Restaurants, bars & cafes
Saikindo set out to create a listening bar unlike anything else in Abu Dhabi. The ambition was to place sound at the centre of the experience, not as background or decoration, but as the primary driver of atmosphere, energy and guest behaviour. Achieving this required music and acoustics to be considered from the very beginning of the project, integrated into design, operations and storytelling, rather than added once the space was complete.
Developed by Mubadala at their Four Seasons property, Altaura joined the project from inception as a core partner, working with CSQ, Avroko, Euro Tech and L-Acoustics to embed sound into the foundation of the concept. Through a carefully crafted sonic and acoustic strategy, every element of the venue was shaped by listening, from spatial flow to emotional pacing. The result is a pioneering listening bar where sound defines the experience. Saikindo has since emerged as one of the city’s most compelling destinations and was officially launched by the Crown Prince.
Creating a listening led environment
Saikindo was conceived as a listening experience, not another luxury bar. Altaura embedded within the project team from day one, ensuring sound would guide every decision. Initial workshops mapped the emotional journey through the space, defining how music would shape behaviour and perception. As part of our acoustic consultancy, design choices from materials to layout were evaluated through their acoustic impact, ensuring the environment supported clarity and warmth. The outcome is a space where sound drives experience rather than decorating it.
An eclectic and intentional musical direction
The sonic identity spans jazz, soul, global psychedelia, rock, hip hop and electronic. Diverse yet coherent. Altaura crafted a sound with depth for collectors and accessibility for international guests. Each genre serves a role in the larger musical architecture, allowing the room to shift naturally from relaxed afternoons to vibrant evenings. Discovery without alienation. Character without chaos.
Precision engineering for warmth and clarity
Working with L’Acoustics, Altaura engineered a system built for accuracy and comfort. A key feature is the omnidirectional subwoofer beneath the DJ booth, tuned so bass is felt rather than heard, creating a low frequency presence that enhances immersion without overpowering the room. Every component was selected to to ensure analogue warmth within modern infrastructure. We advised on everything from speaker placement and room interaction to cabling, needles and signal paths, all decisions were made to retain analogue character. Automated EQ and volume progressions allow the sound to evolve through the night without manual intervention. To take full advantage of the system’s fidelity, Saikindo operates playlists in high fidelity mode on the Sound Track platform.
Curated vinyl library and authentic selector experience
Four hundred records form Saikindo’s sonic foundation. Jazz, funk, hip hop, global selections, indie and electronic carefully chosen to feel collected over number of years rather than purchased. The custom Avroko booth houses Technics 1210 turntables and a Euphonix rotary mixer, giving DJs a tactile, expressive setup. Selectors read the room in real time, choosing records that match the moment. No rigid programming. Just defined sonic parameters and responsive curation.
Sound driven innovation across touchpoints
Altaura developed an AI model translating sound waves into flavour profiles, enabling a cocktail menu inspired by tracks from Diana Ross to Jamie xx. Drinks arrive on ten inch vinyl menus, extending the musical narrative into taste. We also crafted the sonic identity for Saikindo’s social channels to ensure the experience remains coherent across digital touchpoints. Every interaction reinforces the core principle: sound as experience architecture.
Impact and results
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The music first strategy has become Saikindo’s signature. Guests consistently highlight the sound quality, vinyl depth and atmospheric precision. The collaboration between Altaura, L-Acoustics and the wider project team set a new standard for hospitality sound in Abu Dhabi. Sound is not background here. It is the foundation of the entire experience.
"Inspired by Japan’s iconic listening bars, we set out to create something unique for the EMEA region, redefining the art of hospitality. Saikindo is the result: a space where design, sound, and culture converge to create an unforgettable experience. In just one month, it has become synonymous with innovation and elegance, earning praise from critics, industry leaders, and guests alike. Beyond Saikindo, Altaura curated a distinctive musical identity for the entire hotel, transforming every moment into an immersive journey and setting a new benchmark for luxury and creativity in the region."
our work
By positioning music as the core concept driver, Saikindo launched with clarity and purpose. Altaura’s strategic and acoustic involvement created a framework that enhances operations, strengthens brand positioning and delivers genuine differentiation. The venue stands as proof that when sound leads design, spaces become destinations.
