Meet the AD100 2026 honourees. Bringing together celebrated figures, forward-thinkers and distinctive creative voices, the AD100 2026 highlights the designers and architects shaping the landscape of interiors, architecture and product design across the Middle East and Africa.
This year’s honourees show how design continues to evolve in the region, whether through thoughtful interpretations of heritage, new takes on craft and materiality, or technology-driven approaches that imagine what our built environment can become. Together, they offer a compelling snapshot of where design stands today, and where it’s heading next.
The AD100 2026 is presented in alphabetical order.
AAU Anastas
Elias and Yousef Anastas, co-founders of pioneering Bethlehem- and Paris-based studio AAU Anastas, undertake everything from architecture to furniture design and cultural programmes. They are currently focusing on their Stone Matters project, launched over a decade ago to research stone construction in Palestinian architecture. Combining traditional stone-cutting techniques with modern digital technology, it will soon form the basis for two buildings in the Middle East and Europe. “These projects mark a critical step in demonstrating how materials can inform resilient low-carbon architecture,” they say. Palestine, France; aauanastas.com
Abdalla Almulla
“What excites me is the ability to make people feel something through design – to spark curiosity, or create a sense of belonging,” says Abdalla Almulla, founder of Dubai studio Mula. Chiming with his focus on sustainability, he works with local makers and materials. Recent designs include Chronoforms, an installation for Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Dubai Mall boutique inspired by the bark of Swiss pines and Emirati palm trees, and Heaf coffee shop in Marsa Al Arab, whose curved wooden ceiling evokes the hull of a boat – an evocative response to the waterfront setting. United Arab Emirates; mula.ae
Abdulrahman Al Muftah
For Al Muftah, reinterpreting Qatari craft traditions through contemporary design goes hand in hand with ecological awareness. He uses local land and materials to create functional art pieces: this year, one such project is Bird Cluster, permanently installed in Msheireb. It reimagines urban space as a wildlife sanctuary, with birdhouses size-calibrated for native species. “It reflects my interest in sustainable practices and my commitment to creating objects that connect people to their environment in meaningful ways,” he says. Qatar; abdulrahmanalmuftah.com
Abeer Seikaly
Jordanian-Palestinian creative Abeer Seikaly describes herself as “an interdisciplinary thinker and maker” who centres Bedouin practices and handmaking. This year, her Weaving a Home mobile shelter, inspired by Bedouin textile architecture, has been granted a US patent. She has also been exploring palm-based crafts: her installation Tirhal: To Al-Ahsa, created for Ithra’s Eternal Crafts exhibition in Saudi Arabia, combined video, photography and woven palm-fronds, reflecting on the palm tree as material and metaphor – “a living ecology of endurance and exchange”. Jordan, United Arab Emirates; abeerseikaly.com
Ahmad AbouZanat
Based in New York and Austin, Texas, interior designer AbouZanat brings an “East meets West” sensibility to his spaces, thanks to his Qatari and Lebanese background. Craftsmanship is key to his work: he champions up-and-coming designers and collaborates with artisans on bespoke pieces. He also has a philanthropic streak, as seen in his recent project Rufus Dreaming, an elegant living room for the Hampton Designer Showhouse 2025 in Sag Harbor, New York: it raised funds for a local hospital. United States, Lebanon; projectaz.design
Ahmed Bukhash
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Bukhash leads Dubai practice Archidentity, which reinterprets the vernacular of the Arabian Gulf in a modern context. “Our goal is to be a benchmark for innovative, sustainable design with cultural relevance,” he says. Among his latest projects is NS House in Dubai, whose light-filled triple-height atrium is anchored by a central courtyard and bonsai tree. The pitched elevation was inspired by farmhouse buildings. Also in Dubai, Bukhash is redeveloping the Japanese School, fusing oriental principles with a modern aesthetic. United Arab Emirates; archidentity.ae
Alamira Noor Bani Hashim
Dubai interior designer Bani Hashim creates spaces that exude luxury and comfort. She’s known for her impactful yet minimalist style, as seen at Studio Julie Lemke, the colour-drenched beauty studio she recently completed in Dubai. Often found designing homes for celebrities and artists - such as a new Abu Dhabi residence filled entirely with bespoke pieces – she’s also exploring the idea of a furniture line. What excites her most? “Exploring new materials and new ways to use them.” United Arab Emirates; @anbh.interiors
Ali Mohammadioun
Architect and designer Ali Mohammadioun approaches the built environment with a curator’s eye, where material, light, and art hold equal weight. Through his Dubai-based practice E Plus A Atelier, he creates interiors where material and form are in a quiet dialogue. This curatorial instinct led to FYND – launched during Editions at Downtown Design 2025 – a cultural laboratory celebrating meaningful objects and collectible design from the Global South, where craftsmanship and narrative converge. His recent One Palm Residence on Dubai’s waterfront carries this sensibility into the home, pairing calibrated light, sculptural furniture, and an art-led rhythm that feels both precise and deeply human. United Arab Emirates; eplusa.ae
Aline Asmar d'Amman
Asmar d’Amman’s cross-disciplinary approach combines architecture, art direction and scenography. Having recently debuted furniture at Milan’s Galleria Rossana Orlandi, she is currently designing the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli hotel in Venice, set in a 15th-century palazzo; it opens next year. She describes the project as “a life-changing experience… permeated with echoes of the past, and staged with timeless elegance and creative nowness”. Also coming soon is Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia’s first luxury train, travelling from Riyadh to heritage sites. France, Lebanon; cultureinarchitecture.com
Aljoud Lootah
Multidisciplinary designer Lootah draws inspiration from the UAE’s cultural landscape: her Medkheneh diffuser and Takya seating meld traditional craftsmanship with minimalistic forms. She places storytelling at the heart of her practice. “I’ve noticed a shift towards meaningful, story-driven design, which has worked in our favour,” she says. As well as planning a new rug collection, she’s working on more interiors projects, including a Dubai government office for which she’s created dining furniture and cosy majlis seating. United Arab Emirates; aljoudlootah.com
Altin
Altin – aka Tunis-based life and work partners Yasmine Sfar and Mehdi Kebaier – creates sculptural furniture and lighting inspired by Tunisia. Recently, the studio has been exploring new materials: while early designs were crafted from palmwood, sea-rush and clay, new launches include the Mars desk in hand-carved eucalyptus wood, and Pharos, a sculptural metal candelabra evoking flames. “In a world where everything is becoming globalised, we see a growing appetite for what is deeply localised and regional,” they say. Tunisia; @a_l_t_i_n__s_t_u_d_i_o
