Here are 20 Women Shaping the Future of Design

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the talented women driving innovation and creativity in the region’s design industry.

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, Tashkeel has developed into an enterprise that offers specialised and exclusive facilities for artists and designers in the UAE – nurturing a vibrant community of creativity.

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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Lina Ghotmeh

Paris-based Lina Ghotmeh has garnered international acclaim for securing the commission to renovate the British Museum’s Western Range galleries. Renowned for designs that engage deeply with human experience and context, her work emphasizes material sensitivity and dialogue with history. While the final design is still in progress, initial renders envision soaring galleries with clerestory openings that bathe the interiors in natural light. A central exhibition space at ground level will provide visitor seating framed by arched openings, while tiered balconies will accommodate additional gallery displays. Inspired by Ghotmeh’s archaeological approach, textured, stone-hued surfaces will feature prominently in the redesign. Ghotmeh’s portfolio also includes the 2023 Serpentine Pavilion.

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Aljoud Lootah

Photography by Natelee Cocks

Aljoud Lootah is an acclaimed Emirati designer with a visionary approach to modern luxury. Based in Dubai, she leads Aljoud Lootah Design, a studio where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary aesthetics in a harmonious fusion of innovation and elegance. The studio recently celebrated its 10th annivaersary.

The studio’s portfolio spans diverse design disciplines, including furniture, lighting and object design. Lootah’s masterful use of textures and materials distinguishes her work, resulting in the creation of sophisticated, one-of-a-kind pieces. Her recent Falaj collection, featuring sofas and tables, draws inspiration from the UAE’s verdant oases. These designs pay homage to the organic curves, separations and reconnections of falaj water streams – a modern tribute to nature’s fluidity. She also recently released a set of hand blown glass vessels as an addition to the collection called ‘Oases’.

Rooted in cultural heritage, Lootah’s design philosophy embraces a balance of tradition and experimentation. She consistently explores novel forms and techniques, crafting pieces that seamlessly merge functionality with artistic expression. Through her studio’s creations, Lootah has established herself as a trailblazer in the design world, earning widespread recognition for her ability to imbue contemporary design with timeless elegance.

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Nada Debs

Photography by Yasmina Hilal

Nada Debs’ work seamlessly blends heritage with innovation, creating pieces that tell stories of duality – where East meets West, craft intertwines with technology, and tradition embraces modernity. For her, design is not just about aesthetics, but about forging meaningful connections. “At its core, we are about duality – an interplay between contrasting worlds,” Debs explains. “This duality is not a tension but a dialogue: a conversation between heritage and innovation, East and West, craft and technology – creating a design language that is both timeless and contemporary.”

Looking ahead, Debs and her team are excited about the launch of their new space in Alserkal Avenue this spring, which promises to bring her vision to an even larger audience. “We are working on a new furniture collection called Bulbous, focusing on the carving technique,” she shares, also hinting at some secretive collaborations soon to be revealed. Debs’ dream project would be to design a boutique hotel, a venture that would allow her to expand her design language into a holistic, immersive experience. At the heart of Debs’ design process is her strong relationship with her craftsmen. “Our connection to our craftsmen is the source of our energy,” she says, acknowledging that this bond fuels both her and her team’s creative drive.

View more features here.

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Laila Al-Yousuf, Design Director and Partner at SAY Studio

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, Apple 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.Among SAY Studio’s proudest achievements in the past year is their work on Siemens Energy, a sprawling LEED Gold-certified campus spanning five buildings. “It challenged and inspired us in equal measure,” Design Director and Partner Laila Al-Yousuf says, highlighting the team’s ability to blend complexity, scale and sustainability. Beyond the projects themselves, she treasures the lasting impact their designs have on clients and the relationships built along the way.

Looking ahead, Al-Yousuf expresses a desire to design projects with a deeper emotional connection. “After suffering a late-term miscarriage, I was approached to design a high-risk pregnancy clinic. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” she shares. She dreams of pursuing similar projects for children’s, women’s or animal organisations, and even expresses an interest in set design – intrigued by creating spaces that delve into a character’s psyche.

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Reem Al Qamzi, R.qitects

As founder and lead architect of her firm, Dubai-based R.qitects, Reem Al Qamzi’s design philosophy focuses on meaningful, timeless spaces that reflect cultural authenticity. “We believe in creating spaces that resonate with their users, blending local traditions with global influences to craft environments that are both personal and enduring,” she says.

