, tiles, lighting, and textiles that are as luxurious as they are meaningful.

Moreover, this decor complements the architectural elements common in Gulf palaces. High ceilings, grand arches, and sprawling floor plans are ideal canvases for Moroccan interior decor, which thrives in layered, expressive environments. The blend of Andalusian, Berber, and Arab motifs creates a timeless aesthetic that fits beautifully into Middle Eastern design sensibilities.

Lastly, with the growing availability of Moroccan home decor shops online, it has become easier for architects and stylists in the Gulf to access authentic pieces. Whether they’re sourcing Moroccan decor bedroom items, artisan seating, or wall art for palatial halls, they’re investing in more than just style—they’re curating a living heritage.

Exploring Key Areas in Hotels & Palaces Using Moroccan Themes

How Are Moroccan Living Rooms Styled in Hotels and Palaces?

Stepping into a Moroccan design living room within a high-end hotel or a royal palace in the UAE or Saudi Arabia is like entering a sanctuary where tradition meets elegance. These spaces draw from the essence of a traditional Moroccan sitting room, also known as a majlis, yet they are tailored to meet the expectations of modern luxury.

The furniture takes center stage in these settings. Plush, low-seating arrangements in rich velvets or brocades are thoughtfully positioned to create an intimate, welcoming ambiance. Sofas and benches are often custom-built with hand-carved wooden frames, sometimes inlaid with pearl or brass —evoking the craftsmanship found in Moroccan riads. Upholstery in earthy tones like deep ochre, burnt sienna, or muted olive are elevated with jewel-toned pillows, effortlessly marrying subtlety with bold flair.

In hotels and palaces, the Moroccan decor style favors symmetry and harmony. Accent pieces like brass or silver tray tables, carved wooden consoles, and hand-stitched poufs offer both functionality and ornamental appeal. These elements not only ground the space but also add layers of texture and visual interest.

The wall art and lighting choices elevate the mood further. Arched niches filled with handcrafted ceramics or intricate lanterns with colored glass cast soft, inviting glows across stucco or tadelakt-finished walls. Large mirrors with arabesque frames reflect the warmth of the room, creating an expansive and serene atmosphere.

These Moroccan-themed living rooms are designed not just for lounging but for storytelling. Each piece of furniture, each wall hanging, and each color palette reveals the soul of Morocco—blending North African charm with Middle Eastern opulence.

What Makes Moroccan Style Bedrooms a Symbol of Royal Comfort?

In the most luxurious settings of Riyadh’s palaces or Dubai’s royal suites, the Moroccan style bedroom has become a defining element of refined hospitality. These rooms are more than places to sleep—they’re designed as immersive experiences where elegance meets cultural legacy.

The focal point of every Moroccan bedroom is the bed—low-profile yet dramatic, often crowned with a hand-carved headboard featuring traditional geometric or floral motifs. The intricate carvings, often in dark walnut or painted with gold leaf, add grandeur to the room while remaining deeply rooted in Moroccan design tradition.

Comfort is layered through rich textiles: embroidered cushions, silk throws, and soft, high-thread-count linens create a space that feels indulgent yet grounded. Many palatial bedrooms include a canopy suspended above the bed, using sheer fabrics that float gently with the air, evoking a romantic, almost mystical feeling.

Furniture pieces in these rooms often include vintage chests, hand-painted wardrobes, and small side tables with mosaic or zellige tile tops—each showcasing the timeless appeal of Moroccan home decor. These are not just functional pieces but statements that bring artistic character to the room.

Walls in these bedrooms are adorned with Moroccan wall decor, such as plaster carvings, framed mirror work, or colorful tile panels. The lighting echoes this luxurious aesthetic—metal lanterns, alabaster sconces, and stained-glass lamps cast a soft, ambient light that soothes and uplifts at once.

Altogether, the Moroccan bedroom stands as a serene escape—its design elements echoing centuries of artistry while catering to the modern desire for comfort, luxury, and beauty.

How Is Moroccan Wall Art Elevating the Aesthetic of Middle Eastern Interiors?

Moroccan wall art has become a defining feature in upscale interior design across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Hotels and palaces now incorporate Moroccan artistic elements not just as decoration, but as immersive design statements.

One of the most iconic additions is Moroccan door wall art. These often depict ancient, elaborately carved wooden doors from Moroccan cities like Fez or Marrakech. Framed and mounted, they become conversation pieces—symbolizing mystery, hospitality, and history. In luxury hotel lobbies or royal corridors, these pieces connect visitors with the Moroccan spirit without leaving the room.

