Meet the AD100 2025 honourees. Featuring established icons, change-makers, big thinkers and emerging voices, this is the definitive list of the most inspiring and boundary-pushing names in interior design, architecture and product design that are shaping the future of the Middle East and Africa.
From interpreting vernacular architecture for the modern times and reimagining craft to give artisans sustained incentive to nurture generations-old skills, to tapping into parametric design to build tomorrow, today, our AD100 2025 designers are the ones to watch.
The AD100 2025 is presented in alphabetical order.
AAU Anastas
AAU ANASTAS’ pioneering work spans from large-scale architectural projects to furniture design (under the Local Industries tag) via workshops pairing Palestinian artisans with global creatives. Co-founders Elias and Yousef Anastas are advocates for the sustainable use of structural stone, particularly in Palestine, to foster resilient cities – that now rings truer than ever. This research work has provided the basis of a mixed-use project (in collaboration with London-based Groupwork + Amin Taha) in an unlikely location – Winford, UK. Although their work has been showcased in prestigious museums such as the V&A and Vitra Design Museum – this ongoing residential and art space will truly express their creative vision. Their efforts won the duo the Jury Prize at the 2024 Arab World Institute Design Prize. Palestine; aauanastas.com
Abboud Malak
.jpg)
Dubai designer Abboud Malak’s practice, Studio M, embraces architecture, interiors and furniture design and has a minimalist, east-meets-west ethos. His style is shown off to exquisite effect at Uchi, a 1960s-inspired Japanese restaurant in Dubai (listed on AD's guide to the city's most beautiful restaurants) where the décor features rosewood and walnut veneers and a whisky-inspired colour palette. He has also recently completed an apartment in the One Palm at Jumeirah development by Omniyat: a “sophisticated take on seaside living”, that combines European and Brazilian design. Next on his agenda are several premium coffee shops and a modern penthouse in Dubai Marina. United Arab Emirates; studiom.co
Abdalla Almulla
By juxtaposing tradition with modern innovations, Dubai designer Abdalla Almulla’s studio, Mula, looks to the future. This year he has worked with watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre to create 30 Sunsets, an installation at Dubai Mall celebrating Ramadan. The timber design drew inspiration from the symbolic nature of sunsets. Chiming with his focus on sustainable materials, Almulla has also designed Of Palm, a pavilion made of substances derived from palm trees. “It challenges us by using this native material in an innovative way, from the architecture to the food offerings,” he says. United Arab Emirates; mula.ae
Abdulrahman Al Muftah
It was the ‘selfless nature’ of design and its ability to solve problems that inspired the young Qatari creative to pursue a career in the field. Adopting a studied yet experimental approach, Al Muftah is intentional about creating with longevity. Inspired by ritual objects – particularly within the context of Qatar – he has been on a journey of reviving lost wellness practices which he is reimagining for the modern world. Currently in the works is a birdhouse for native species in Qatar, and a project that aids artisans globally in preserving their crafts. Qatar; abdulrahmanalmuftah.com
Abeer Seikaly
Jordanian-Palestinian creative Abeer Seikaly describes herself as “an interdisciplinary thinker and maker”. Her recent work celebrates indigenous weaving: Meeting Points 2.0 is a prototype temporary shelter and “three-dimensional tapestry” in wool and plant fibres, made with Bedouin women. She’s also created ālmamar, an interactive exhibitions and events space, in an abandoned house in Amman. Sensitively restored, it showcases the potential of disused spaces. “I believe that by working with materials, spaces and people, design becomes a dynamic process of discovery,” she says. Jordan; abeerseikaly.com
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Agata Kurzela
Polish-born, Dubai-based designer Agata Kurzela launched her eponymous studio in 2020 and blends modern creativity with technological savvy (she’s a trained engineer, architect and urban planner). Her versatile work spans architecture, interior design, installation and product design, and she’s recently won awards for her sleek, steel-clad Government Offices in Abu Dhabi, an adaptation of a heritage officers’ club. Next year she’ll unveil the Kempinski Residences The Creek apartment complex in Dubai and a major museum project in Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates;
kurzela.com
AGi Architects
International architecture practice AGi, led by Harvard-educated Joaquín Pérez-Goicoechea and Nasser B. Abulhasan, reinterprets Mediterranean architecture from a modern perspective, “in search of an understanding between Islamic culture and Western lifestyles”. A case in point is its new Yal Living housing complex in Messilah, Kuwait, a tiered structure adapted to a narrow seafront plot. It makes innovative use of brick and curved, shading elements. Another recent design is the striking white Pixel House in Kuwait, whose “pixelated” ceramic-and-aluminium lattice façade filters light while enhancing privacy. Kuwait, Spain;
agi-architects.com
Ahmadreza Schricker
.jpg)
Ahmadreza Schricker is the founder of experimental architecture practice ASA North, known for its Aga Khan Award-winning Argo Contemporary Art Museum & Cultural Centre in Tehran. It undertakes everything from private homes to urban planning, and is carving out a niche creating innovative museums, notably the world’s first virtual museum, for art collector Mohammed Afkhami. Schricker – whose radical vision reflects his stints at Herzog & de Meuron and OMA – is currently planning a textile museum and theatre in the desert region of Kashan, Iran, and the Mies van der Rohe-inspired Dastan Cultural Station art museum in Toronto. Iran, asanorth.com
Ahmed Bukhash
Ahmad Bukhash leads Dubai practice Archidentity, which translates the vernacular of the Arabian Gulf into modern, minimal buildings. His projects “embody the spirit of place through reinterpretations of traditional archetypes”. Among his latest projects are AM House in Dubai, a striking white Modernist villa; and the MS Masjid mosque, also in Dubai, a sustainable, pared-down take on a traditional Islamic sacred space. It features mashrabiya details that cast intricately patterned shadows as the sun shines through its soaring archways. United Arab Emirates; archidentity.ae
Aisha Al Sowaidi
Nostalgia has always played a central role in Doha designer Aisha Al Sowaidi’s work, manifesting itself in unexpected, fun ways: from mirrors inspired by childhood toys and colourful glass Midkhans (Arabic incense burners) shaped like fairytale characters to contemporary majlis concepts born from memories of jubilant get-togethers at her family home. It should come as no surprise then, that in her role as director for Qatar Museum’s Liwan Design Studios and Labs, she has transformed a mid-century building – that once housed Qatar's first girls' school – into a bustling hub and co-working space for Doha’s creative community. Qatar; aishaalsowaidi.com
Ali Mohammadioun
The founder of Dubai-based studio, E PLUS A Atelier, architect Ali Mohammadioun is making a mark with soulful residential projects that combine spatial and landscape design with the more decorative aspects of making a house a home: curating art and design that is not only in sync with his client’s taste, but also celebrates craft. “In every project, we try to foster a sense of harmony between architecture and the surrounding environment,” says Mohammadioun, “and that often includes working with other regional creatives and artisans.” The result? Utterly bespoke homes – across Europe, North America, Asia and of course, the Middle East – that are rooted in the local context, but have a global style. United Arab Emirates; eplusa.ae
Aline Asmar D’Amman
