Dahlgren Duck & Associates (DDA), experts at detailing the cabin environment through the addition of the world’s finest crystal, china, flatware, linens and luxury amenities, celebrated thirty years of business in the Middle East at MEBAA2016 in Dubai this week.

DDA has developed a strong and loyal client base in the region to whom, under the guidance of CEO Scott Ritter, it continues to advise on the latest trends, styles and must haves, to enhance the cabin experience.

Since its first commission with the Royal Family in Abu Dhabi, DDA has worked with hundreds of Middle Eastern clients, created countless tailor-made dining, flatware and crystal sets, and fashioned several individually designed works of art. DDA has styled a variety of jet types from small business jets to large wide body aircraft, providing each with its own look and feel. The company has supplied a number of Head of State fleets in the UAE and throughout the GCC with bespoke dinner services, luxurious bed linen and throws, sterling silver artwork, bathroom amenities and everything in-between.

DDA creates tailor made bespoke flatware for its elite clients.

“We know that the passengers like what we provide on board as we often receive requests for replacements as the jet owners will take items home to enhance their residences, or give them to guests as gifts,” says Ritter.

“We love working in the Middle East which has one of the most interesting cultures and welcoming people in the world. Our understanding of the local values and nature of the people, combined with our experience, brings great value to our GCC client base. The fact we genuinely understand their individual needs allows us to translate their vision into reality,” says Ritter about working in the region. “The clients here have extremely high standards and we are pleased to be able to match and exceed their expectations.”

Recent projects for Middle Eastern clients have seen the creation of a lapis dinner service with solid lapis placemats, a triangular china and crystal collection to reflect a trio of brothers, a flatware design inspired by a shell found lying on a beach, a dinner service inspired by a mosque in Morocco, and champagne flutes that light up to highlight the bubbles.

“These are not easy to produce and its our unique black book of contacts, our network of artisans and our experience that enables us to provide what will ultimately one day be museum pieces” said Ritter.

Ritter says that design requests have not changed much during the three decades of working here. “Clients still like the traditional decorated china with precious metal trims, along with the sterling and silver plated flatware. However we’ve noted that the next generation is beginning to combine contemporary themes and styles with the traditional look and feel.”