Another staple is Moroccan wood wall art, where intricately carved panels feature arabesque or floral motifs. These panels are sometimes used as full wall treatments, especially in suites or lounges, creating a visual richness that feels both cultural and contemporary. When paired with recessed lighting or gold-leaf details, they transform simple walls into art installations.

Accent pieces such as mirror mosaics, ceramic plates, and metalwork tiles are also common. These are thoughtfully arranged on walls to add depth and personality. Unlike mass-produced decor, each piece is handcrafted—imbued with a sense of time, tradition, and skilled artistry.

Royal residences often take this further by commissioning custom murals or wall sculptures based on Moroccan themes. These installations tell stories of migration, craftsmanship, and faith—rooted deeply in Moroccan and Islamic artistic traditions.

By incorporating Moroccan wall decor, furniture, and decorative art in these refined settings, designers in the Middle East are not just embracing a trend—they're curating timeless spaces where luxury meets authenticity.

How Is Modern Moroccan Decor Being Blended with Contemporary Middle Eastern Interiors?

As interior trends shift toward contemporary luxury in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a growing number of designers are turning to modern Moroccan decor for its unique ability to marry timeless tradition with fresh minimalism. The result is a visual language that speaks to both cultural heritage and modern refinement.

In cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Jeddah, upscale hotels and private residences are embracing Moroccan-inspired aesthetics in new and understated ways. Instead of overloading rooms with ornate patterns, designers are curating interiors with key Moroccan design elements—such as carved furniture, Zellige tiles, and brass lanterns—blended seamlessly into modern settings.

One of the most striking updates is how Moroccan-style furniture is being reimagined. Low-profile sofas with embroidered cushions are paired with sleek metal coffee tables or minimalist sideboards, offering a sophisticated mix of comfort and culture. These seating arrangements maintain the intimacy of Moroccan majlis-style lounges but are shaped to align with contemporary standards of space and flow.

Likewise, the use of traditional materials such as tadelakt plaster, once exclusive to riads and hammams, is now used to soften the look of modern walls and floors. Decorative accents like arched wall niches and geometric wood panels add dimension without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic.

Meanwhile, Moroccan wall art—especially handcrafted wood panels or decorative carvings—is gaining popularity as a focal point in hotel lobbies and residential living rooms. Their geometric detail adds a tactile layer to otherwise clean, linear interiors.

The fusion of past and present is not only visually compelling—it also reflects a broader design ethos: that luxury today is not just about opulence, but about storytelling, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance.

Where Can You Shop Online for Moroccan Home Decor in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?

With Moroccan aesthetics becoming a mainstay in premium interiors, sourcing authentic Moroccan furniture and home décor has never been more important—or more accessible. From Riyadh to Dubai, discerning homeowners and hospitality designers are turning to curated online platforms to bring Moroccan soul into their modern spaces.

Levantiques Furniture stands out as a premier source in the region for those seeking genuine Moroccan craftsmanship. Known for its exquisite selection of Moroccan-style furniture, Levantiques offers everything from carved headboards and handcrafted coffee tables to custom-made majlis seating sets, ideal for hotels, villas, and design-conscious homes. Each piece is tailored to evoke heritage while fitting seamlessly into contemporary layouts.

Their collection also includes Moroccan wall art, lanterns, and décor accessories that bring depth to any space—be it a high-ceiling hotel atrium or an intimate sitting area. Whether you're creating a Moroccan bedroom retreat or a luxury Moroccan living room, their furniture pieces provide the foundation for storytelling through design.

Boutique online stores also offer rare Moroccan treasures, but for those serious about shaping an entire space around Moroccan artistry, Levantiques remains a trusted go-to across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion: Moroccan Elegance in Modern Middle Eastern Spaces

In today’s design-forward hospitality and residential sectors across the Middle East, Moroccan influence is more than a fleeting trend—it’s a statement of style, culture, and substance. Whether it’s a carved mahogany coffee table anchoring a living room or a hand-hammered brass lantern casting light across a hotel suite, Moroccan decor continues to elevate interiors with its distinctive blend of tradition and innovation.

The charm of Moroccan design lies in its versatility. A Zellige backsplash can warm up a stark modern kitchen, while a carved wooden bedframe can add old-world charm to a sleek hotel suite. Even minimalist spaces find balance with the tactile richness of Moroccan wall art or tadelakt finishes.

As sourcing options expand online, particularly with platforms like Levantiques Furniture, it’s becoming easier to bring the furniture, wall art, and décor of Morocco into contemporary spaces without compromising on authenticity or luxury.

Ultimately, it’s this thoughtful blend of old and new that defines the next era of Middle Eastern interiors—where tradition isn't replaced, but reimagined, and where every Moroccan piece becomes a part of a larger story told in wood, metal, and mosaic.