As an Emirati architect growing up in a city that is constantly changing, Al Qamzi is excited for the future. “I feel like architecture in the UAE over the past few years has been greatly focused on the modern and the contemporary and on creating something very ‘different’,” she says. “But nowadays I find that a lot of the designs are going back to the fundamentals, back to contextualising architecture to the city’s heritage and culture but with a contemporary/modern aesthetic and in a manner that suits our times.”

While celebrating 10 years of design, R.qitects also won a highly commended award at the identity Design Awards 2024 for Villa OL – a villa where the paradigm of the traditional Arabic courtyard is explored and where climate and context ensure the courtyard plays a vital role, modulating internal private space and evoking the memory of ancient Arabic architecture.

Another standout project by Al Qamzi is the HMS Mirdif Hospital, completed in December 2021. This project was meticulously designed to meet international quality and safety standards, as well as global hospital regulations. At its heart, the design reflects a deep understanding of Emirati culture, emphasising hospitality and privacy.

When asked about a dream project she would like to pursue, Al Qamzi said she would like to design a nursery, school or hotel. Currently, she and her team are working on diverse projects to kick off the year, including a new hospital, a mosque that will begin construction soon and a new F&B outlet, as well as a luxury residence due to be handed over shortly. On being asked her what empowers her, the architect shares, “The ability to transform abstract ideas into tangible, meaningful designs empower me by giving me a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment. Knowing that through our work we impact and shape people’s lives – whether it’s through creating beautiful, meaningful spaces or inspiring designs – empowers me to keep going. I find empowerment in overcoming challenges with resilience and learning from every experience, as each hurdle strengthens my perspective and adaptability.”

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Kate Instone, Founder of Blush International

Founder and Creative Director of Blush International, Kate Instone has had a packed year. As well as designing Blush’s new design studio in Al Barari in collaboration with De Gournay, the designer has also designed a large multigenerational home in Al Barari, which involved a global journey in in sourcing the finest finishes, furniture and lighting. Instone has also collaborated with local celebrity Caroline Stanbury on her exciting new portfolio of apartments called Stanbury Towers, where each apartment is designed with a dynamic energy, reflecting Stanbury’s vibrant vision and fashion-forward style. At the core of Instone’s design philosophy is that design matters. “Thoughtful design has the power to make a genuine difference in people’s lives, enhancing how they live and experience their spaces,” she shares. Instone is currently focused on a deeply personal space – her very own home in Dubai. “I see this space as my laboratory, my creative playground. It’s an evolving experiment, and I’m not sure it will ever truly feel ‘finished’,” she shares. When Instone is asked what empowers her and her team, she replies, “We’re incredibly fortunate to have a powerful, dynamic team – that alone is a huge source of inspiration. The collaboration, creativity and energy within our team drive everything we do. Each person brings their own unique perspective, and together we push boundaries, challenge ideas, and elevate every project we take on.”

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Charlie Wu, Founder of Ecru Elements

Guided by a design philosophy that involves working with nature, Charlie Wu and her team at Dubai-based Ecru Elements are currently crafting visionary master developments that aim to redefine how communities experience space, particularly for Gen Z – a demographic with a unique perspective on urban living. “With a focus on cities that boast a young and dynamic population, we’re exploring how this generation responds to new approaches in home and community design,” shares Wu.

Some of Ecru Elements’ significant projects include Dubai-based entrepreneur Mona Kattan’s Kayali headquarters, where Wu and her team translated Kattan’s spiritual vision into a high-energy workspace. The studio also designed Keturah, a luxury residential master development by MAG developers in District 7, MBR City. Drawing from the harmony of nature and the essence of wellbeing, Keturah reimagines modern living with a transformative approach that resonates deeply with today’s lifestyle needs. When asked what the studio’s design philosophy is, Wu shares that it revolves around creating spaces that shape how people feel, interact and grow. “From fostering spiritual connection to driving economic success, every project is a journey that begins with understanding and ends with meaningful impact,” she states. By putting people at the heart of everything the studio does, Wu says that adaptability is the studio’s greatest strength.

Ghida Chehab, Founder of Studio Baab

Studio Baab is currently immersed in a range of exciting projects, each offering its own distinct narrative and design approach. Among them, two that stand out are: a Qatari-based café called OBLO, which is a celebration of wood in all its forms and its versatility through a minimalist design; and TWLV, an interconnection of concrete warehouses integrated with selective greenery, merging raw industrial elements with the contemporary. This past year, the studio has expanded into the Middle East, with projects across Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

On founder Ghida Chehab’s wish-list is to create a boutique hotel and to explore a furniture and product design collection. Chehab’s design philosophy is centred on creating warm, inviting spaces that reflect personal identity through thoughtful material choices. “I particularly love using wood in its various forms, as it adds both warmth and timeless beauty. Ultimately, a home should be a sanctuary – grounded, yet inspiring, where every detail fosters a sense of ease and individuality,” she shares.

