At the heart of Dubai International Airport’s bustling Terminal 3, Roar has redefined the fast food experience with a design for Five Guys that combines convenience with comfort. In an environment typically characterized by hurried travelers and quick meals, Roar’s vision introduces a refreshing take on fast food dining, offering travelers a space that feels both familiar and unexpectedly inviting.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3 – Airport Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Design: Roar
Brand: Five Guys
Photography: Yasser Ibrahim
“Our goal was to create a space that captures the dynamic energy of the airport and turns it into an inviting eatery where travelers can relax and enjoy their meals,” says Pallavi Dean, founder and creative director of Roar. By merging Five Guys’ recognizable identity with a more lounge-like experience, the design pays homage to the brand’s roots while elevating the atmosphere for the modern traveler.
The 566 sq-m dining area retains the signature red and white color scheme synonymous with Five Guys, but it’s the materials, textures, and layout that set this location apart. The use of different surfaces—from polished red resin counters with white accents to the textured tiles on communal tables—creates a layered, dynamic environment that feels lively yet comfortable.
One of the standout features is the long communal table with a wooden top and tiled surface, which invites social interaction among travelers. Above it hangs a custom light fixture, reminiscent of retro American diners, adding a nostalgic touch while fitting seamlessly into the overall contemporary design. High stools with plush red cushions line the bar area, further evoking this sense of vintage dining, while still feeling chic and modern.
Adjacent to the communal area, more intimate seating can be found in semi-private booths. These spaces are tucked away from the main foot traffic, offering travelers a moment of respite. Defined by red metal frameworks and wooden tables, the booths balance privacy with openness, allowing diners to relax without feeling completely cut off from the vibrant energy of the airport.
Five Guys at Dubai Airport is more than just a place to grab a quick bite. The layout is designed to accommodate different types of travelers—whether they’re looking to eat in a hurry or spend a little more time unwinding. Roar’s design shows that fast food doesn’t have to mean a compromise on comfort. The introduction of lounge-like spaces, such as the booths and niches, creates an environment that feels welcoming for both solo travelers and larger groups.
At its core, this Five Guys location still operates as a fast food restaurant, efficiently serving high volumes of customers. However, Roar has rethought the typical fast food experience by incorporating design elements that provide comfort alongside convenience. Communal tables and bar stool seating cater to those grabbing a quick meal, while more secluded areas offer a retreat for those seeking to relax between flights.
One of the defining elements of Roar’s approach to the Five Guys space is the emphasis on balancing comfort without sacrificing functionality. The semi-private spaces are crafted to offer moments of quiet in an otherwise busy airport setting, but they still remain visually connected to the rest of the dining area. The cohesive design—brought together by consistent color schemes, thoughtful lighting, and well-placed seating—creates an environment that feels relaxed yet functional.
In terms of design innovation, Roar’s reimagined Five Guys doesn’t radically alter the brand’s food service format. Instead, it reinterprets the fast food space, challenging the conventional notion that such environments must feel impersonal or purely utilitarian. Roar’s design demonstrates that fast food dining can be both comfortable and efficient, creating a memorable experience for travelers passing through Dubai’s Terminal 3.
By integrating lounge-like elements into the fast food setting, Five Guys at Dubai Airport showcases how thoughtful design can elevate even the simplest of spaces, offering customers a brief yet luxurious reprieve amid the chaos of travel.