Altqadum
Led by Marwan AlBalushi and Abdulrahim Alkendi, Altqadum puts an experimental spin on Oman’s past. “Our philosophy is inspired by our name, which in Arabic means ‘progress’,” explains AlBalushi. The studio has made progress of its own this year: its Alhosh installation at the 2025 Sikka Art Fair, which explored “the disappearing courtyard in Gulf homes”, led to a commission to renovate a 1970s courtyard home. Another debut is Dubai restaurant A Normal Day, which features raw concrete walls and bold artworks. Oman, United Arab Emirates; @altqadum
Ammar Basheir
Best known for designing the Nuzul Al Salam hotel in Bahrain, an imaginative restoration of a 1940s house, interior designer Ammar Basheir creates some of the most atmospheric spaces in the Middle East. His work is rooted in artisanal techniques and bespoke materials. This year, he has concentrated on residential projects: among them is the restoration of an 18th-century property in Cairo. It will be followed by the renovation of an old house in Damascus, and a decadent villa in Kuwait, “our first fully bespoke architectural and interiors commission”. Bahrain; ammarbasheir.com
ANARCHITECT
ANARCHITECT, led by Jonathan and Militza Ashmore, follows a “locally rooted” approach, with a commitment to readapting existing buildings and a keen focus on materiality and craft. This year it has signalled a new direction for branded residences with its duplex at The Lana Residences in Dubai, which “challenged conventional notions of luxury by blending brand identity with hyper-personalised elements, prioritising art and curation”. It has also drawn on African Modernism to create a monolithic residence in Kampala, Uganda. United Arab Emirates; anarchitect.com
Anne Holtrop
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Architect Anne Holtrop is known for his fascination with material effects – as seen in his new renovation of the historic Siyadi Pearl Museum in Muharraq, Bahrain. A relic of the region’s ancient pearl trade, it has been enhanced with fresh interventions, including a gallery incorporating textured plaster and silver-leaf finishes. “Silver is a responsive material, and in the region’s salty air, it will patinate and darken,” Holtrop explains. “I am interested in the process all matter undergoes from one state to another.” Bahrain, The Netherlands; anneholtrop.nl
Arnaud Behzadi
Since setting up in Dubai last year, Iranian-French architect Arnaud Behzadi’s regional projects are gearing towards completion in 2026: from a major tower featuring 24 luxury duplexes operated by LUX, to high-end restaurants in Dubai and Doha for 16 Michelin-star chef Yannick Alleno. A novel endeavour for Behzadi is his first capsule collection called BAM, which debuted in Paris and is travelling to Dubai in January. Inspired by his childhood memories of Iran, the collection includes a throne chair in wood and leather, and a table held up by sculptural stone columns. France, United Arab Emirates; arnaudbehzadi.com
Astet
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”, they often take their cue from cuisine when designing spaces – although in the case of the Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno in Priorat, Catalonia, the inspiration was wine, reflecting the renovated 18th-century estate’s long history of viniculture. Flashes of burgundy, red marble and warm timber appear throughout. Spain; astetstudio.com
Azaz Architects
Led by Riyadh-based architect Shahad Alazzaz, this studio is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s design landscape with its narrative approach. “It’s no longer about having the large mansion, but the more thoughtful home,” says Alazzaz. Her “Wa ssl” residence in Alwaseel (the name means “connection” in Arabic) is a series of low-level masses that offer “continuous discovery”. Warm and textural, they merge with the landscape. Equally tactile is Japanese “speakeasy” Kimyona, inspired by photography and darkrooms, which mixes back-lit glass bricks and Chinese roof tiles. Saudi Arabia; azazarchitects.com
Aziza Chaouni
What most excites Moroccan architect Aziza Chaouni today is scaling up her design ideas from small, experimental projects to larger, more impactful works. The rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Old Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone is a case in point, through which the architect is preserving the region’s oldest university; part of her ambition to expand exchange between Morocco and West Africa. Also in the pipeline are ecotourism projects commissioned by the Moroccan government in the Souss-Massa region, as well as the restoration of the former British Embassy in Rabat’s Medina in partnership with the publishing art house, Kulte. Morocco; azizachaouniprojects.com
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. He also embraces cutting-edge digital modelling to create sustainable, functional spaces: witness a recently completed villa in uptown Cairo, which he describes as “an exploration of organic living”. Like a modern cave, the home is awash with curves and raw textures, from its moulded walls and ceilings to a sculptural fireplace. Egypt; badiearchitects.com
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Bahraini—Danish
Led by Batool Alshaikh, Maitham Almubarak and Christian Vennerstrøm Jensen, Bahraini—Danish creates everything from objects to environments. “This year we have expanded into several new categories, including bespoke furniture, urban installations and a residential building,” say the designers. At one end of the scale is the BD01 mirror they designed for Danish brand Cassetta, embellished with Bahraini coins; at the other is the Surface! installation, created during a residency at Design Space AlUla, which is made of stainless-steel tubes and hovers between partition, hoarding and curtain. Bahrain, Denmark; bahrainidanish.com
BEIT Collective
Founded in 2021, BEIT Collective started out as a regional craft platform and has evolved into a global design studio, dedicated to reinventing Middle Eastern craftsmanship through limited-edition collections. It controls all stages of production, allowing traditional techniques to be preserved while creating space for experimentation. Collaborations with international designers – including Adam Nathaniel Furman, whose Nour chair reimagines Lebanese cane weaving – enhance its appeal. “Our collections are cultural ambassadors that connect global audiences with Lebanese heritage,” says founder Emilie Skaff. Lebanon; beit-collective.com
Bokja
“The most exciting part of our practice is witnessing how humble threads transform into vessels of memory and identity,” says Huda Baroudi, who co-founded Bokja alongside Maria Hibri in 2000. Recently, the collective has focused on the art of tapestry: for Egyptian jeweller Azza Fahmy’s boutiques, it has created ornate wall tapestries, while at the SILA – All That Is Left To You exhibition in Sharjah, it celebrated Palestinian heritage through contemporary embroidery. As always, human connections are paramount, and nothing goes to waste. Lebanon; bokja.com
Bone