On being asked what empowers her and her team, Chehab states, “What truly empowers us is the strong, supportive bond we’ve built as a team. This shared understanding and mutual respect allow us to navigate the complexities of design with confidence. We also believe in the power of balance between work and play. This harmony fuels not only our creativity but also the joy we find in the process. When work feels fun, it’s always refreshing, and that energy translates into every project we take on.”

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Noora Al Awar, Fatima Al Zaabi and Afnan Amin, Studio d04

From left: Afnan Amin, Noora Al Awar, and Fatima Al Zaabi

Over the past year, Studio d04’s star has been on the rise. The trio has been featured on HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed’s social media as reputable architects and designers in the region and recently took on the challenge of designing saddling boxes for JARC [Jebel Ali Race Course] under A.R.M. Holding. They are currently working on creating a secluded private getaway that reimagines traditional design elements through a modern lens. “It’s all about weaving timeless patterns and techniques into contemporary spaces, creating an environment that feels both nostalgic and innovative,” the three partners share.

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Agata Kurzela

Photography by Sebastian Boettcher

Designer Agata Kurzela is currently focusing on a stunning cultural space and several interventions in a heritage building, set to be unveiled throughout the year. “The opportunity to explore the relationship between tradition and contemporary practice is educational and rewarding at the same time,” she says. Kurzela is currently working on the delivery of Kempinski Residences in Dubai, UAE along with other hospitality projects and smaller-scale residential and product design projects. Over the past year, she was recognised internationally by various publications for her work on the Abu Dhabi Government Office. Her firm has also participated at the Nomad Circle in Capri and the UAE Designer Exhibition during Dubai Design Week, where she showcased her Game of Life concept. Kurzela’s approach centres on exploration and oscillates between minimal and maximal; layered yet also stripped to the bone.

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Kristina Zanic, Founder of Kristina Zanic Consultants

With an ethos rooted in inspiration through travel, Zanic and her team approach each venture as a journey of discovery. “We’re kicking off the year with projects in new locations like Albania and Tanzania, which is always thrilling for the team,” shares Zanic. These new landscapes offer opportunities to learn and create designs infused with local character and authenticity.

The firm’s current portfolio reflects its versatility and creative ambition. The team is working on a high-profile project in Azerbaijan, skillfully balancing vast public areas with a sense of human scale. Closer to home, the upcoming Emirati café Gerbou celebrates local culture and sustainability. Later this year, there are much-anticipated openings of the Intercontinental The Red Sea Resort and the renovated St. Regis Kuwait. Additionally, the firm is diving into branded residences projects that showcase its ability to blend hospitality and home design seamlessly.

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Rim Guirari, Co-founder of Mustard & Linen

Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, Mustard & Linen has more than doubled the size of its team in the past year and has opened a new studio in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The studio has played a significant role in shaping the architectural scenery of the island’s Cultural District and its latest projects include two residential developments – The Source and Mamsha Palm – and a nursery for the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. “Our signature style fuses sculptural gestures, bold proportions and layered textures, resulting in spaces that are timeless, dynamic and purposefully designed. By combining functionality with aesthetic beauty, we craft environments that feel custom-tailored and leave a lasting impact,” share Rim Guuirariand her partner Thomas Castagnet. The studio collaborates closely with clients and architects to turn their vision into reality, necessitating a deep intuition for their needs. On being asked what empowers them and their team, Guirari and Castagnet share, “Our team is empowered by a shared commitment to creativity, collaboration and a deep understanding of design. Trust and respect are at the core of everything we do, allowing us the freedom to experiment and grow together. As an international, close-knit team, we celebrate individuality while working collectively to bring fresh ideas to life.”