As a regular collaborator of the late Karl Lagerfeld, architect Aline Asmar d’Amman has close links with fashion. She maintains a strong relationship with Chanel, and has recently created Le Petit Salon, a private events space, at Le19M, the brand’s hub for craftsmanship outside Paris. It’s furnished with designs made by artisans working in the building. In Venice, Asmar d’Amman is restoring Palazzo Donà Giovannelli as the new Orient Express Hotel. “I’m driven by the conviction that beauty can change the world, or at least make us change worlds,” she says. Her latest, an art- and design-filled pied-à-terre in the French capital, is an ode to Paris' magical light. “I was so happy to be invited to revive a forgotten terrace flat in an iconic Haussmannian building. It feels so special when you return a space to its rightful glory.” France, Lebanon; cultureinarchitecture.com
Aljoud Lootah
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her eponymous studio, multidisciplinary Emirati designer Aljoud Lootah draws inspiration from the UAE’s cultural landscape; her Medkheneh diffuser and Takya seating meld traditional craftsmanship with minimalistic forms. “My heritage and culture are the first things that drive any of my designs,” explains Lootah who recently unveiled Falaj (translating to ‘irrigation channel’), a range of products including seating and tables, at the new Editions fair held during Dubai Design Week. As ever, storytelling plays a central role in her creations: “The Aflaj system carries a long history, streaming with stories that fill us with pride as its paths hold within them the poetry of survival, the rhythm of ancient hands carving earth. It is from these profound systems that the Falaj Collection draws its inspiration.” United Arab Emirates;
aljoudlootah.com
Altin
Altin – aka life and work partners Yasmine Sfar and Mehdi Kebaier – creates sculptural furniture and lighting inspired by Tunisia. The Tunis-based couple, who honed their style while working in the design industry in Paris, have won plaudits for their debut collection, Orbite, which is crafted from palmwood, metal, sea-rush and clay (the name Altin means clay or earth in Arabic). With its organic-meets-futuristic forms, the collection is made by skilled local artisans. “We’re embracing the fusion of the ethereal and the material,” say the duo. Tunisia
@a_l_t_i_n__s_t_u_d_i_o
Altqadum
Led by Marwan AlBalushi, Abdulrahim Alkendi and Najd AlBalushi, design studio Altqadum puts an experimental spin on Oman’s past. “Our philosophy is inspired by our name, which in Arabic means ‘progress’,” explains AlBalushi. Its newest project, the Flame Café in Muscat, is “a theatrical take on a coffee-shop experience” with a curtained bar; next, it’s transforming the 2004 Dubai Star Building “to create a sense of openness and light”, and designing experiential mosques. “We’re questioning traditional typologies and exploring how such spaces can shape modern community life,” says AlBalushi. Oman, United Arab Emirates; @altqadum
Anarchitect
Anarchitect’s portfolio follows a ‘locally rooted’ approach with a commitment to readapting existing buildings and a keen focus on materiality. “With regeneration and a respect for locality, climate and culture, we believe design can lead to a future that surpasses sustainability,” says founder Jonathan Ashmore. The latest addition to its catalogue of hospitality projects is Bab Al Shams’ desert pool villas, which appear to emerge from the landscape. The studio is currently working on the interiors of a private duplex in the Lana Residences in Dubai and a modern home in the heart of Riyadh. United Arab Emirates; anarchitect.com
Anne Holtrop
Architect Anne Holtrop is known for his fascination with striking material effects. Recently, he has renovated the historic Siyadi Pearl Museum in Muharraq, Bahrain, adding a new gallery incorporating textured plaster and silver-leaf finishes. “Silver is a very responsive material, and in the region’s salty air, it will patinate and darken,” Holtrop explains. “My work centres on the relationship between matter and space, under the influence of climate and geology; I am interested in the process all matter undergoes from one state to another.” Bahrain, The Netherlands; anneholtrop.nl
Arnaud Behzadi
“Having been born in Iran but grown up as a Parisian, my work has always been influenced by a fusion of cultures,” says architect Arnaud Behzadi. After completing the design of his own Paris home, he has also recently opened an office in Dubai, and is developing the city’s new Mirth Tower, a 25-storey residential complex inspired by desert oases and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Next year, look out for Pavyllon, his Dubai eaterie for chef Yannick Alléno, and Doobie’s, a 1980s-influenced restaurant-lounge in Paris. France, United Arab Emirates; arnaudbehzadi.com
Astet Studio
Established in 2018 by two architects turned interior designers, Spanish-born Oscar Engroba and Jordanian Ala Zreigat, Astet is a “multidisciplinary atelier” with a flair for Instagram-worthy bar, restaurant and hotel designs. Describing themselves as “foodie architects”, the pair take their cue from the cuisine when creating a dining space, as with their celebrated Leña restaurants (already in Marbella, Madrid and Dubai; coming soon to Miami, Barcelona and Ibiza). Other hot projects include the La Cabane Beach Club in Marbella for Dolce & Gabbana, and chic Aethos hotels in Lisbon, Madrid and the Italian Alps. Spain; astetstudio.com
Azaz Architects
Led by young architect Shahad Alazzaz, Riyadh-based Azaz Architects, continues to redefine Saudi Arabia’s design landscape. Recent standouts in the Kingdom’s capital include a space-age redesign of boutique bakery Chunk, and Love of Brick, a residential project that utilises decorative brickwork to give Moorish motifs a fresh spin. Its latest venture, the Japanese ‘speakeasy’ Kimyona (its mocktail menu includes a no-groni), has a darkly glamorous interior which mixes back-lit glass bricks, walls clad with stacks of ceramic Chinese roof tiles and graphic inlaid marble floors to dazzling effect. Inspired by analogue photography, the space takes guests on a journey from a zen-like gallery, bathed in bright lights and minimal tones, to a dimly lit dining hall, reminiscent of a photographer’s darkroom. The upshot is picture-perfect. Saudi Arabia;
azazarchitects.com
Aziza Chaouni
Moroccan architect Aziza Chaouni takes a deeply moral approach to her craft, in response to issues created by climate change. “I strive to design for maximum social and environmental impact,” she says. Accordingly, she’s created an award-winning affordable anti-seismic house prototype for communities affected by the 2023 earthquake in the High Atlas region near Marrakech; it uses mortarless compressed earth bricks. She has also recently designed the Ifrane Craft Exhibition Center in the Atlas Mountains, adapting a 1930s bus station as part of her laudable mission to rehabilitate old buildings. Morocco; azizachaouniprojects.com
The greatest design stories from AD Middle East, delivered to your inbox
Badie Architects
“My design philosophy draws inspiration from the unpredictability of nature, where no two patterns are the same, and every detail holds a sense of wonder,” says Egyptian architect Mohamed Badie. This reverence for the natural world can be observed in the bold forms of projects such as Esca Cueva in Cairo – a dining venue that doubles as a curvaceous cave; its undulating structure was achieved by blending traditional craftsmanship with new-age fabrication methods. “In this digital age, we have embraced cutting-edge technologies to pioneer new design possibilities,” he explains. Next up is a wellness retreat in El Gouna that focuses on spiritual health and nature-based experiences. Egypt; badiearchitects.com
Bokja
“Craftsmanship has always been, and will continue to be, our focus,” says Huda Baroudi, who cofounded Bokja alongside Maria Hibri in 2000. “We strive to keep it alive, while collaborating with artisans to find new approaches.” Combining vibrant fabrics and diverse techniques is the key that makes the Beirut-based collective’s pieces so recognisable. Commissions come from across the globe, with fantastical works making an appearance in Egyptian talent Azza Fahmy’s new high jewellery boutique in Riyadh, and a tapestry inspired by Beirut’s public gardens adorning London’s Meat The Fish restaurant. Hibri adds: “Each Bokja piece becomes a vessel, bringing to the surface issues of a local identity – and its impermanence.” Lebanon; bokja.com
Bone