As its name implies, Dubai studio Bone is defined by “eliminating excess and focusing on essential form”. Led by Achraf Mzily and Natalie Mahakian, its work celebrates materiality and encompasses architecture and interiors. Recent projects include warehouse-style creative hub CMPLX in Dubai’s Arts and Culture District; the studio is also designing its own HQ, which will double as a hub for Biscuit, its materials consultancy and supplier. The next chapter? Moving beyond client commissions to create own-brand hospitality projects. United Arab Emirates; bone.studio
Breath Design
Led by Riccardo Robustini, Breath Design is based between Dubai and Milan. Its architecture is quiet, precise, and alive, finding depth in simplicity. Recent successes include Bulgari Mansion 05 and an apartment in Foster + Partners’ Index Tower in Dubai, which enhances panoramic city views with smooth, luminous surfaces crafted by local and global artisans. The Inhuman installation at Milan Design Week debuted the studio’s Native furniture collection in Cipollino marble. “Our philosophy seeks to design spaces not only to be lived in, but felt,” the designers say. United Arab Emirates, Italy; breath.design
Bricklab
Founded by brothers Abdulrahman and Turki Gazzaz, multidisciplinary Jeddah studio Bricklab celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Having previously reimagined Riyadh’s industrial district as a cultural hub, the siblings have just released a book, Saudi Modern: Jeddah in Transition 1938-1964. “It chronicles a period of the city’s history that has been largely overlooked and is continuously facing the threat of erasure,” they say. Driven by research, the studio is also thoughtfully exploring AI, investigating ways it can “inform our thinking instead of dictating it”. Saudi Arabia; brick-lab.com
Carl Gerges
Based between Beirut and Paris, architect Carl Gerges designs every detail of his projects “to enhance a moment of the day”, with particular care given to nature and mindful living. A case in point is his new Villa A in the mountains of Faraya, Lebanon. Its clean horizontal lines are influenced by Modernism, while its proportions ebb and flow with its surroundings. Much of the stone, concrete and timber building was executed by local artisans, reflecting Gerges’ longstanding mission to support Lebanese crafts. Lebanon, France, United Arab Emirates; carlgerges.com
Chacha Atallah
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Working at the intersection of architecture, interior design, objects and curation, Tunisian architect Chacha Atallah is what you’d call a true multidisciplinarian. Having recently completed the Selma Ferriani gallery in Tunis, which used indigenous building techniques and materials, and launched her design gallery Bardo Collections, Atallah is currently renovating a striking 19th-century residence in the heart of the medina of Tunis, which will give pride of place to Tunisian and African artists, and working on the redevelopment of the landscaped park of Carthage. Tunisia, France; chachaatallah.com
David/Nicolas
David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem create furniture and interiors rooted in craft traditions, and are renowned for their retro-futuristic style. This year, they have produced Convivium Montis, a tableware installation for Buccellati at Nomad St. Moritz, which imagined the exhibition space as a modern alpine chalet. Its walls depicted a mountain landscape in boiserie panelling. Even more unusual is the duo’s restoration of a collector’s vintage Porsche as a work of art, featuring green leather, brass accents and timber details crafted by Italian artisans. Lebanon, Italy, USA; davidandnicolas.com
Dima Srouji
“I love diving into research on our region that’s either silenced, forgotten or erased, and bringing that back to life through making,” says Palestinian architect and artist, Dima Srouji. At the Venice Biennale this year, she presented a series of architectural interventions that reflect on the Gaza Strip as a heritage site, positioning architecture as both witness and vessel of collective memory. For Milan Design Week, she was part of Gucci’s Bamboo Encounters with a series of bamboo and hand-blown glass baskets (found objects made by anonymous master artisans, while the glass pieces were hand-blown in Palestine). She is currently working on an exhibition at the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit, which revisits British archaeological practices in Gaza during the Mandate period. Palestine; dimasrouji.com
Don Tanani
Cairo gallery Don Tanani, founded by Alia and Tamara El Tanani, champions modern design that channels Egyptian heritage. Its recent Nakhl chair and sofa pay homage to the palm tree as a symbol of resilience and renewal, reimagining one of Egypt’s most revered craft archetypes, the palm chair. The designs were created by studying ancient examples, and combine woven supports with sculptural oak frames. “They represent years of research, respect for tradition, and a vision of how craft can evolve,” says El Tanani. Egypt; dontanani.com
East Architecture Studio
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“Preservation as practice” is the ethos of East Architecture Studio, which seeks to “integrate the past into the shaping of the present and future” through adaptive reuse of buildings, artisanal techniques and intelligent design solutions. Founders Charles Kettaneh and Nicolas Fayad sense “a shift away from spectacle and towards responsibility”, an idea that’s reflected in their Capsule Retreat home overlooking Mount Lebanon. “Compact, adaptable and connected to its surroundings, it rethinks how we inhabit landscapes in a minimal, immersive way,” they explain. Lebanon, UAE; eastarchitecture.net
Ebur
Led by childhood friends Racha Gutierrez and Dahlia Hojeij Deleuze, Ebur gives time-honoured craftsmanship a sleek, contemporary edge, drawing on Middle Eastern, French and Italian influences. Recently, it has focused on residential projects, delivering a renovated 17th-century apartment in Palais Royal, Paris, earlier this year. The studio has also unveiled Notte, a series of patinated-brass-and-glass lighting designs. “We’re driven by the desire to explore new forms and materials,” say the designers. “Our pieces feel timeless, modern and carry a touch of nostalgia.” 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-edition furniture and lifestyle products. Born in Gemmayze, Beirut’s historic creative quarter, the quartet draws inspiration from the region’s landscape to create contemporary designs with a sense of playfulness, often expressed through colours or silhouettes. Highlights include the Acil armchair, with its freestyle loop form, and the Safar tables in tinted wood, which symbolise “the journeys of Levantine people”. Lebanon; editionslevantine.com
Etereo
Dubai studio Etereo is led by Italian-born designers Mirko Sala Tenna and Stefania Digregorio, who blend their heritage with Middle Eastern influences. Their love of materiality comes through in their new Mo.du.lo collection, a collaboration with New York gallery StudioTwentySeven. Inspired by 1970s Italian design, it includes a dining table and floor lamp crafted from emerald-green glass blocks. “Each piece plays with repetition, proportion and light, creating compositions that feel at once architectural and fluid, shifting as the viewer moves around them,” says Digregorio. United Arab Emirates; etereodesign.it
Etienne Bastormagi