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Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative Director at ROAR

Photography by Imran George

This year looks to be another exciting one at ROAR, where identity’s January cover star and Founder Pallavi Dean and her team are working on a workplace in Chicago, U.S., a leisure hotel in Rabat, Morocco and a luxury residential development in Bali, Indonesia. Locally, the firm is working on residential towers, workplaces for blue-chip companies and three mosques. Recently, ROAR set up a Saudi Arabia office and completed the award-winning Ajman Ruler’s Court. On Dean’s wish-list is a wellness-focused, mixed-use development. Dean also shares an interest in designing a community with schools, homes, offices and hotels that have wellbeing at the core. “Everything we do is empathy-based – from our process to the final design,” the designer says of the studio’s design philosophy. “We don’t have a signature style and that is reflected in the diversity of our portfolio, where we have projects that are minimalist, maximalist and everything in between. Our process and approach to design is what sets us apart. We also believe in prioritising functionality and budget over chasing the aesthetics.” Dean also shares that kindness and gratitude empower her team as their approach towards each other, their work and their clients.

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Rabah Saied, Founder of Styled Habitat

Having recently completed The Rug Company Bungalow in Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE – which pays homage to the cherished mid-century villas on Al Wasl Road that were built in the 1980s – Saied and her team are currently pursuing several projects. These include a new international health and wellness centre envisioned as ‘an Eden of high-tech cosmetics’, F&B projects in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi and a select number of residential renovation projects in Dubai. She also was behind the new Nordic Homeworx showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Saied and her team have additionally completed a new F&B Concept in Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, focused on building a community.

“We have a profound appreciation for the exceptional and the extraordinary, we constantly seek projects that push our creative limits, and we revel in the exquisite allure of genuine originality,” she shares. The studio’s design philosophy can be defined by designing in the tension that plays out between restrained, understated elegance, sensual attraction and the warmth of belonging. “Our creative journey begins with understanding context and history. This often drives our design narrative and guides us on how best we can weave this into a space,” Saied notes, adding that working in alignment with the studio values – which are defined by individuality, passion, discretion and intimacy – as empowering.

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Rania Hamed, Founder of VSHD Design

Photography by Siddharth Siva

The designer behind the successful co-living building Upside, the Origami Sushi restaurant in Jumeirah and the brutalist-style Soub, Hamed is currently working on a Bulgari residence in Dubai, UAE and a coffee shop in California, U.S. called Intuition. Her studio has a very distinctive house style and design philosophy that focuses on the presence of form in bold brutal proportions. The studio’s design process is also characterised by meticulous research. “I am drawn to materials that age gracefully and develop a patina over time, such as concrete, timber and stone – authentic materials that tell a story as they interact with their environment, adding depth and character to the space,” Hamed comments.

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Lulie Fisher

Lulie is an accomplished Architect and Interior Designer with over 25 years of experience. She earned her BA Hons and Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture from Liverpool John Moores University before joining Foster + Partners in London in 1991. As a Project Director, she contributed to prestigious, award-winning projects. In 2003, Fisher relocated to Italy, where she established her own studio focused on restoring historic properties and interior remodelling. She continued collaborating with Foster + Partners as an Interior Designer on high-profile projects, including the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Vista Palace Hotel, and the MGM Lifestyle Hotel. She moved to the Middle East in 2008, joining Aedas Interiors as Design Director. She built a multidisciplinary team working across hospitality, residential, healthcare, and corporate sectors, collaborating with renowned brands such as Kempinski, Accor, Mubadala, and the Abu Dhabi Royal Family. In 2016, she founded her eponymous design studio, bringing together a team of like-minded designers specializing in innovative and refined interior design solutions. Some of her most notable projects include key hotels and developments such as Emaar’s The Valley.

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Pooja Shah- Mulani

This has been a huge year for Shah-Mulani as she takes on her Managing Partner role at LW Design Group. With a focus on creative strategy, Shah-Mulani is now focused on expanding the 25-year old firm’s reach into exciting new markets. In 2025, the firm’s hospitality portfolio will further diversify with the opening of their very first luxury lodge in Kenya – The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara and JW Marriott Rhino Reserve, a collection of dynamic F&B spaces within the new Mandarin Oriental in Dubai, an upscale restaurant in downtown Toronto, and several large-scale hospitality developments in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with leading operators.

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Shereen Hassanein, LW Design Group

Awarded the identity Design Awards 2024 Emerging Interior Designer of the Year, Hassanein passion for interior design began early, shaped by the unique experience of witnessing her family home’s construction in Egypt. Being involved in the process from the ground up solidified her desire to pursue a career in design. She joined LW Design three years ago as a mid-level designer and was promoted to Senior Designer in early 2024. Her time at LW has been deeply fulfilling, allowing her to expand her skills and take on greater responsibilities. Notable projects she has contributed to include SIRO One Za’abeel, Bab Al Shams suites, and a luxury beachfront villa development in Palm Jebel Ali.