Bespoke Metalwork Middle East
Our international design commissions regularly take us from our Dorset workshop throughout the Middle East where we have worked on both residential and commercial luxury bespoke metalwork projects. With over 30 years experience in bespoke metalwork for leading designers, architects and private clients FRD Designers & Makers have produced intricate screens, lighting, staircases and product ranges for UAE, Jordan and Qatar.
Our Middle Eastern clients are inspired by British design-led metalwork to elevate their homes, businesses, and public spaces. Designing for the Middle East requires a deep understanding of regional styles, and the diverse design sensibilities across the countries. Many projects involve close work with architects and interior designers ensuring that metalwork integrates seamlessly into broader design visions.
From the intricate latticework of Damascus to the shimmering brass of Cairo’s markets, the Middle East has a centuries-long relationship with metalwork that continues to inspire contemporary design. This is a region where craftsmanship and ornament meet functionality, producing objects and architectural details that endure as both cultural symbols and works of art.
The British standard of excellence
Alongside this heritage runs another legacy, Britain’s reputation for world-class metalwork. From the iron bridges of the Industrial Revolution to the finely detailed bronze and brass fittings that defined Georgian and Victorian interiors, British metal design has long been admired for its blend of engineering precision and artistic subtlety.
Today, that reputation continues. British bespoke metalwork is regarded globally as among the very best, balancing heritage techniques with innovation. The hallmarks of this tradition; integrity of craftsmanship, meticulous finishing, and a deep respect for materials are qualities sought after by clients and designers worldwide. It is precisely this heritage of excellence that FRD brings to its international projects.
By aligning Britain’s world-renowned tradition of craftsmanship with the Middle East’s appetite for innovation, luxury bespoke metalwork continues to evolve and FRD Designers & Makers are proud to play our part in that metalworking journey.
History of Metalwork in the Middle East
Metalwork in the Middle East has its roots in the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia and Persia. Bronze, copper, and iron were worked into tools, ceremonial objects, and decorative artefacts thousands of years ago. The Islamic Golden Age saw this mastery elevated to new heights, with engraved brass ewers, damascened steel, and inlaid silver vessels became synonymous with refinement.
Iran & Persia: Renowned for damascening and fine steel blades, but also delicate inlay and repoussé decoration.
Egypt: Famous for its brass and copper markets, where vessels and architectural fittings were hammered and etched with calligraphy and arabesque motifs.
Syria: Damascus gave its name to one of the most admired metalworking traditions, blending strength with ornamental precision.
Turkey & the Ottoman world: Known for architectural embellishment, from grand mosque doors to bronze fountains and chandeliers.
These traditions form the foundation of modern Middle Eastern design, where metal continues to serve both as a structural element and a canvas for artistic expression.
Contemporary metalwork commissions in the Middle East
FRD Designers & Makers have been invited to contribute to this evolving story, producing bespoke metalwork for projects across the Middle East. Our work has included:
Private residences in Jordan, where precision-engineered brass and bronze detailing forms part of interiors that balance modern minimalism with regional heritage.
Commercial projects in Qatar, where large-scale architectural metalwork combines technical durability with a sense of luxury, echoing the craftsmanship of the souks.
Hospitality settings in UAE, where decorative screens and hand-finished fittings draw upon traditional Mashrabiya geometry, re-imagined in contemporary metals.
Each commission reflects our belief that metalwork should not only serve a function, but also contribute to the atmosphere of a space, a tactile and visual link between tradition and modernity.
The Middle East remains one of the world’s most dynamic regions for design and architecture. FRD’s role is to bring British expertise in bespoke metalwork to meet the ambition of clients there, creating pieces that feel both rooted in history and resolutely of the present.