Life and work partners Achraf Mzily and Natalie Mahakian, describe Bone as ‘a nomadic architecture and interior studio that defies conventional design boundaries’. The Dubai-based duo’s approach strips design to its essentials, emphasising form and materiality. Recently completed projects include warehouse-style creative hub CMPLX in the city’s new Arts and Culture District, and canalside restaurant Onda which forgoes traditional table layouts for tiered rows of leather banquets for a theatrical see-and-be-seen vibe. Villa A, a private residence in Dubai, skilfully blends earthy rawness, lush courtyards and sculptural elements to create a calm, cohesive home that’s about as far removed from cliched ideas of high-end homes in the emirate as it’s possible to be. United Arab Emirates; bone.studio
Boo Design Studio
Led by life and work partners Amanda and Joe Booabbood, this studio aims to create joyful objects that foster emotional connections. From Lebanon to Qatar, the duo takes inspiration from the diversity of cultural narratives that surround them to craft pieces that are modern but with traces of the past. Their latest product is a stackable coffee set that gives a playful nod to the rich heritage of the Arab world. Lebanon, Qatar; boodesignstudio.com
Bouchra Boudoua
Vintage carpets, traditional pottery and even paint marks discovered on a mud wall are just some of the inspirations for Moroccan ceramicist Bouchra Boudoua’s joyful vessels and Cubist-style artworks. Based in Marrakech, she learnt her craft from local potters, with whom she still collaborates. This year, she’s been dedicating her time to painting and working with clay in new ways, recently exhibiting a series of large-scale ceramics in Doha. She has also shown her “abstract naturalist” paintings and sculptures in a solo show at Loft Art Gallery, Casablanca. Morocco; bouchraboudoua.com
Bricklab
“Understanding the relationships between place, objects and people forms the basis for our research for any given project,” say brothers Abdulrahman and Turki Gazzaz who founded Bricklab in 2015. “It allows us to address wider philosophical questions around the human condition as it relates to both ethics and aesthetics.” Whether it is reimagining Riyadh’s old industrial district as a cultural hub or interpreting patterns and textures used on glass panels in modernist buildings of Jeddah for a five-metres tall installation focused on Saudi Arabia’s oil boom era, the duo are harnessing design as a tool to document change. Saudi Arabia; brick-lab.com
Carl Gerges
%2520-%2520Credit%2520Karim%2520Ghorayeb.jpg)
“Lebanon is very fortunate to have an abundance of incredible artisans and designers who are constantly overcoming adversity through their hard work,” says Carl Gerges, who sees every project as an opportunity to provide Lebanese creatives with both commercial and creative breaks. Case in point, model and activist Nour Arida’s Paris pad saw him collaborating with a raft of Levantine artisans. “I deeply respect their knowledge and together, we find innovative ways to reinterpret their craft and push the boundaries of design.” His latest project, a new music studio in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, was inspired by ancient Nabatean architecture and built entirely from rammed earth. Lebanon, France; carlgerges.com
Civil Architecture
“We cannot say how our work will shape the future because we are more interested in dismantling the notion of ‘the future’ as the goal that the architectural economy works towards,” says co-founder Ali Karimi. Architecture as a civil service is how he defines their approach, with each project aiming to offer context and a better understanding of the Gulf, eventually building “a shared body of knowledge about the region”. With their latest work shown set to be an unmistakable focal point of the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale, the studio is now working on a mangrove nursery and visitor centre for the Saar settlement in Bahrain, which contains historic burial mounds. Bahrain, Kuwait; civilarchitecture.org
Dar Arafa Architecture
Led by Egyptian architect Waleed Arafa, the studio’s focus is centred on reviving the rich legacy of Egyptian and Islamic architecture by “writing a new, original chapter”. The twice-nominated Aga Khan Award honoree has recently completed a cultural centre and student dormitory, Maison d’Egypte, in Paris that revisits the essence of Egyptian architecture, and is also working on a mixed-use building which is part of the larger regeneration of Historic Cairo. “It is our belief that studying the past – rather than blindly imitating it – is of utmost importance to usher in an original future for architecture,” the architect says. Egypt, dararafa.com
David/Nicolas
With studios in Milan, Beirut and San Francisco, David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem create elegant yet witty furniture and interiors rooted in “cross-cultural experimentation” and craft traditions. Their new projects include a showroom for A&S Chronora, Rolex’s pre-owned dealer in Beirut, which “evokes a sense of travelling through time”. Featuring finely detailed timber panelling and emerald-green seating, it feels suitably luxe. They have also launched the Ratio Kitchen with Marsotto, clad in marble and lava-stone, and a Dubai store for luxury e-tailer Ounass, which emulates a private home. Lebanon, France; davidandnicolas.com
Dima Srouji
Palestinian architect and artist Dima Srouji currently leads the studio Underground Palestine, part of the MA in City Design at London’s Royal College of Art. Often working with glass, text, plaster casts and film, she collaborates with artisans and anthropologists to create her emotionally charged works, which include a recent solo show, Charts for a Resurrection, exploring archaeological excavations conducted by Palestinian women in the 1900s. Srouji is also the founder of Hollow Forms, a glassware brand that celebrates craft skills in her homeland. Palestine dimasrouji.com; hollowforms.studio
Dina Nur Satti
Inspired by pre-colonial African societies, the Brooklyn-based ceramicist’s clay works are a manifesto of cultural exploration and preservation. Reminiscent of Sudano-Sahelian architecture, Satti’s contemporary ritual objects – not unlike those used in her native Somalia and Sudan – are a means for the designer to unearth the pre-Islamic histories of her ancestors. Her latest project is a milk offering vessel commissioned by the Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archeology in London, with new works to be showcased in a group show at Dubai’s Efie Gallery in January. “My goal with this project was to connect our ancient Nubian civilization with the present to emphasise that our indigenous traditions still live on, and that there is a continued thread.” United States; nurceramics.com
Don Tanani
Cairo gallery Don Tanani, founded by Alia and Tamara El Tanani, champions a modern design language that channels Egyptian heritage and craft. It creates limited-edition pieces by local designers, including lead talent Lina Alorabi. Wood is its signature material: witness the new oak armoire from the Duality collection, inspired by the sun god Ra, which is inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and the DT Lifestyle accessories collection, which features a vase inspired by Tutankhamun’s funeral mask. In 2025, it will launch the DT2 collection, which explores how “moments of cultural collision” shaped Ancient Egyptian art and design. Egypt; dontanani.com
Dr. Thomas Modeen and Maysaa Al-Mumin
Now based in Doha, the founders of interdisciplinary studio Architects Independent met in London. Today, the husband-and-wife duo’s work transcends the boundaries of traditional practices, integrating architecture, interior design, product design and sculpture. From handcrafting to 3D printing techniques, their experimental approach often begins with questions of why something is important before defining the object itself. “This process often results in unexpected outcomes,” explains Modeen. From ‘wearable artefacts’ inspired by his walks around Doha, to a ‘secret fruit bowl’ that conceals its contents, each piece is as inventive as it is whimsical. Qatar; architectsindependent.com
Ebur
Drawing from African, Middle Eastern, and European influences, Paris-based Ebur studio is giving time-honoured craftsmanship with a sleek, contemporary edge. Founded by Racha Gutierrez and Dahlia Hojeij Deleuze, the studio debuted Le bruit de la mer, a furniture collection inspired by seaside memories in 2023. This year, they expanded the series, layering silk, velvet, and intricate wood marquetry with fluid, sculpted forms that evoke a Mediterranean dreamscape. The result? An artfully layered home in Paris. Underway is a series of architectural projects in Paris that will debut in late 2024. France, Lebanon, Ivory Coast; studioebur.com