Bastormagi reframes architecture as a “cultural connector” that weaves together craft, materiality and layered histories. Often found reinterpreting Brutalist codes with a light, whimsical touch, he approaches each project with a heightened sense of place, giving his work a global resonance. Having recently designed the Alica bakery, a farm-to-table concept on Dubai’s Port de La Mer waterfront, Bastormagi is next masterminding a wine bar for the Louvre Abu Dhabi that blurs the boundaries between design and art. Lebanon, Italy; etiennebas.com
FADAA
Environmentally responsive design is the passion of New York and Amman-based studio FADAA, led by Bisher Tabbaa and Sarah Hejazin. This year, it has completed the Al Ameed Shmeisani Park in Amman, which addresses the city’s lack of green spaces. Detailed climate analysis was used to create adaptable microclimates, while modular buildings for sports and community activities can be easily disassembled at the end of their lifespan. Also in Amman, coffee boutique 73 by Al Ameed reimagines rammed-earth architecture in a modern setting. United States, Jordan; fadaa.space
Foster + Partners
Now in his ninth decade, Norman Foster is showing no signs of slowing down: He’s designing space-age resorts in Saudi Arabia, a new 100,000-seat stadium for Manchester United in the UK and the masterplan for rebuilding Hatay, the earthquake-ravaged province in Turkey. Right now, his practice, Foster+Partners, has 95 projects live in 49 cities and with Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum – a feat of regionally resonant sustainable architecture (its aviary fins conceal a tech-savvy interpretation of traditional wind towers) – he has once again enriched the Middle East’s skyline. United Kingdom; fosterandpartners.com
Gregory Gatserelia
Gatserelia’s projects are often guided by his love of art, a field in which he is an expert curator. As well as designing homes all over the world, he has recently curated Fragmenta, an initiative that invites artists to create sustainable pieces from marble waste. He has also curated Totems of the Present & the Absent at the recent We Design Beirut event: held at the historic Villa Audi, the show featured work by Lebanese designers and honoured Gatserelia’s lasting impact on the region’s creative scene. Lebanon, gregorygatserelia.com
H+A
Wellbeing is at the centre of Dubai architecture and interiors studio H+A’s practice. Between them, founders Stas Louca and David Lessard have a wealth of experience designing for healthcare, hospitality and lifestyle. Reflecting that expertise, this year the studio has designed the Avani Seychelles resort, a minimalist space built using sustainable materials. It supports wellness by maximising indoor-outdoor connectivity. Also in the works is a Japandi-style expansion of King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, which deploys natural finishes to enhance healing. United Arab Emirates; h-a.global
Hala Saleh
“We see a global shift in the design market towards experiences that are emotionally charged and culturally rooted, rather than purely functional or aesthetic,” says Egyptian architect Hala Saleh behind Cairo-based design firm TDF+, who has recently grown her practice beyond architecture to include fully integrated experiences, spatial design, branding, and cultural storytelling. Saleh is currently working on a host of coastal destinations, urban concepts and private homes that reinterpret tradition in contemporary ways. Egypt; tdfplus.design
Hall Haus
Formed by four talents with a passion for democratising design – Abdoulaye Niang, Sammy Bernoussi, Teddy Sanches and Zakari Boukhari – the ‘Hall’ in this studio’s name represents the urban spaces where the quartet grew up, while ‘Haus’ stands for Bauhaus. Blending influences from Modernism with their shared African heritage, they dream up smart, sustainable design solutions. Recently, they have explored global collaboration with their Design Mixtape show at Design Week Mexico, where a raft of existing Hall Haus products were reimagined, with tweaks, by local creatives. France; hall.haus
Hozan Zangana
Born in Iraq and now working in the Netherlands, Hozan Zangana’s furniture and objects sit at the intersection between art and craft. Each piece is a “vessel of memory”, inspired by ancient ornaments, calligraphy and rituals. Zangana’s designs, he says, are “a reminder that objects can hold ambiguity, invite reflection and open us to connection”, and are often collaborations with specialist artisans: think Japanese lacquer artists (the Tenyayî Urushi jug), woodturners (the Qalat Hunebench), and bronze makers (the Kisal Al Zubarah stool). Every piece has a sculptural presence. The Netherlands; hozanzangana.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. In that spirit, she has recently exhibited as part of Time Space Existence at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, in which participants were invited to explore the need to “repair, regenerate and reuse”. Set in the historic Palazzo Mora, the studio’s Arab-influenced installation had a contemporary resonance. Saudi Arabia; ainteriors.com
IDST
Founded by Hana Akram in 2020 with a mission to “slow the pace of design”, Dubai studio IDST brings together fine art and interiors, reflecting Akram’s background in those fields. Material-rich retail and dining experiences are a speciality: Press Café in Dubai, for example, is adorned with timber and tilework, while Slice 45 pizzeria in Abu Dhabi combines zelliges, terrazzo and red glass. Akram is working on a mountaintop bar in Khor Fakkan, where the counter is carved out of the existing raw rock. United Arab Emirates; idst.ae
Kameh
Led by an anonymous creative, Dubai design atelier Kameh creates “perfectly imperfect, hand-sculpted” pieces which are crafted locally and evoke the elevated beauty of art. Representing the UAE at the 2025 edition of Design Miami, the designer is moving away from functionality towards the creation of art objects: the new 0.6 collection, showcased at the art fair, reflects this mission, with dramatic ashwood forms coloured black 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 objects sculpted from desert sand. They enhance the material with warm pigments, shaping it using custom moulds. “Our collectible series The Desert Drop pushes the boundaries of how rammed earth can be experienced, whether as a coffee table, vase or wall lamp,” they say. Their most recent reveal is a collaboration with luxury fashion brand Hermes for its Dubai Mall store, constructed entirely using the duo’s signature rammed earth technique. “It’s our most exciting architectural work to date,” they promise. United Arab Emirates; karimelias.com
Khaled Alawadhi
Khaled Alawadhi is one of Kuwait’s most exciting design talents, with a flair for stylish retail and hospitality projects. His elegantly restrained interiors feature custom details, fine craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind furnishings. New projects this year include W Café in Riyadh, an industrial-chic coffee shop finished in stone, stainless steel and California burlwood; and fashion brand Hamadis’ flagship store in Doha, a material-rich space featuring travertine surfaces, fabric-upholstered fitting rooms, and a towering column tiled in Moroccan zelliges. Kuwait; fortytwelve.com
Killa Design
