The multi-award winning contemporary Japanese restaurant, bar & lounge is back in Dubai after closing its doors at the H Hotel in 2019. Now proudly residing in the Marriott Palm Jumeirah, the new incarnation of OKKU is still drawing on its vibrant and exciting guest experiences, live station, entertainment and beautifully rich interiors.

Having designed the lighting for the original OKKU Dubai 15 years ago, and OKKU Riyadh 5 years ago we were very familiar with the brand and its ethos of top tier Japanese cuisine pared with a vibrant and exciting guest experience. The demand on the lighting had not diminished in this time, only evolved and more importantly tested. Every aspect of the interior and guest journey is scrutinised to make sure it meets the brand’s vision, and the lighting was paramount to achieving this.

OKKU’s identifying elements remained: Samurai Warriors on guard, jelly fish, show kitchen, DJ station and large social bar. Private dining and live entertainment areas were also introduced. These are all striking visual focal points, each deserving a careful and effective realisation with light, however the overall composition of the entire space had to be planned and balanced so as to retain interest and a sense of journey to the guest without being overwhelming and too ‘noisy’.

Client: Golden Sands Hotels Co LLC
Operator / Brand Owner: Whissle
Interior Designer: LW Design Group
MEP Consultant: Arenco
Contractor: Marlin
Photography: Courtesy of Golden Sands Hotels Co LLC