On Emirati Women’s Day, we take a look at some of the most inspiring Emirati women in the design and architecture landscape. Their work offers a brand-new perspective on design thanks to their creative, cutting-edge creations that infuse cultural heritage and identity with progressive elements. Celebrating Emirati Women’s Day will be made simpler by looking at the achievements of these remarkable women and their influence on the future of architecture and design.
Sheikha Lateefa Bint Maktoum
As the founder and director of Tashkeel, Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum, is a force to be reckoned with in the UAE’s art and design space. Founded in 2008, Tashkeel is a hub for contemporary design. Under Sheikha Lateefa’s leadership, Tashkent has developed into an enterprise that offers specialised and exclusive facilities for artists and designers in the UAE – nurturing a vibrant community of creativity.
At Tashkeel, they have developed initiatives that support and exhibit all kinds of talent. Their most recent project is preparing for their upcoming solo exhibition called Homepage by Mouza Al Hamrani. Homepage is an immersive experience with a reinterpretation of Khaleeji cyberspace as it enters modern culture.
Early works by Sheikha Lateefa, included public art projects and contributions to charity auctions, such as Médecins Sans Frontières and Noor Dubai’s Art for Sight auction. Her most recent endeavor, Gerbou is an immersive dining experience that celebrates Emirati identity while making a cultural statement. Through a contemporary perspective, the project showcases local agriculture and traditions. Gerbou is a collaborative effort between Kristina Zaniac Consultants, Tashkeel Studio, and a team of locally based designers. Sheikha Lateefa’s dedication to authenticity and sustainability is evident throughout the restaurant. She is a pioneer in the field of design simply due to her passionate and hands-on involvement in the project; her dedication and meticulous attention to detail made sure that every component fulfilled the highest requirements.
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Khadija Al Bastaki
Khadija Al Bastaki, the Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), has played an integral role in shaping the creative landscape of design in the Middle East region. Under her leadership, d3 has developed into a global hub for creativity, start-ups, and multinationals. She has fostered an environment that has unified entrepreneurs and created a cohesive community driven by innovation within the region.
Khadija’s role in the d3 Architecture Exhibition was significant as she led the partnership with the Gulf chapter of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Not only did this collaboration strengthen d3’s position as an epicenter for architecture innovation but it also strengthened the company’s relationship with global architecture communities.
The industry has undergone a major shift as a result of Khadija’s innovative style. Her diligence and dedication have helped establish d3 as an institution of creativity, conceptual and unique designs. Her constant commitment raises the benchmark for design and architecture in the area, thus positioning the UAE as a pioneer in the world’s creative community.
Read more about Khadija Al Bastaki here
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Alia Mazrooei
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Zayed University, Alia Mazrooei has curated an impressive portfolio and has established herself as an emerging talent in the UAE.
Known for her Emirati-inspired product designs, Alia Mazrooei won a prize at the Porcelanosa Grupo Architecture and Interior Design Awards in the UAE. From then on, Alia continued to exceed expectations. Her first furniture collection was displayed at the Young Entrepreneurship Competition exhibition in 2016, which was followed by two more furniture collections. During Dubai Design Week in 2017, Alia showcased her capstone project, a community bench called “shelter bench” which was selected to be a part of the Global Grad Show.
After being selected by the Dubai Design District to take part in the UAE Design Stories exhibition, she traveled to Milan, London, and Paris with her work. Alia debuted ‘Thuluth,’ a conceptual majlis commissioned by 1971 Design Space and influenced by forms seen in the desert.
Recently, Alia has been working on bringing together French café culture with a majlis setting. The furniture design features the Emirati “takiya” which functions as a backrest. Its curved shape is influenced by the function and communal aspect of the French café table. Overall, the collection places a strong emphasis on socializing, tradition, and community.
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Aljoud Lootah
Acclaimed Emirati designer Aljoud Lootah is known for her inventive use of contrasts between form and function, as well as tradition and modernity. Since the establishment of Aljoud Lootah Design, her design studio has achieved significant international success in the field of product design. Her design technique displays a contemporary take on Emirati artisanal skills and culture, incorporating historical details with a modern flair.