Over the past decade, Dubai architecture studio Killa Design has carved a reputation for designs that are visually impactful and sustainably minded. Founder Shaun Killa likes to “challenge the norm”: he is reshaping Dubai’s waterfront with recent projects like the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab resort, whose undulating form evokes a ship looking out towards the ocean, and Shebara Resort in Saudi Arabia, a luxury eco hotel set amid pristine coral reefs. Almost 80 per cent of Killa’s projects are either LEED-accredited or zero energy, water and waste. United Arab Emirates; killadesign.com
Lina Ghotmeh
Whether it is the all-wood Bahrain pavilion at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, transforming a historic residence in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, into a future-facing museum or designing Qatar’s permanent outpost at the Giardini della Biennale in Venice, Paris-based Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh’s work demonstrates how preservation and progress go hand-in-hand. Her latest win – an archaeological dig-inspired reimagining of the British Museum’s Western Range galleries – shifts the dial on creativity rooted in a human-centric approach, but also for inclusivity and broader representation in the museum world, which, still, remains quite conservative. Lebanon, France; linaghotmeh.com
MA Studio
Led by Selma Akkari and Rawan Muqaddas, this London-based studio balances a minimal aesthetic with the warmth of elements from the past. Its new Apollo bistro in Dubai evokes Modernism at its richest, with mustard banquettes, tubular-steel furniture and burlwood finishes. “It embodies the city’s appetite for bold, contemporary experiences,” they say. Another bistro, Juno in Riyadh, is all about timber, which extends across walls, ceilings and furniture. Next, the duo is expanding into furniture design that “embodies the same craft values as our architectural projects”. United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates; mastudio.works
Marc Dibeh
“Quiet luxury” is the hallmark of Beirut designer Marc Dibeh’s work, which is characterised by simplicity, tactility and precision. “I like designing spaces that endure, while pushing boundaries across cultures,” he says. This year, he has expanded internationally, designing the River Club in Washington, DC – a masterclass in 1970s-inspired décor. He’s also created a new Beirut flagship store for chocolatier Souchet, and is planning to launch a furniture collection – early images show sculptural forms including a monumental curved sofa. Lebanon; marcdibeh.com
MARIAGROUP
Founded by brother-and-sister duo Georges and Michèle Maria, MARIAGROUP is a multidisciplinary studio that embraces everything from product design to interiors. “We maintain a sense of artisanal quality in everything we do, seeking out opportunities to integrate handmade elements, bespoke detailing and material authenticity,” they say. While the M Apartment in Beirut focuses on custom timber panelling and movable partitions, Gossip restaurant, also in Beirut, features a palette of teak, maplewood, plaster and wicker. The studio is also designing homes in Athens, Cairo and the English countryside. Lebanon, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates; mariagroup.com
Maryam Al-Homaid
Interdisciplinary designer Maryam Al-Homaid merges traditional textile design with modern digital graphics and typography, with the aim of documenting Qatar’s rapid cultural transformations. At Osaka Expo 2025, she developed a majlis space for Qatar’s pavilion, combining references to Qatari dhows and Japanese wasen (wooden boats). She is also working on a book about a collection of rare Arab art, and nurturing the next generation of talent in her capacity as associate professor of graphic design at VCUarts Qatar. Qatar; maryamalhomaid.com
Meshary AlNassar
Architecture, interiors, products – nothing is off limits for designer Meshary AlNassar, whose serene aesthetic is defined by natural materials, earthy palettes and a keen sense of place. Guided by his belief that design should embody “warmth, refinement and human connection”, AlNassar has recently focused on residential projects, including a mountain compound for four siblings overlooking the sea in Muscat. He’s also designing C Café, a chocolate deli in Dubai Mall, and opening his own HQ-meets-gallery, which will introduce pop-ups and “collectible items by artists from across the world”. United Arab Emirates, Kuwait; mesharyalnassar.com
Mohamed Fares
Egyptian designer Mohamed Fares takes a free-spirited approach to creativity: an eyewear line and film and photography projects are all part of his remit, alongside architectural achievements like the Sachi Marassi Marina restaurant on Egypt’s north coast, whose boat-inspired silhouette brings to mind “billowing sails and nautical elegance” and the renovation of Villa Magenta in Cairo. This year, Fares has also designed the Mangrove White Dwelling in Gouna on the Red Sea, whose pristine white architecture is contrasted with blue and green hues that reflect the lush surrounding landscape. Egypt; m-fares.com
Nada Debs
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Lebanese designer Nada Debs is a connoisseur of craft who is “fascinated by the role of the human hand” – from weaving to marquetry, all manner of artisan skills make their way into her modern-meets-traditional creations. Currently preparing to open her first Dubai boutique in Alserkal Avenue, Debs is also transforming the 1850s Okhunguzar Mosque in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, into a cultural centre. Elsewhere, her Nakhla cabinet celebrates Palestinian heritage: featuring a palm-tree-inspired motif that symbolises resilience, it’s hand-embroidered by women from the Inaash social enterprise. Lebanon, United Arab Emirates; nadadebs.com
Naqsh Collective
At a time when preserving regional heritage is paramount, Amman-based Naqsh Collective, founded by sisters Nisreen and Nermeen Abudail, offers a poetic response to the issue. Its pieces are steeped in Palestinian tradition and reimagine ancient craft techniques for the modern age, telling stories of home, history and diasporic yearning. Artworks and furniture in marble and walnut, finely inlaid with brass, reference Tatreez embroidery in a fresh new context. The results are dazzlingly intricate and beautiful. Jordan; naqshcollective.com
Nebras Aljoaib
In Riyadh, the Saudi interior designer Nebras Aljoaib continues to define a language of contrasts, where vintage influence meets contemporary precision. Since founding her studio in 2015, she has built a portfolio that feels at once familiar and unexpected, spanning sculptural perfumeries and tranquil desert homes. This year’s Reading Room for L’Appartamento by Artemest at Milan Design Week reimagined classical motifs through an Arab sensibility, while her first collectible furniture line signals a new creative chapter. “What excites me most,” she says, “is Saudi’s growth – there’s space for experimentation and for design to shape what’s next.” Saudi Arabia; nebrasaljoaib.com
Nicholas Obeid
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Syrian-American designer Nicholas Obeid is the founder of his eponymous New York–based studio. Trained in product design, Obeid creates interiors and furniture defined by light, geometry, and a quiet sense of balance. His projects range from elegant city apartments to a new wellness spa in Greenwich, each revealing a meticulous yet soulful aesthetic. Alongside interiors, his expanding furniture and lighting collections showcase American craftsmanship and the strength of a single, considered gesture. United States, nicholasobeid.com
