CID Fit-Out Firm Power List 2024

Partner Content: Here’s how this industry-leading firm is transforming workspaces across the region with innovation and sustainability. With a legacy spanning nearly 15 years, Xworks Interiors has established itself as a key player in the UAE’s fit-out and commercial interior sector, remaining dedicated to creating inspiring office spaces that foster collaboration, creativity, and productivity. From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the firm is renowned for its commitment to delivering innovative solutions that exceed client expectations, making it a trusted partner in transforming office environments into vibrant hubs of productivity. Workspace design With a team of experts dedicated to delivering functional yet inspiring workspaces, Xworks Interiors’ greatest strength lies in creating environments that align with clients’ visions and goals. The company’s commitment to professionalism, dedication, and excellence has earned it praise from prominent industry players like Shyam Visavadia, Managing Director of ThePMC, who commends the company for its technical skills, collaborative approach, and innovative solutions to complex challenges. Industry growth Xworks Interiors plays a vital role in driving growth and development within the fit-out industry. By delivering high-quality fit-out projects and fostering long-lasting relationships with clients, Xworks helps raise the overall standard of work in the industry. Michael Maczewski, Managing Director of GC Leasing Middle East, attests to Xworks’ exceptional quality and service, highlighting the company’s attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to exceeding expectations. Championing sustainability As advocates for the environment, Xworks Interiors is committed to promoting sustainability in its operations. Achieving LEED Gold Certification for its Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices and WELL Gold Certification in the Middle East, Xworks leads by example in sustainable practices. Through initiatives such as paper recycling, e-waste recycling, and the use of environmentally friendly materials, Xworks contributes to a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet. Moving from strength-to-strength with within corporate social responsibility, the firm is also taking measures to save endangered species with the adoption of a white rhino named GloriaX, who resides at the Rhino Sanctuary in Namibia. Project spotlight Among the impressive portfolio of projects, the delivery of F5 stands out as a testament to Xworks’ capabilities. The firm worked closely with Warû as the concept designer and CBRE as the project manager. Despite challenges such as continual developments to the design during construction, and dealing with multiple stakeholders located multi-geographically, Xworks successfully completed the project within a stringent 8-week schedule. Through efficient usage of virtual visualization technologies, Xworks managed the project seamlessly through timely coordination with various partners involved, whilst maintaining cost control and adhering to the timeline. As Xworks Interiors continues to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, the company remains committed to transforming workspaces into environments that inspire creativity, collaboration, and productivity.

Clothing & Book Donation Drive

As part of Xworks Interiors’ sustainability efforts, we have collaborated with Thrift for Good to donate clothes. The proceeds supported the education of children at Raey School in Ethiopia. This initiative also offset approximately 10 kg of carbon emissions and diverted 333 items from landfills.

THE X FACTOR

Offering office design, fit-out and full turnkey interior solutions, Xworks Interiors is making its mark on the region’s design industry. On September 9, 2009 the Dubai metro flagged off and so did Xworks Interiors. The innovative full-turnkey services firm has been operating in Dubai ever since, and expanded into Abu Dhabi in 2016 where the firm launched a second office to cater to growing demand. As operations continued to expand, Xworks Interiors opened a brand new, state-of-the-art office in the heart of Reem Island in 2022. Today, the firm is intent on working towards on primary goal: being the best in the business. Adopting an ethos that champions quality first, building and maintaining strong relationships and clear communication, Xworks Interiors is well on the way. “One of the keys to our success is communication, discussing things, bringing the expertise to the table that we have gathered over the years – this is where the good results lie,” says Soren Kraen, executive director and owner.  Champions for sustainable design Sustainability is an essential consideration for Xworks Interiors, and the firms commitment to a better future was recently recognized with LEED Gold Certification at the new Abu Dhabi office, constructed in 2022. ISO certification is high on the priority list along with detailed research on adopting a zero-carbon policy, hiring new talents, and rolling out educational programs for staff such as LEED AP, PMP certifications and new market expansion in store.  Industry recognition With an impressive and ever-growing portfolio, Xworks Interiors has completed more than 400 projects for a wide range of clients. The firm was recently awarded the Highly Commended Interior Fit-Out Firm of the Year (Small Scale) trophy at te CID Awards: MENA 2023. An expanding portfolio Notable past projects of Xworks Interiors include 3M, Alstom Transport, Canon Middle East, Cracknell Landscape Design LLC, Interface Europe Ltd, SAP House Dubai at Expo 2020, Maersk Line, Worley, Wizz Air, Zaha Hadid Architects, and AECOM to name a few, though the best is yet to come.  In 2023, Xworks Interiors has secured new work across a range of diverse industries, including energy, oil & gas, real estate, shipping, health, banking and finance, IT, and creative agencies. Click here for more details about The X Factor