Éditions Levantine
Founded by Suzanne Anhoury, Guilaine Elias, Dalia Husseini and César El Hayeck, Éditions Levantine is a multidisciplinary studio focused on limited-run furniture and lifestyle products. Born in Gemmayze, Beirut’s historic quarter bustling with artisans, jewellers and all manner of creative businesses, the atelier draws inspiration from the region’s landscape to create contemporary designs with a sense of playfulness, often expressed through colours or silhouettes. Think chairs inspired by waves, trays with patterns referencing a beautiful sunrise etched onto its surface and mirrors with frames reminiscent of the undulating Levantine shore. Lebanon; editionslevantine.com
Etereo
Dubai Studio Etereo is led by Italian-born architects and designers Mirko Sala Tenna and Stefania Digregorio, who blend their native heritage with Middle Eastern influences. Their love of materiality has seen them decorate the Rubino Penthouse in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in luxurious leather and marble, and kit out Mersini, a beach-chic restaurant with an azure-tiled bar on the Greek island of Schinoussa. They are also expanding into furniture design with Faraglioni, a range of cast-bronze and “molten” glass pieces inspired by the rocks of Capri. United Arab Emirates; etereodesign.it
FADAA
Environmentally responsive design is the passion of New York and Amman-based studio FADAA, led by Bisher Tabbaa and Sarah Hejazin. Their new Aqaba boutique for lifestyle brand Decoration One began with an investigation of the site’s ecology: realising that seafood waste in Jordan’s only coastal city was abundant, the duo turned it into cement to create a “bio-brick” mashrabiya. Coming next are a concept store for Jordanian coffee brand Al Ameed that reinvents earthen architecture, and a park in Amman that addresses the city’s lack of green space. United States, Jordan; fadaa.space
H+A
Human wellbeing is at the centre of Dubai architecture and interiors studio H+A’s practice. Led by Stas Louca and David Lessard, who between them have a wealth of experience designing for healthcare, hospitality and lifestyle, its latest project is the Signature Villas at The Ritz Carlton Residences Al Wadi Desert resort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The eight villas are designed to “synchronise with the flow of the sand dunes” and feature sustainable natural materials such as limestone and rattan, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. United Arab Emirates
h-a.global
Hala Saleh
Cairo designer Hala Saleh is the founder of Cairo studio TDF+. A mechanical engineer and interior designer, she has a flair for adapting heritage buildings, and has recently completed her own villa in Katamaya Heights. It follows midcentury design principles, pairing them with a distinctive eggshell-blue palette. This unconventional choice is typically assured. “My home stands as a challenge to design norms in Egypt,” she says. “By promoting a narrative of cultural richness, I encourage others to embrace bold choices.” Egypt; tdfplus.design
Hall Haus
Formed by four designers with a shared passion for democratising design – Abdoulaye Niang, Sammy Bernoussi, Teddy Sanches and Zakari Boukhari – the ‘Hall’ in the studio’s name, represents the urban space where they grew up while ‘Haus’, is for Bauhaus. Blending the modernist movement with hip-hop culture and their shared African heritages, the studio dreams up smart urban and sustainable design solutions. The Olympic bench, for example, counters anti-homeless furniture on the streets of Paris championing accessibility and inclusivity. Hall Haus’s design residency in AlUla earlier this year focused on reimagining communal, majlis-inspired seating for public spaces, and was also showcased during Milan Design Week within a scenography curated by Sabine Marcelis for Design Space AlUla. France; hall.haus
Hiba Shahzada
Amman-based architect Hiba Shahzada has a unique way of approaching projects: she likes to make paintings of a potential space before translating them into more traditional design documents. As a result, her spaces have a sculptural quality; for example, Reverie, an indoor water pavilion she designed in Doha. A dome-like structure floats – as if by magic – above four free-standing columns, its faceted interior casting reflections on a calm pond. Of course there is no magic, but a feat of craft and engineering that keeps the dome in place, but it still feels otherworldly. Jordan; hibashahzada.com
HRH Princess Alanoud Khalid Mishaal Saud Abdulaziz Al Saud
At her Riyadh interiors studio A Interiors, Princess Alanoud harnesses her passions for art and travel to craft spaces that present Saudi Arabia’s heritage in a modern guise. “Working with Saudi artists, we combine the old with the new,” she says. Recent projects include a chic neutral-toned Riyadh villa that’s an ode to the materiality of wood, marble and granite, and the harmony of geometric forms; and a farmhouse on the edge of the city’s desert that melds nature-inspired tones with traditional textiles and mashrabiya details. Saudi Arabia; ainteriors.com
Jassim AlSaddah
Architect Jassim AlSaddah’s Kuwait City practice has an intriguing name – a play on Arabic words that mean a small, intricate door. It reflects his mission to create refined spaces on every scale, which he pursues with partner Tareq Hashim. Having recently finished the futuristic Mamluki Lancet Mosque in Kuwait, AlSaddah has also unveiled the Cobogo House in the country’s Funaitees region. Its cubelike forms are adorned with mashrabiya-inspired cobogo tiles, designed in the 1920s to filter sunlight and provide ventilation. The resulting dappled patterns in the interior spaces are a breathtaking sight. Kuwait; babnimnim.com
Kameh
Masterminded by an anonymous creative, Dubai design atelier Kameh creates “perfectly imperfect, hand-sculpted” pieces which are all crafted locally, and combine functionality with the elevated beauty of art. Its most recent collection, Kameh 0.5 Editions debuted at the Collectible Fair in New York, becoming the first UAE brand to show at the fair. The collection is a set of five limited series ashwood chairs made using the Japanese artisanal wood-burning technique shou sugi ban. United Arab Emirates; kameh.space
Karim + Elias
Dubai duo Karim + Elias – aka Karim Tamerji and Elias El Hage – are leading the revival of rammed-earth construction with their geometric objects sculpted from desert sand. The pair enhance the material with warm pigments, shaping it using custom moulds. Earlier this year, they presented From This Earth in Diriyah, KSA, a series of screens constructed from 1,400 handcrafted spheres. As part of November’s Tanweer Festival, they unveiled The Desert Relic: this permanent installation in the town of Mleiha, an archaeological treasure in Sharjah, features totemic sculptures scattered through the landscape. United Arab Emirates; karimelias.com
Karim Nader
Beirut architect Karim Nader’s buildings respond to their locale in a way that lends them real emotional impact. His Tower of Earth concept, for example, reinvents the standard skyscrapers of the Riyadh skyline in materials attuned to the earth: lacelike brickwork, rusted metal and a palm oasis in the lobby. It’s inspired by archaic mud villages. Nader is currently restoring the Immeuble de l’Union, a Modernist Beirut landmark from 1952, as a residential/office complex. “The future of design is about returning to the roots of design,” he reflects. Lebanon; karimnader.com
Khaled Alawadhi
Specialising in hospitality and retail projects, Khaled Alawadhi is one of Kuwait’s most exciting talents. His elegantly restrained interiors feature custom details, fine craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind furnishings. The Black Out café in Doha showcases his signature style with its expanses of natural stone, concrete, tile and wood. Most recently, he has turned his hand to residential design with the AB Penthouse, an homage to moody grey tones – notably, a glossy veined marble that extends across walls and floors. Kuwait; fortytwelve.com
Kristina Zanic