Omar Al Gurg
The name of Dubai designer Omar Al Gurg’s studio, Modu Method, is short for “modular”: its furniture and objects are inspired by heirloom pieces, but are also practical for everyday use. A master of multifunctional design, Al Gurg uses interactive elements to “create a fun way of living”. He often references 1970s style in his designs – his Majlis Fann installation for BMW at Abu Dhabi Art, for example, featured the era’s signature boxy shapes, and revealed how his Nu concrete stools can double as tables and shelves. United Arab Emirates; modumethod.com
Omar Chakil
Regional materials and crafts are key for Omar Chakil, whose furniture and objects in Egyptian alabaster have an otherworldly beauty. This year, his work has been spotlighted in a solo exhibition with Galerie Gastou at PAD Paris – its first with a Middle Eastern designer – and by rug specialist Iwan Maktabi, with whom he presented the limited-edition Colorama series of boxes, stools and wall sconces. Made of pigmented alabaster onyx, their sorbet hues “evoke our inner colours and hidden emotions”, revealing the designer at his most playful. Egypt; omarchakil.com
Omar Nakkash
Dubai designer Omar Nakkash takes a “human-centred” approach to his work, so every project has its own character and aesthetic. “We emphasise sustainability and innovation, aiming to create environments that have lasting positive impacts,” says the founder of Nakkash Design Studio. Recent achievements include a duplex penthouse with a “Japanese sanctuary concept” in One Za’abeel, a luxury residential tower in Dubai; among its highlights is a Zen-style indoor garden. Nakkash has also redesigned popular Dubai café Parlour with Parisian-inspired décor and a chic burgundy marble coffee bar. United Arab Emirates; nakkashdesignstudio.com
Pallavi Dean
Architect Pallavi Dean, founder of Dubai studio Roar, says her work is “empathy-driven, translating human needs into spaces that transform lives”. She has designed luxury homes, government HQs and children’s nurseries, and this year has seen her practice go global, with hotels in Bali and Rabat, Morocco, plus a Mumbai boutique for Jaipur Rugs. “To take Roar from my spare bedroom to a global brand in 13 years is both humbling and exhilarating,” she says. What’s next? “Workplaces that raise the game, schools that help kids thrive and retail concepts that redefine experience.” United Arab Emirates; designbyroar.com
Paola Sakr
From handcrafted vessels to site-specific installations, Paola Sakr moves fluidly between Beirut and Dubai, crafting work that blurs the boundaries between art and daily ritual. Recent projects include Blush for Fragmenta and a 1,000-tile mural for Yubi Restaurant, both grounded in the beauty of imperfection. Now, Sakr prepares to launch Earth to Paola, a platform celebrating the art of the table through collaborations with chefs and makers. “I’m drawn to the moments where design becomes a connector,” she says, “where objects hold emotion as much as function.” Lebanon, United Arab Emirates; paolasakr.design
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Rabah Saeid
Styled Habitat, the Dubai studio run by American-Sudanese designer Rabah Saeid, is 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. Recently, she has won plaudits for The Bungalow, the 1970s-inspired Dubai home of The Rug Company. She’s currently designing a Dubai wellness flagship for a French skincare brand, and preparing to unveil her debut product collection next year, which will “translate our spatial sensibility into collectible objects”. United Arab Emirates; styledhabitat.com
Rabih Geha
Lebanese architect Rabih Geha is one of the country’s most distinctive voices, particularly in the field of bar, club and restaurant design – his portfolio includes numerous hip hangouts. The latest is Club Amis, an immersive Beirut club that celebrates the world of the Pernod Ricard group (which unites many iconic drinks brands). Set in a traditional residential building in historic Gemmayze, the project is an outstanding example of adaptive reuse: original tilework was preserved and combined with modern décor inspired by labels like Pernod and Malfy Gin. Lebanon; rabihgeha.com
Rania Hamed
Rania Hamed’s architecture and interiors, created with her Dubai and Montreal-based studio VSHD, have a Zen-like simplicity; her influences include Japanese design, traditional Arabic housing and Brutalism. The Meld, a new Dubai concept store that combines fashion, design, and a coffee shop, was designed “to feel intentionally unpolished” and open to change, with a paper-like linoleum backdrop. Another recent opening is Moon Slice, a Dubai pizzeria with wooden panelling, white accents and carved-stone friezes. United Arab Emirates, Canada; vshd.net
Riyad Joucka
Architect Riyad Joucka and his experimental practice MEAN* (Middle East Architecture Network) are reimagining how technology and culture intersect. Established in 2016, the Dubai-based studio works across architecture, research, and fabrication, producing modular systems and adaptive spaces that respond to environment and place. Recent works include Send Location in Dubai, Repeat Pilates in Barcelona, and Lamella in Neom – a 3D-printed canopy system that generates shade while harnessing solar power. “For us,” Joucka notes, “architecture is not a service, but a way to test ideas about how we live and build.” United Arab Emirates; m-e-a-n.design
Roham Shamekh
Describing himself as a “crossover artist-designer”, Dubai-based Roham Shamekh breaks boundaries, often using AI language models “to reinterpret creativity through a lens that blends heritage with innovation”. His free-spirited philosophy has won fans, including gallerist Leila Heller and musician Pharrell (plus another global pop star with whom he’s currently working on a top-secret project - watch this space). Shamekh has adopted the artichoke flower as his personal symbol of transformation, as seen on his Earth Monsters candelabra and new Self Love seating. United Arab Emirates; rohamshamekh.com
Salem S. Charabi
Recently relocated from Copenhagen to Cairo, Danish-Egyptian architect Salem Charabi uses local materials and techniques to explore ideas about place, meaning and memory. His work reflects a deep curiosity about cultural connections and artisanal practices: his new furniture collection, A Semblance of Eternity, is inspired by ancient designs. It’s made of maplewood, which is polished with earth pigments, carved, and decorated with silver leaf. Charabi’s return to Egypt signals new adventures with its craftspeople: he is currently experimenting with stone, palm, silk, glass and local woods. Egypt; salemcharabi.com
Salima Naji
By restoring traditional vernacular architecture using local materials and knowledge, Moroccan architect and anthropologist Salima Naji offers a contemporary perspective on her country’s heritage – a process she describes as “paleo-innovation”. She collaborates with local masons to develop earth-friendly construction methods, giving old buildings new life by adapting their functions. Recently, she has been reconstructing an earthquake-damaged school in the village of Setti Fatma near Marrakech; the masons working on the project are parents of the pupils. This year, Naji has also received the prestigious Global Award for Sustainable Architecture. Morocco; salimanaji.com