Becoming the first Emirati designer to have her work exhibited in a major international gallery, Aljoud contribution to the design world has been nothing short of honors and prestigious awards. In addition to being recognized by Arab Woman Honors, Aljoud Lootah Design saw global recognition when their work from the “Oru” series was selected and presented at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne in 2014.
Aljoud Lootah’s ideas represent a new era in Emirati design, her latest products include the Misnad carpet and Takya stools. The Misnad carpet reinterprets the geometric design and symbolic themes of sadu weaving. The Misnad carpet incorporates AlSadu’s weaving into a contemporary geometric design; demonstrating the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.
Read more about Aljoud Lootah designs here.
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Alzaina Lootah
Alzaina Lootah, an American University of Sharjah alumni, is making waves in the architectural world with her inventive style to architecture, which is deeply connected to her Emirati background. Her work is especially inspirational for its sustainability and cultural relevance as shown in her remarkable project called Naseej.
Naseej is an architectural, wooden pavilion designed by Alzaina and Sahil Rattha Singh, which debuted at Dubai Design Week in 2023. The wooden pavilion draws inspiration in the geometric patterns of palm leaves and the weaving customs of Emirati women. The name of the pavilion, which translates to “to weave” in Arabic, symbolizes a close connection to Emirati craftsmanship and is intended to be a place for reflection and introspection.
With a focus on sustainability, Naseej was designed to support the mission of recycling. The pavilion, which is entirely made of wood allows for the recycling and repurposing of all materials once the pavilion is dismantled. Alzaina’s modern approach to design principles ensures a balanced integration between architecture, cultural heritage, and sustainability; capturing perfectly what the future of design will look like.
Recently, Alzaina was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious “Branding in Architecture” program in Venice, where she will carry on her endeavors of uniting cultural heritage, sustainability, and architecture.
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Fatima Al Zaabi & Noora Al Awar
The dynamic duo, Fatima Al Zaabi, and Noora Al Awar, saw a space in the market for their vision, got to work, and founded the architectural firm studio D04. The two became good friends during their time studying at the American University of Sharjah. While there, the two bonded over their shared passion for creating opulent architectural spaces that perfectly capture the essence of Emirati lifestyle and culture. They noticed that while modern architecture offered luxury, it frequently compromised privacy and overlooked traditional, cultural elements like the majlis.
Fatima Al Zaabi and Noora Al Awar built D04 off their belief that it is crucial to include local cultural components, into contemporary architecture because it ensures that the spaces they design are practical and thoughtful of Emirati preferences. At Studio D04, the two meticulously blend traditional local crafts with digital fabrication techniques and produce creations that are intricately woven with Emirati culture, are intriguing and aesthetically pleasing. Their latest projects include architecture designs, renovations as well as exterior redesigns of private residential properties such as AM Residence, AS Residence, and SN Residence.
As Managing Director, Fatima Al Zaabi ensures that all the firm’s disciplines work together to create a single, coherent vision. While Creative Director, Noora Al Awar specializes in developing relationships with clients and reinterpreting local traditions and customs to create concepts that are enduring, valuable, and tactile while also being sustainable.
Read more about D04 here
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Hend and Hamda Al Abbar
The Emirati sisters, Hend and Hamda Al Abbar founded Dress My Room in 2016, an interior design studio that has grown into one of the most well-known names in the industry. The sisters’ creative design strategies, along with their hands-on approach are at the forefront of the company’s success.
Dress My Room, offers ground-breaking collections that connect historical and modern styles, all the while drawing inspiration from the rich legacy and culture of the United Arab Emirates. Their method of designing involves creating spaces that evoke an emotional response in the people who live in them. This specific approach aided them in debuting their ground-breaking “Quick Fix” service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic forced people to spend more time at home, which led to the conception of The Quick Fix, a three-day house redesign concept that quickly gained popularity. The Quick Fix redesign centered on redesigning homes to make them cosier and more aesthetically beautiful while also, making stay-at-home more manageable. The company saw tremendous success with over 200 successful makeovers, including commercial buildings and villas. As the service grew in popularity, this provided an opportunity to expand and offer it permanently.