Australian Zanic founded her eponymous design and architecture firm in Dubai 12 years ago and something of a global nomad: she has lived in 5 countries and has travelled to over 75 others. This result is work infused with cosmopolitan flair. “Design acts as a cultural bridge, while preserving unique identities in a rapidly globalising world,” she says, highlighting her commitment to creating regionally relevant yet globally resonant schemes. With the award-winning hospitality projects St. Regis Riyadh and St. Regis Red Sea under its belt, Zanic’s firm is working on projects across the Middle East, a bold reimagining of paint specialist Jotun’s Dubai HQ among them. United Arab Emirates;
kristinazanic.com
L.E.FT Architects
Research-focused practice L.E.FT Architects is led by Makram el-Kadi and Ziad Jamaleddine, whose mission is to “recentre Islamic architecture’s spatial practices and rituals into mainstream discourse”. It also foregrounds issues such as conflict, climate change and material resources. In this spirit, it has recently designed a “winter room” extension for a Beirut home that embraces an old pine tree as part of its design, building on studies of the city’s vanishing green landscape. Meanwhile, Pratt House at Vassar College, New York, is a multi-faith space that rearticulates spiritual practices in a modern way. United States, Beirut; leftish.net
La Bottega
From reimagining an Arab-inspired summer house by the sea to masterminding a stylish five-bedroom penthouse at Delano Dubai, the city’s latest lifestyle hotel on Bluewaters Island, Sahar Al Yaseer and Cristina Gallenca, the team behind UAE-studio La Bottega are experts at storytelling through design. For example, at the Delano penthouse they’ve brought the brand’s Miami DNA to Dubai, fashioning a seamless indoor-outdoor experience in the sky. “Our collaborations evolve into dynamic partnerships where we’re able to push the boundaries of design, blending timeless elegance with innovation, while always staying true to the client’s identity,” says the duo. United Arab Emirates; labottegauae.com
Laurence Leenaert
Laurence Leenaert is the founder of LRNCE, a Morocco-based lifestyle brand that works with local craftspeople to create colourful ceramics and soft furnishings. The Belgian designer is also an accomplished artist, and this autumn has had her first solo show in Milan. Under 9 Moons, at the city’s Cadogan Gallery, represented a new departure: the paintings on show had a more pared-down feel, and were made using natural pigments that were left to dry in the sun. Inspired by the sights of Marrakech, they exude Leenaert’s signature spontaneous style. Morocco; lrnce.com
Lina Ghotmeh
Viewing architecture as a tool to shape a better future for all, Lina Ghotmeh’s buildings are sensitive to history and materials, deploying sustainable finishes and craft techniques. She’s widely known for her work with Hermès, notably its Ateliers Hermès workshop in Normandy, and the 2023 Serpentine Pavilion in London, which was inspired by the French concept of convivial dining. Next, she will create a contemporary art museum in AlUla, arranged as a series of garden pavilions in the desert. Lebanon, France; linaghotmeh.com
MA Studio
Led by friends and former architecture classmates Selma Akkari and Rawan Muqaddas, London-based MA Studio balances a minimal aesthetic with the warmth of elements from the past. A prime example is its recently completed Common Breads bakery in Victoria, London, which celebrates a centuries-old Levantine bread called kaak. The duo repurposed a historic building, retaining its original façade and creating a poured floor inspired by sesame seeds; wooden details and chequered tiles reflect the bread’s warm caramel tones. “It’s a taste of Beirut in the heart of London,” they say. United Kingdom; mastudio.works
Marc Dibeh
Timeless simplicity is central to the approach of Beirut designer Marc Dibeh, who is currently juggling an array of architectural and interiors projects in Lebanon and beyond. Top of the bill are two jewellery boutiques – in Achrafieh for Maria Mouwad and in Riyadh for L’Atelier Nawbar – and River Club, a new bar/restaurant in Washington DC; Dibeh is also developing a new furniture line, to bring his sleek aesthetic to a wider audience. Lebanon; marcdibeh.com
Mary-lynn & Carlo
Beirut-based siblings Marylynn and Carlo Massoud design whimsical furniture and objects that are guaranteed to lift the spirits. “Our philosophy is to create an environment where people can escape from the realities of life into a playful world of colours, reconnecting with the innocent part of their unconscious,” they say. Currently working on an illuminated mural for a Beirut restaurant (a city they consider their “big lab”), they have also recently launched the Shiitake concrete-and-foam floor lamps, part of The Elephant Project, their collection of colourful oversized furniture. Lebanon; marylynncarlo.com
Maryam Al-Homaid
Doha’s rapid architectural transformation prompted the Qatari designer to document its iconic landmarks (many of which no longer exist), first through photography, and later woven into playful pixelated rug designs. While inspired by local weaving techniques such as Sadu, Al Homaid also looks beyond the region to Latin America and Central Asia for references that inform her graphical design vocabulary. “This broader approach allows me to create work that carries rich, multilayered narratives. They are not limited to a single region, but rather, reflect a global tapestry of influences.” Qatar; maryamalhomaid.com
Meshary AlNassar
Buildings, interiors, products and landscapes – nothing is off limits for multi-talented Kuwaiti designer Meshary AlNassar, whose serene aesthetic takes inspiration from his local environment, the sculptures of Constantin Brancusi and midcentury Scandinavian style. His recent hits include Doha eyewear store Frames, which teams curvaceous lines with gleaming stainless-steel surfaces; also in the works is a luxury villa that seamlessly integrates natural landscapes for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, and a Dubai home that homes in on traditional local materials, colours and building methods. United Arab Emirates, Kuwait; mesharyalnassar.com
Nada Debs
.jpg)
Lebanese designer Nada Debs is celebrated as a connoisseur of craft – from weaving to marquetry, all manner of artisan skills make their way into her modern-meets-traditional creations. Seeking to “give a voice to those who keep our culture alive”, she has recently collaborated with Dior on handmade pewter, walnut and mother-of-pearl holders for its La Collection Privée fragrances, and unveiled Swirlmania, 25 variations of her classic Swirl table that showcase specialist craft techniques. Next, she will open her new studio-showroom in Alserkal Avenue, which will fuse industrial chic with natural materials. Lebanon, United Arab Emirates; nadadebs.com
Najla El Zein
“My work explores themes of connection,” explains Lebanese-French designer Najla El Zein, “whether that’s the body, femininity, and human relationships, with a focus on gentleness, softness, and warmth”. There’s a playfulness to the result; her large-scale sculpted limestone benches, for example, look like larger-than-life noodles out in the public realm. Conveying emotion through tactile, fluid forms, her intuitive design process emphasises collaboration with artisans working in stone, glass, and ceramics. Her latest work, Group of Five, a stone seating sculpture that explores group dynamics, and Ensemble, an experimental glass series that captures emotions in the present moment, push material boundaries to encourage reflection. Lebanon; najlaelzein.com
Naqsh Collective
.jpg)
At a time when safeguarding regional heritage seems more crucial than ever, Amman-based Naqsh Collective, founded by sisters Nisreen and Nermeen Abudail, offers a poetic response. Their work, steeped in Palestinian tradition, reimagines ancient craft techniques for the modern age, creating pieces that tell stories of home, history and diasporic yearning. The collective’s 2024 showcase at Design Doha Biennale is a shining example: a bridal chest from the Jhazek Ya Shams collection, celebrated the flora and fauna of Palestine through rich green marble adorned and brass inlay inspired by Tatreez embroidery. Jordan;
naqshcollective.com
Nebras Aljoaib