Salwa Samargandi
As founder of SAL Architects, Saudi Arabia’s Salwa Samargandi raises awareness of her country’s heritage by regenerating its historic sites, often in AlUla. Her practice has recently acquired a more contemporary slant: witness her design for the AlUla South Gas Station, a minimal, geometric structure inspired by Nabatean architecture; and her launch of The Lab by SAL, a research hub for innovation “that allows community integration and exploration”. Samargandi is also restoring the Arabian Market in AlUla’s old town. Saudi Arabia; @sal_architects
Samer Saadeh
Fabraca Studios was born of Lebanese creative Samer Saadeh’s passion for bringing soul to the technical medium of lighting design. “Clients are looking for lighting that goes beyond function – they want pieces that give identity to a space,” he says. This year, he has created a sailing-inspired installation for the ETHR Clubhaus café in Abu Dhabi that “reimagines how light can carry narrative”; and illuminated glass bubbles for jeweller Nada Ghazal’s London boutique, which deploy advanced LED technology and miniature projectors. Coming next? Custom lighting for a hotel in Puglia. Lebanon; fabracastudios.com
Sandra Benhamou
Resident in Paris but possessing Italian and Tunisian heritage, Sandra Benhamou designs individual interiors that blend vintage finds, custom furniture and unusual artworks. This year has seen the launch of her Tellus Mater rug collection for Édition 1.6.9, inspired by regions that she loves, and solo exhibitions with The Invisible Collection – one inspired by Wong Kar-Wai movies, another by the 1970s. She’s juggled these with residential projects in Paris and Normandy. “I love translating cinematic moods and musical references into spatial narratives,” she says. “It’s about creating atmospheres that move people.” France; sandrabenhamou.com
Sayar & Garibeh
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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. Their recent focus has been on collectible and custom pieces: commissions have come in from private collectors and fashion houses (their Raytoid table for Dolce & Gabbana celebrates Italian glassmaking). “What excites us is constantly reimagining the boundary between design, art and craft,” they say. Coming next is a collection with New York gallery R & Company, which explores “material hybridity and sculptural form”. Lebanon, France; sayargaribeh.com
Shahira Fahmy
“The most audible voice in any project is the materiality,” says Shahira Fahmy, the Egyptian architect celebrated for her eco-hotel Dar Tantora Lodge, built on old ruins in AlUla. Materiality also defined her Nakhla installation for Ithra’s Khoos Initiative in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, earlier this year: a lacelike structure in woven palm leaf, it merged craft, light and form. Fahmy has recently restored the 1960s Bergidyll Hotel in the Swiss Alps, famously associated with the Bond movie Goldfinger. Her “gentle renewal” preserves the venue’s midcentury character. Egypt; Sfahmy.com
Shaikha Al-Sulaiti
Doha-based designer Shaikha Al-Sulaiti bridges modern aesthetics with a reverence for Qatari heritage. Adding to her existing furniture collection, she has recently focused on rug design, working with Kahhal 1871 on a series inspired by gypsum carvings and the Bedouin tradition of layering carpets. Petals of the Past, created with Illulian, is a rug design rooted in the majlis: it references embroidery, Sadu weaving and Surrealism. “I have also been invited to collaborate on jewellery, where I plan to reinterpret traditional goldwork in a contemporary way,” she reveals. Qatar; shaikhaalsulaiti.com
shell+core
Based in Abu Dhabi, this studio, founded by Jade Daniel and Ghalia Korban, is causing a stir with its spaces that are “people-focused, locally inspired and constantly evolving”. Cafes and retail stores are at the core of its practice: it has just completed Abu Dhabi café-restaurant ZOI, whose industrial-chic interior features layered block walls and exposed concrete. The duo is also responsible for the robust look of ETHR Clubhaus in Abu Dhabi, and for the city’s Super Classic bakery, a playful concept that explores colour and texture. United Arab Emirates; @shellandcore.uae
Shewekar
Shewekar Elgharably’s Cairo studio creates furniture, homewares and interiors, balancing craft and heritage with modernity. It's new Gezirah penthouse project, set in a 1950s Cairo building, showcases its flair for materiality: the outstanding feature is a breathtaking custom staircase in carved wood. The client’s collection of artworks and collectible design was blended with contemporary pieces to create a “rich, eclectic aesthetic”. Elgharably also contributes to Cairo’s design future by mentoring university students on sustainability in interiors. Egypt; shewekar.com
Sizar Alexis
Swedish-Iraqi designer Sizar Alexis’s furniture is bold in shape and sombre in hue, with an almost totemic quality. His designs reflect his cross-cultural upbringing and evoke memories of his native Iraq. He often finds inspiration in the geometries of architecture: his ItooRaba furniture in black-stained Swedish pine, for example, is characterised by crisp straight lines. The Pilier console, side table and trays reveal a similar fascination with shape and materials, but this time in blackened steel. “My objects evoke stillness, presence and quiet strength,” he says. Sweden; sizaralexis.se
Stephanie Moussallem
Beirut designer Stephanie Moussallem’s furniture and objects “capture the essence of Mediterranean life”, from sunny coastal landscapes to dynamic urban environments. Her Camps Bay drinks bar epitomises her exuberant style, its walnut frame embellished with an abstracted beach scene and gold fish handles. Likewise, the Cro Cro dining table, whose cheery crocodile motif is rendered in marquetry. Moussallem also designs interiors, such as the “cosy, homely” villa in the Faraya mountains she has recently completed. Next, she’s planning a carpet collection with a global design brand. Lebanon; stephaniemoussallem.com
Studio KO
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Olivier Marty and Karl Fournier, founders of Studio KO, are renowned for crafting interiors with a sense of place. They appreciate sensual material contrasts – rugged with refined, light with dark. The newly opened Musée de la Mode et du Costume in Arles, France, encapsulates their mastery: set in an 18th-century mansion which the studio meticulously restored, the project is a collaboration with fragrance house Fragonard. The designers describe the interior as “a subtle and respectful intervention, with a beautiful contemporary staircase”. Morocco, France; studioko.fr
Studio Nama
Sarah Alhomaidah and Dunia Abushanab founded Studio Nama in 2021 with the aim of bringing a fresh perspective to Kuwait’s architecture scene: the name “Nama” is derived from the Arabic word for growth, reflecting their mission to create spaces that evolve meaningfully over time. They take a holistic approach, embracing architecture, interiors and landscape design, and have recently graduated from residential to commercial spaces with their Matchbox restaurant in JACC, Kuwait City. Its eclectic interior is inspired by Persian cuisine. Kuwait; studionama.com
Studio Saffar
