Mashrabiya (decorative screen)

A mashrabiya is the traditional Arabic latticed screen — historically carved wood, today most often laser-cut or CNC-fabricated aluminium (powder-coated for the sun) — used on facades, balconies, windows, gates and internal partitions. It does three things at once that suit the Gulf: it shades and cuts glare/heat while still letting air through, it gives privacy without blocking light, and it adds a decorative, patterned architectural feature. Modern aluminium mashrabiya is popular because it's durable, rust-free and low-maintenance, and the pattern can be custom-designed. It's a decorative/architectural screen — different in purpose from a functional insect screen. For a custom design fabricated and finished for the climate, an aluminium fabrication specialist can make it to your pattern.