Dress My Room has continued to increase the scope of its business by collaborating with organizations and artists to create collections that represent cultures. Their most recent endeavor, “1971,” named after the year the UAE was formed, pays tribute to traditional crafts with items embellished with woven palm fonds and framed mirrors modeled after Emirati forts.
The redesign of the ARCADIA fragrance store at Dar Was Mall is their most recent project. The renovation is centered on blending nature and tradition, using natural elements to create an atmosphere that strikes a balance between nature and serenity.
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Maryam Al Suwaidi
With her innovative and imaginative style, Emirati interior architect Maryam Al Suwaidi pushed boundaries with her creative and original style. In 2012, Maryam Al Suwaidi co-founded Design Talk Studio and built the company from the ground up. With an expanding portfolio that includes retail stores, cafés, and hotel spas, the company has been experiencing tremendous growth due to its distinct artistic style.
Her unique style takes inspiration from Islamic patterns, resulting in works of art with intricate details comprising Islamic and geometric patterns. She also looks for contemporary designs that align with international trends yet retain cultural distinctiveness and an Islamic flair. Her inventiveness and imaginative interior ideas contributed to her being shortlisted for Design Talk Studio’s 2023 nomination for the Boutique Design Firm of the Year MENA award.
Her latest two design projects include a perfume boutique in Souq Mina, Abu Dhabi, as well as a luxurious beauty salon in Ajman. The salon features a contemporary, clean aesthetic with a pink accents on the furniture. The elegant arched mirrors further enhance the space and give it a more sophisticated look.
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Reem Al Qamzi
Reem Al Qamzi continues to be at the forefront of modern architecture and design. Ever since Reem opened her design firm, R.Qitects, in Dubai in 2014, she has been designing rooms that are warm, inviting, and full of character.
R.Qitects has established a reputation for executing projects of every scale, from corporate offices and commercial spaces to residential properties and apartment complexes. R.Qitects differentiate themselves by curating immersive settings that tell a story. Their approach incorporates form, function, sustainability, and aesthetic refinement, enabling their design to last over time rather than just constructing buildings.
The newest project by R.Qitect, “Villa OL,” is a perfect demonstration of this. This villa perfectly showcases the seamless blend of contemporary architecture with a timeless, classic aesthetic.
Read more about Reem Al Qamzi projects here
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Abeer Al Ameri
Abeer Al Ameri is an Emirati interior designer and the Founder of Salud Design, a family-owned décor company. Salud Design offers services in luxury furnishings and chic decorating, specializing in finding opulent furnishing and antiques.
The boutique is known for its exquisite collection of European decor from the 18th and 19th centuries. Salud Design’s distinctiveness stems from its worldwide sourcing strategy.
Their strategy involves sourcing and acquiring ornate, vintage furniture, antiques and accessories from renowned auction houses and galleries. Salud Design is a global company that offers its services from locations in Paris, Miami, and Istanbul. Their reputation on the international scene helps them acquire antique and rare furnishings and decorations.
With the upcoming debut of its home fragrance brand, the firm is broadening its product offering.
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Laila Al-Yousuf
Laila Al-Yousuf is the co-founder and the design director of SAY Studio, which has recently expanded to Riyadh,KSA. Since its opening, the firm has produced impactful designs for high-profile clients including LinkedIn and Google. SAY Studio’s recent project with Deloitte’s headquarters spans eight stories that have been designed around the theme of “time,” giving the space a distinct personality. Under Laila’s leadership, the company has been transforming spaces with designs that are both aesthetically attractive and have been accredited by LEED and WELL.
Al-Yousuf is a passionate advocate of sustainability. In 2013, she conceptualized the ongoing Surge for Water “Design, Dine, Make a Difference” competition, to raise awareness about the water shortage in third world countries.
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These Emirati women are increasing the benchmark for outstanding design and are establishing new standards for exceptional design in the UAE’s architectural landscape. By creating an atmosphere that welcomes female voices, and encourages the growth of innovative concepts and perspectives, these women serve as an inspiration for the next generation of female designers and architects.
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