The most exciting thing about design in Saudi Arabia right now is how we are all looking to our past for inspiration,” says Riyadh-based interior designer Nebras Aljoaib, who since 2015 has been creating exclusive homes and hospitality concepts in the Kingdom. “From spatial blocking to decoration, we are dialling into our heritage rather than just importing trends.” AlJoaib’s route to incorporating Saudi culture involves extensive use of noble materials, from brass to rich stones and textiles. For an upcoming project, she is developing a range of marble furniture in collaboration with Artemest's master craftspeople based in Tuscany. Saudi Arabia; nebrasaljoaib.com
Omar Al Gurg
The name of Dubai designer Omar Al Gurg’s studio, Modu, is short for “modular”: its furniture and objects are inspired by heirloom pieces, but are also practical for everyday. A master of multifunctional design, Al Gurg uses interactive elements to “create a fun way of living”. This year he’s collaborated with Cosentino on Dinna, a space-saving dinnerware carrier; and with Vacheron Constantin on Among The Pillars, an installation celebrating palm trees. Shown in the watchmaker’s Dubai Mall boutique, it was constructed using eco-friendly finishes derived from date seeds and palm fronds. His latest? The UAE Designer Exhibition 2024 for which, Al Gurg put together over 30 UAE-based designers. United Arab Emirates;
modumethod.com
Omar Chakil
Native materials and local crafts are key for Omar Chakil, whose furniture and objects in Egyptian alabaster have an otherworldly beauty. He has recently won praise for the pendant light he created with Yasmina Makram for the Nakhla store at the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is half Saturn, half sun. This year, reflecting his commitment to slow design, he has been researching biophilic concepts and creating a unique furniture series for a Venetian palazzo. Coming soon are a solo show at Galerie Gastou in Paris and a furniture collection entitled Colorama. Egypt; omarchakil.com
Omar Nakkash
Rather than following a particular aesthetic, Dubai designer Omar Nakkash takes a “human-centred” approach to his work, so every project has its own character. “We emphasise sustainability and innovation, aiming to create environments that have lasting positive impacts on both individuals and communities,” says the founder of Nakkash Design Studio. His recent projects include a redesign of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, his largest commercial project to date, and a duplex penthouse with a “Japanese sanctuary concept” in One Za’abeel, a luxury residential tower in the city. United Arab Emirates; nakkashdesignstudio.com
The greatest design stories from AD Middle East, delivered to your inbox
Pallavi Dean
Embracing AI innovation while also prioritising local production, Dubai designer Pallavi Dean is as sought after for creating headline-grabbing public spaces as she is for designing distinctive private homes. Her studio, Roar, has recently developed an evocative interior for the Ajman Ruler’s Court, inspired by the region’s desert dunes. Similarly impactful is the National Academy for Childhood Development in Abu Dhabi, a pioneering space for parents and professionals. Its curvilinear interior takes its cue from water ripples (a symbol of childhood development) and pearl diving, an emblem of Emirati culture. Plus, after spearheading her studio to global success (she's recently gotten some Hollywood A-listers as clients), Dean is sharing her business acumen to inspire more home-grown studios to break the glass ceiling. United Arab Emirates; designbyroar.com
Paola Sakr
Based in Dubai, Lebanese designer Paola Sakr creates homewares with a whimsical feel. “My pieces often stem from a feeling, a story or a spark of inspiration from the natural world,” she says. Her experiments with materials yield eye-catching results: the spirals of her Sūrya stoneware vessels, for instance, or the glowing resin Odd Inside lamp, inspired by the Beirut expat experience, which is intended to be placed on the edge of a surface. What’s next? Hand-carved wooden frames for new photography platform Alternative Archivists, and a silverware collection, including pitchers and ice cream cups. Lebanon, United Arab Emirates; paolasakr.design
Rabah Saeid
Dubai-based American-Sudanese designer Rabah Saeid is the founder of Styled Habitat, known for its expressive, sensual interiors. ”We’re dedicated to weaving emotions into spaces, sculpting elevated experiences that draw you in and linger long after you’ve left,” she says. Saeid’s newest openings are The Bungalow, the immersive Dubai home of The Rug Company, which is inspired by 1970s Palm Springs glamour; and a serene, gallery-like Dubai showroom for timber flooring brand Nordic Homeworx. She’s also designing a spa for a luxury skincare label. United Arab Emirates; styledhabitat.com
Rania Hamed
Rania Hamed’s architecture and interiors, created with her Dubai and Montreal-based studio VSHD, possess a Zen-like simplicity, reflecting her choice of Japanese design as a source of inspiration; other influences include traditional Arabic housing and Brutalist style. The latter is to the forefront at Soub, a new Dubai café awash with 1970s references (think Panton-esque curves and flashes of chrome). Opening soon are Moon Slice, an artisanal pizzeria in Dubai with a serene neutral palette, and Fold, a Jumeirah concept store that skilfully adapts a 1970s villa. United Arab Emirates, Canada; vshd.net
Sahel AlHiyari
Jordanian architect Sahel AlHiyari’s work is characterised by simplicity and clean lines. “It evokes an archetypal presence that permeates its apparent abstraction, giving rise to transcendent qualities that surpass temporal trends,” he says. His recently completed B.Kanaan Residence in Amman pays tribute to Jordan’s early Modernist architecture with its monumental geometric volumes, which are clad in hand-chiselled barrel stone. Inside, soaring double-height spaces celebrate local craftsmanship and feature hand-chiselled gypsum wall panelling. Jordan; sahelalhiyari.com
Salem S. Charabi
Danish-Egyptian architect Salem Charabi leads a workshop-based practice near Copenhagen, blending local materials with a poetic sense of exploration. Inspired by Danish cabinet-making and midcentury designer Ole Wanscher, Charabi’s work reflects a deep curiosity about cultural connections and artisanal practices. His sculptural furniture (think lattice-backed sofas and hand-carved tea carts) focus on meaning through making, highlighting the similarities between global craft cultures. Denmark; salemcharabi.com
Salima Naji
Finding new ways of developing low-cost, sustainable architecture is at the heart of Moroccan architect and anthropologist Salima Naji’s career. Her magic formula? Collaborating with local masons to develop earth-friendly construction practices. In 2023, she restored the historic fortress of Agadir in Morocco, that since a devastating 1960 earthquake had remained a painful memory. At the 2024 Arab Design Now show in Doha, she presented Sharing the Earth, a cave-like structure, made on-site in the traditional adobe technique. Instantly cooling, it demonstrated how leaning into old construction models could do good for the planet. Morocco
salimanaji.com
Salwa Samargandi
The founder of SAL Architects, Salwa Samargandi adopts a holistic approach to regenerating urban sites in her home country. Her work on a historic mosque in AlUla preserved its distinctive architectural features while improving accessibility and fostering community interaction. Through such sustainable design and a deep commitment to cultural safe-keeping, Samargandi is advancing awareness of Saudi Arabia’s heritage, gaining recognition both locally and globally. Saudi Arabia;
@sal_architects
Samer Saadeh
Lebanese creative Samer Saadeh's passion for bringing soul and beauty to something as precise and technical as lighting design led him to establishing Fabraca Studios. “My inspiration to pursue a career in lighting stemmed from my fascination with how light can transform spaces and influence emotions,” he says. This year, his Lightsabre track system illuminated London at Common Breads, an upscale Levantine bakery near Buckingham Palace. His advice to others pursuing a design career? “Always design with intention. It will enrich both the creative process and the end result.” Lebanon; fabracastudios.com
Samer Selbak