CID Power 50 List 2023: Soren Kraen

UAE-based Xworks Interiors has gone from strength to strength in the past twelve months, led by founder and executive director Soren Kraen. The firm was recognized for its growth and industry impact as a recipient of the Highly Commended award for Interior Fit-Out Firm of the Year – Small Scale in the CID Awards 2023: MENA, and Kraen’s team credits his ability to push the boundaries of design to deliver innovative and creative solutions to commercial spaces. Kraen’s professional journey began in the logistics sector, where he honed his skills before venturing into entrepreneurship and design. Leveraging his expertise acquired from a renowned interior design firm, he established his own highly successful enterprise. His success and dedication to championing more sustainable design, has earned his place on the CID Power 50 List for 2023. Championing sustainability This year, the firm obtained LEED Gold Certification for its newly constructed Abu Dhabi office. The company is now working towards achieving ISO certification and Zero Carbon policy implementation, an initiative led by Kraen. Leading the way Kraen is the key leadership figure responsible for the overall management, direction, and success of Xworks Interiors. He combines creative vision with strategic acumen, driving the company’s growth and enhancing its reputation in the competitive interior design industry. As the owner, he also bears the responsibility for the company’s profitability and long-term sustainability, and for making crucial decisions regarding the company’s goals, strategies, and finances. He serves as a mentor and coach for all team members at Xworks, guiding with personalized advice, fostering professional development, and empowering staff to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. His coaching style emphasizes empathy, constructive feedback, and creating inclusive team dynamics. Xworks Interiors, under Kraen’s leadership, has built a reputation for delivering projects that exceed client expectations and creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Looking Ahead In 2024, Kraen has high hopes to continue incorporating eco-friendly furniture, recycled materials, and energy-efficient lighting solutions into his design projects, and to continue educating clients on the benefits of sustainable designs. He’s also aiming to further leverage the power of 3D walkthroughs allowing clients to visualize designs in a virtual environment before implementation, and to explore emerging technologies such as AI for the client’s benefit. Click here for more details about The X Factor

Gloria X

Xworks Interiors LLC: A Company Committed to Social Responsibility and Conservation   We like creating new things. We like designing and creating beautiful new offices, transformative beautiful spaces, and making the people we partner with smile on a daily basis as a result. We think that’s what life is all about: looking at a blank canvas and imagining what can be painted onto it, all starting from a single thought and bringing something new into existence. At Xworks it’s our raison d’être. But to create the new is only half of the story. Because with every beautiful thing that can be created, there’s something already here that’s equally beautiful. That which already exists should always be preserved and nurtured. Protected, nourished. That’s why we’re so excited to announce that alongside other companies who see the world the same way we do, Xworks has adopted a Rhinoceros in Namibia’s incredible new Rhino Sanctuary.     Gloria X (what a fabulous last name!) is a majestic female rhinoceros who represents hope, resilience, and a brighter future for her endangered species. Gloria X is living proof that some things in this world are worth fighting for. More than profits, business, or kudos. What we love about Gloria is that she’s nature distilled into its purest form. We can’t wait to be by her side, ensuring a long and happy life. Xworks will be with her stride by stride, day by day, with the fabulous heroes at the sanctuary: it’s a social responsibility we embrace to prevent the extinction of these magnificent creatures, caring for them so they can thrive, multiply, and remain protected from the threat of poachers. And most importantly… we believe it’s just the beginning. You see, sometimes when we create something new, we overlook what’s already here. But when we take a glance at the world around us and take a step towards protecting what needs protecting and nourishing, like Gloria X and her endangered species, we believe the world will thrive. Children of the future will thank us, and beautiful creations like Gloria X will, too.     These are the kinds of initiatives that we are only too delighted to be a part of. The world is full of beauty, new and old, and together we can ensure its harmony and prosperity for generations to come. And it all starts with Gloria X. Would you also like to be a benevolent sponsor? Click here to know more.  

International Women’s Day

Xworks fosters a gender-inclusive atmosphere within our workplace. We are committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and ensuring equal opportunities for all employees. Moreover, we firmly believe in upholding equity alongside equality to maintain a fair and supportive environment.

Team Trees

In our effort to take action aganist deforestation, Xworks has proudly supported Team Trees in their mission to plant 20 million trees throughout the year 2020. As expected, the collective efforts from all over the world have led to the planting of over 20 million trees, making a significant positive impact on the environment.

International Plastic Bag Free Day

At Xworks Interiors, we are committed to reducing plastic waste and preserving our planet. That’s why we have embraced recyclable bags as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. By making this small change, we are taking a giant leap towards a greener future.

Iftar Kit Distribution Abu Dhabi

Our organization actively collaborates with other groups to extend support to the less fortunate, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. This heartfelt initiative involves enthusiastic participation from our employees who contribute both financially and actively engage in this charitable action.  

Iftar Kit Distribution Dubai

Our organization actively collaborates with other groups to extend support to the less fortunate, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. This heartfelt initiative involves enthusiastic participation from our employees who contribute both financially and actively engage in this charitable action.  

Breast Cancer Awareness

“Breast cancer awareness is not only a matter of social responsibility but also an essential aspect of corporate commitment to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals. Xworks, as a responsible company, raises awareness about breast health for both women and men and the importance of screening for early diagnosis. By promoting knowledge and understanding, we aim to empower individuals to take proactive steps in safeguarding their well-being and contributing to a healthier society.”  

A new company brochure and website changes

Just as offices need updating from time to time to keep up the performance, branding materials need that, too. And we had reached that time here in Xworks. So late last year we updated our company profile completely. Which means that our brochure now has a fresh new and modern design and our texts have been changed up and strengthened. Furthermore, we have added some of our new projects, while some of the old ones have been left out. We are quite pleased with the result and cannot wait to share it with you all. . Our website will also undergo changes over the next couple of months. The first changes have already been made and more will follow. We have added small social media buttons to our menu line, so it is easy for all of you to find us on Facebook and LinkedIn. We have also added this “News” section to our website, so that we can share news with you from us, our partners, and from the Interior Design Industry as well. Finally, more new pages will be added and existing will undergo a “facelift”, so that we are ready to rock year 2015.