Inspired by his Palestinian heritage – and its abundant nature – Selbak’s Loofah Project centralises indigenous plants within his design practice, sparking conversations around sustainability, heritage and occupation. Using loofah fibres dyed with natural pigments, his pendant lights and room divider have been showcased from Paris to Doha. “Coming from Palestine and growing up in a politically charged reality, I’ve watched the different generations of my family hold on to their heritage while finding new ways to treasure it and keep it alive,” the designer says. Selbak is now evolving his Loofah series with a new special edition blue Reef panel, inspired by the Mediterranean Sea, “and the freedom that stretches from it to the river”, which was showcased during Dubai Design Week. “I wanted to create a monochromatic colour palette using one type of natural dye – in this case red cabbage – to achieve different hues, ranging between blues and violets”. His Loofah ceramics are also underway, with objects to be revealed later this year. France, Palestine; samerselbak.com
Samir Bantal
Director of Dutch architecture studio OMA’s think-tank arm, AMO, Moroccan-born architect Samir Bantal has been heading the studio’s projects in Qatar, including the Auto Museum which is currently in the works, as well as the continuation of its exhibition, Countryside, which debuted in New York in 2021. “The sequel addresses new topics and case studies, expanding on Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, as this is where 80% of the world’s population will continue to live in a hundred years,” Bantal says. Having worked with the likes of the late Virgil Abloh, Bantal’s work also explores the influences of popular culture on society. “I feel that pop culture from the Middle East, rooted in the rich heritage of the region, will rise from being consumed only locally to being embraced globally,” he says. The Netherlands; oma.com
Sayar & Garibeh
Stephanie Sayar and Charbel Garibeh are known for their playful furniture and objects, which “teeter between the functional and sculptural” and are inspired by Lebanese culture. Fascinated by the potential of materials, they have recently staged their first solo exhibition at the R& Company design gallery in New York, presenting their Broomlithic furniture – carved Lebanese stone pieces with fibre bristles that pay tribute to the humble household broom. Both materials, they say, “are part of the common thread of human resilience… Broomlithic captures our optimistic state of mind”. Lebanon; sayargaribeh.com
Shad Askari
Shad Askari is the founder of SA | Design Studio, whose interior-design philosophy is rooted in minimalism and innovation. “I believe in stripping away the unnecessary, crafting spaces that feel open, calm and purposeful,” he says. His latest project emphasises the point: Padel Club, a sports club-meets-café in Dubai, is sleek and unfussy in neutral tones. Coming soon are Pie Haus, a Bauhaus-inspired eaterie, and a contemporary flower shop in Abu Dhabi. “I prioritize sustainability on every project,” adds Askari. “I’m passionate about sourcing materials locally and repurposing scrap for new designs.” United Arab Emirates, Sweden; @sainteriorstudio
Shahira Fahmy
“The most audible voice in any project is the materiality,” says the Egypt-born architect Shahira Fahmy, “and when you are working on a historic site, your job quite literally becomes that of someone translating the past.” At the forefront of regenerating AlUla Old Town, a 12th-century mud-brick settlement in Saudi Arabia, she delivered Dar Tantora Lodge, an eco-hotel built on old ruins, earlier this year. Up next is a private residence, also in AlUla, which intertwines original mud-brick foundations with the knowledge of local artisans and builders to bring a traditional home back to life. Egypt; Sfahmy.com
Shaikha Al Sulaiti
Since her first appearance on this list in 2021, Shaika Al Sulaiti has gone from envisioning luxury homes to being the design lead at Doha Design District, masterminding projects that bring new Qatar-based talent into the spotlight. This doesn’t mean she has slowed down on her own endeavours: At Milan Design Week 2024 she unveiled a collection of Mondrian-esque tables in colours that take after stained glass windows from traditional Qatari houses. “Currently I’m working on rugs in designs inspired by the hand-crafted plaster decorations you see on walls and ceilings of old local homes,” she says. Qatar; shaikhaalsulaiti.com
Sizar Alexis
Swedish-Iraqi designer Sizar Alexis’s furniture is bold in shape and sombre in hue, lending it an almost totemic quality. His designs reflect his cross-cultural upbringing and evoke memories of his native Iraq. His latest design, the angular Kursi chair for French online platform Monde Singulier, is inspired by the geometry of architecture and comes in natural, white or black pine (the last version is burnt and oiled to achieve its inky finish). He’s also doing a research project on ancient Iraqi mudhif, or reed houses, and finalising his sculptural black Itooraba cabinet. Sweden, Iraq; sizaralexis.se
Stephanie Moussallem
Beirut designer Stephanie Mousallem creates furniture and objects that spark joy and “capture the essence of Mediterranean life”, whether that means sunny coastal landscapes or dynamic urban environments. Her recent designs include the colourful Primavera sideboard for Lebanese non-profit organization House of Today: the walnut and velvet-clad piece depicts Beirut’s coastal horizon in spring, and its brass door handles are shaped like flying sea birds. Moussallem is also working on several interiors projects in Lebanon, the UAE and Europe that “merge craftsmanship and bold colour”. Lebanon; stephaniemoussallem.com
Studio KO
YannDeret_3.jpg)
Since establishing Studio KO in 2000, Olivier Marty and Karl Fournier have carved a niche creating interiors with a sense of place. They appreciate classic materials and sensual contrasts – rugged with refined, light with dark. “For us, the future doesn’t lie in new technical materials, but in new ways to use noble, timeless finishes,” they explain. Their latest project, the Japanese restaurant Bar des Prés in Paris, is moodily sophisticated: behind its midnight-blue façade lies a richly textured space with marble counters, patterned carpets and banquettes embroidered with peacock feathers. Morocco, France; studioko.fr
Studio MUKA
This LA-based design studio honours both Eastern and Western philosophies to craft spaces with purpose and meaning. Led by architects Neda Kakhsaz (who was born in Tehran) and her life-and-work partner Zabie Mustafa (of Uzbek and Afghani heritage), Studio MUKA’s work spans architecture, interior design and product design that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism. “We see a future in which designers and architects come together to create a new concept for living a sustainable and cultivated life,” the duo share. “Regardless of scope or scale, we believe that experiences should be heightened through the tactility and sensuality of architecture, interiors, and objects.” This approach can be seen in their upcoming projects, including a ground-up residence on an Ojai olive orchard, and the restoration of a midcentury house in Pasadena, California. Los Angeles; studio-muka.com
Sumaya Dabbagh
%2520copy.jpg)
Sumaya Dabbagh, founder of Dubai studio Dabbagh Architects, was one of the first female architects in the UAE to design a mosque – the Mosque of the Late Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash in Dubai, which, in contrast to traditional mosque designs, prioritises clean simplicity. This reflects Dabbagh’s pared-down aesthetic, which is also on show in her ongoing project to expand Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain Museum, located on an ancient heritage site beside a fort and an oasis. The project not only restores historic buildings, but also adds streamlined new structures in local materials. United Arab Emirates; dabbagharchitects.com
T Sakhi
Based in Venice and Beirut, T Sakhi is led by Lebanese-Polish architect Tara Sakhi, who co-founded the studio with her sister Tessa in 2016. It designs spaces and objects that focus on social interaction and sustainability. “A driving force of our creative process is the recuperation of discarded materials,” says Sakhi, who has recently transformed Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue cultural hub into a “multi-sensory urban sanctuary” that promotes biodiversity. The studio has also created Jurat, a series of Murano glass vessels that incorporate waste metal from local factories. Lebanon; tsakhi.com
Tarek Shamma
Having trained with both Zaha Hadid and David Chipperfield before setting up his London studio in 2015, Egyptian designer Tarek Shamma has an impeccable pedigree. His interiors are characterised by rich layers of materials and geometric patterns; they reference various design eras and are crafted by skilled artisans (Christian Louboutin is a fan – Shamma has created both a home and boutiques for the shoe designer). Recent projects include the Yalla Nile, a 50-metre riverboat inspired by Egyptian history. Shamma is currently developing his first furniture collection. Egypt, United Kingdom; tarekshamma.com
Tarik Al Zaharna
With his practice T.ZED Architects, Tarik Al Zaharna champions “a new language in the region that reflects the birth of a new, contemporary architecture movement”. Craftsmanship is key, particularly in terms of masonry and joinery, as is a bold aesthetic: his colour palettes are often darkly beautiful. His recent design for Chez Wam, a French-style bar-restaurant in Dubai, makes the case, with its dark timber, black tilework and sultry lighting; on a larger scale is The Muse 22, a hotel-inspired apartment complex with a Modernist feel in Jumeirah Garden City. United Arab Emirates; tzed-architects.com
Tariq Khayyat
Formerly head of region at Zaha Hadid Architects, Tariq Khayyat established his boutique architecture studio tkdp in 2018 with partner Xiaosheng Li. Since then, it has flourished, with its guiding principle of creating synergy between buildings and their surroundings. The Fold for Huna, in Dubai’s Jumeirah district, exemplifies this approach: its 28 low-rise townhouses, inspired by a field of tulips, overlook a pedestrianised walk designed to foster street life in a traffic-heavy city. Coming next is Tower M, a Dubai residential high rise with contours reminiscent of agate gemstones. United Arab Emirates; tkdp.one
Vera Dieckmann
As an engineer who focuses on architecture and interiors, Vera Edith Dieckmann has a versatile skill set. Since founding XO Atelier in 2018, her collaboration with lighting brand Lasvit has established her as a formidable product design talent. She also creates stylish restaurants and retail spaces, including a new Dubai tea shop and café for UAE brand Avantcha. This “futuristic sanctuary” in monochrome hues boasts a bespoke “tea experience table” in polished steel as a centrepiece. Dubai’s Face Flex facial yoga salon is similarly futuristic, with neon lighting inspired by the movie Tron: Legacy. United Arab Emirates; xo-atelier.net
Verhaal
Based in Dubai via Sydney and Cape Town, Neydine Bak and Dewald Struwig, cofounders Verhaal, specialise in restaurant interiors that are extremely elevated but make visitors feel instantly at ease. Brimming with playful artisanal details (brass-inlaid floors, curved polished plaster walls, Alexander Calder-esque mobiles) their cheerful spaces are a celebration of craftsmanship – and the sort of interiors we’d love to live in. So, we were delighted to learn that they’re also working on a clutch of residential interiors including a whizzy Abu Dhabi villa with a stairwell lined in multicoloured marble. Also in the works is the jolly sounding Dubai restaurant Jungle Club, which promises a ‘fusion of natural beauty and fine dining’. Watch this space. United Arab Emirates, South Africa; verhaal.studio
WaiWai
When Waiwai co-founders Wael Al Awar and Kazuma Yamao aren’t redeveloping Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi’s port, into a design district, or transforming the historic core of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, into a cultural hub, they are tackling climate change. Their latest project is Barzakh, a pavilion shown at Abu Dhabi Biennial in November, constructed from waste plastic, palm fibre and brine - the latter used as a binding agent. “Desalination on a large scale means that brine is often pumped back into the Gulf, damaging the marine ecosystem,” says Al Awar. “This project invites us to think again.” United Arab Emirates, Japan; waiwaidesign.com
Watad Studio
Architects Yahia Kandil and Dana AlAmri established Watad Studio, a Jeddah-based design practice in 2017. Combining vernacular architecture with contemporary needs, their projects are grounded and grand, all at once. “We believe that tradition can add meaning and soul to a space and to a neighbourhood,” says the duo that, after working on a range of UNESCO world heritage sites, is now focused on residential and leisure projects around the Kingdom. “We keep learning from traditional buildings and local builders with ancestral know-how to create projects that interact better with our environment.” Saudi Arabia; @watadstudio
Wissam Yafawi
Contemporary comfort is the hallmark of interior designer Wissam Yafawi’s work; he believes that every project should be as unique as its owner, and creates spaces that “bridge the gap between tradition and modernity”. By integrating sustainability into his designs, he aims to contribute to a brighter future. Having recently restored a Grade II-listed London townhouse by fusing historical charm with eclectic modern touches, Zafawi will next be found decorating a modern chalet in Verbier and kitting out a vibrantly colourful Beirut hotel. Lebanon; yafawidesign.com
X Architects
For over two decades, Ahmed Al-Ali and Farid Esmaeil, the co-founders of Dubai-based studio X Architects, have been busy finding new ways of preserving forgotten landmarks across the UAE. Case in point, Bait Mohammed Bin Khalifa in Al Ain: Built in 1958, this heritage building was close to collapsing when X Architects was entrusted with transforming it into a community space. By restoring the existing structure and incorporating modern design elements such as a new extension with operable louvered partitions that connect the interior with the courtyard, the duo have given this historic home new purpose. United Arab Emirates; x-architects.com
Yasmina Makram
.jpg)
Cairo, a city where history and modernity collide – often overwhelming the senses – serves as the backdrop for Yasmina Makram’s eponymous studio which this year showcased the HA-BEIT’A Pavilion at Cairo Design Week 2024. The inviting space was both avant-garde and authentic, providing a serene urban retreat. Makram’s upcoming projects include an Art Deco-inspired Nile-side apartment featuring fluid lines and arches; futuristic offices in Saudi Arabia for an Egyptian firm; and a clubhouse in West Cairo that draws inspiration from Saharan landscapes. Egypt; yasminamakram.com
Yasmine Ghoniem
Multidisciplinary designer Yasmine Ghoniem, who is of Egyptian-Australian heritage, is known for her charismatic style and runs her studio YSG from Sydney. “My interiors transplant you back in time and propel you into the future, but never feel ‘of the moment’,” she says. This year, she completed a plethora of homes in Australia, Dubai and Saudi Arabia (including a jewel-toned Sydney townhouse with glittering “black diamond” kitchen tiles), and developed her Real Majik rug collection with Tappeti. She also designed Superfreak, a Sydney restaurant featuring 1970s-inspired avocado shades. Australia, Egypt
ysg.studio
ZAV Architects
Founder Mohamadreza Ghodousi’s passion for involving communities in his “resilient and adaptable” public projects lends them a joyous spontaneity – and serious green credentials. For evidence, look to Type-less, or the Center for Handy Skills, an education centre on Hormuz Island off the Iranian coast; it’s built from locally discarded concrete, cement blocks and scaffolding. Then there’s the Dr Beski Science Foundation in Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran, a versatile community hub for learning, exhibitions, co-working and more. Its triangular form with unfinished facades mirrors the rough cement walls typical of local buildings. Iran; zavarchitects.com
Zeina Aboukheir
Italian-Lebanese designer Zeina Aboukheir has dedicated decades to creating an authentic oasis of slow living in Egypt, combining her vision for a holistic Nabatean village with an ever-growing network of craftspeople, artists and local design brands. Her passion project, the iconic Al Moudira Hotel in Luxor caught the eye of a whizzy entrepreneur, who charged her with turning her design eye to renovating a series of apartments in downtown Cairo which promise to bring renewed lustre to a downtown skyscraper which was once the tallest building in the Middle East. Cairo; @moudira_hotel
Back to the top of AD100 2025
The greatest design stories from AD Middle East, delivered to your inbox