Product designer Kawther Alsaffar’s studio is named for the Arabic word “saffar”, which means “tinker” or “good copper”, echoing her family’s tradition of copper sinking. The reference is mirrored in her robust yet elegant metalware. “My sand-cast artworks are rooted in traditional craftsmanship, and challenge the generic definition of luxury,” she says. In the past year, bespoke commissions have included a three-metre dining table with a 450kg bronze base, and wall art in walnut and brass. Coming next is a lighting collection with Fabraca Studios. Kuwait; studiosaffar.com
Sumaya Dabbagh
For Saudi architect Sumaya Dabbagh, architecture is “a living practice – one that connects people to place and spirit.” The recently unveiled Al Ain Museum stands as a defining moment for her RIBA Chartered studio, reflecting years of research into cultural memory and continuity. Since its founding in 2008, Dabbagh Architects has reshaped the Gulf’s architectural language with projects such as the Mleiha Archaeological Centre and Gargash Mosque, both Aga Khan Award nominees. “These cultural projects,” Dabbagh says, “are our way of shaping memory and meaning through architecture.” United Arab Emirates; dabbagharchitects.com
Syn Architects
This Riyadh practice, led by Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi, champions ecologically responsible design with a keen awareness of nature, materiality and adaptive re-use. All three are prominently on view in their Shamalat Cultural Center in Diriyah, Riyadh, a transformation of an old mud house into a vibrant cultural hub housing a gallery, artist residency and workshop space. Riyadh stone, laid in a minimalist style on top of the old structure, gives it a playful yet sensitive character. Saudi Arabia; syn.sa
Tara Sakhi
Known for establishing T Sakhi with her sister Tessa, architect Tara Sakhi now helms Tara Sakhi Studio, which embraces interiors (she is finalising projects in Paris and Beirut), public installations (her “sustainable urban sanctuary” in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue is being followed up with a project in Doha), and product design (Sakhi’s ongoing collaborations with Murano glassmakers are in demand with private collectors). “The next chapter will be about deepening the dialogue between craft and architecture, exploring how artisanal techniques can shape façades, hotels and public spaces,” she says. Lebanon; tsakhi.com
Tarek Dada
Interior architect Tarek Dada has style in his blood – he’s the son of renowned designer Nabil Dada, but has honed his own signature look, which is bold, sleek and resolutely modern. He’s passionate about art and custom commissions. “Our work extends beyond interiors, as we guide clients in shaping their own collections,” he says. “The projects we have been working on reflect this - discovering designers who are yet to be found, and creating spaces where their work can exist harmoniously.” Currently working on multiple global residences, he’s planning a furniture line for 2026. Lebanon, Spain; @tarekdada
Tarek Shamma
Egyptian designer Tarek Shamma is a veteran of both Zaha Hadid and David Chipperfield’s studios; now that he’s independent, his style is as slick as you’d expect. Characterised by refined materials, his interiors reference a variety of 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 art-filled London home of Mathieu Paris of gallery White Cube, which features reclaimed oak floors, Ceppo di Gré stone, and custom parchment-clad millwork. Egypt, United Kingdom; tarekshamma.com
Tarik Zaharna
Architect Tarik Zaharna, founder of T.ZED Architects, approaches architecture as a craft-science shaped by context, human behaviour, and detail. Based between Dubai and Luxembourg, his studio has grown more strategically over the past year, deepening partnerships in luxury real estate across Europe and the Middle East. “The new luxury is understated, discreet, and enduring,” he says, noting a shift away from photogenic spectacle toward meaningful spatial experience. T.ZED is currently advancing mixed-use projects in the UAE and has broken ground on a luxury hospitality development in Italy, alongside ultra-private residences for design-conscious clients in Dubai. United Arab Emirates, Luxembourg; tzed-architects.com
Tariq Khayyat
Formerly head of region at Zaha Hadid Architects, Tariq Khayyat established Dubai architecture studio tkdp in 2018 with partner Xiaosheng Li. Hadid’s legacy has inspired one of tkdp’s latest designs, a Sharjah villa whose fluid, organic form was influenced by ZHA’s headquarters for eco-tech company BEEAH. Innovative residential developments, such as the recent Dubai South Gardens, are another speciality. “The building features a layered façade with landscaped pockets that soften its structure, while staggered balconies add depth and visual interest,” Khayyat explains. United Arab Emirates; tkdp.one
Tessa Sakhi
It has been quite the year for Venice-based Lebanese designer Tessa Sakhi, who, after enjoying a slow-paced renovation of her charming apartment in a historic canal-side building, has fully thrown herself into what brings her the greatest pleasure: creating objects, spaces and experiences that open room for cross-cultural dialogue. Fresh off curating her first show for We Design Beirut in October 2025 (it focused on her passion for glass craft), she is working on two residential projects in Lebanon and recently launched a new collection for Fragmenta: Titled Blooming (In)carnations, born from discarded stone fragments reimagined as architectural furniture. Lebanon, Italy; tessasakhi.com
Thomas Trad
Lebanese designer Thomas Trad approaches design as an act of making – tactile, deliberate, and deeply human. His Dubai-based studio moves between interiors, furniture, and collectible objects, exploring the harmony between craftsmanship and contemporary form. A highlight this year was his collaboration with jewellery designer Nadine Kanso, where art, material, and emotion converged into a home of sculptural warmth. Now working on the renovation of a heritage villa on Wasl Road, Trad continues to design with a sensitivity that favours atmosphere over excess – design that endures quietly, with intent. United Arab Emirates; thomastrad.com
Tristan Du Plessis
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Cape Town-based interior architect Tristan Du Plessis creates immersive, narrative-driven spaces, such as Le Café Louis Vuitton in Shanghai, which draws on LV’s signature heritage luggage to create an environment layered with rich materials. The Cullinan, a fine-dining steakhouse in Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab complex, is an opulent mix of dark marble, timber and brushed metals. Next, Du Plessis is working on the Mondrian Hotel in Abu Dhabi, a hotel in Puerto Rico and a residential tower in Ibiza “for an iconic global brand”. United Arab Emirates, South Africa, United Kingdom; tristanduplessis.com
Verhaal
If you’ve been to the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab hotel in Dubai, you’ve encountered the artful vision of life-and-work partners Neydine Bak and Dewald Struwig; their Sydney-born, Dubai-based studio, Verhaal, has designed the property’s unmissable hotspots, LITT and Kira. Central to their ethos is a commitment to collaborating with exceptional artists and artisan communities around the world, commissioning exclusive work to adorn their projects. Next up? A playful Venetian-Harlequin inspired venue in Cape Town, the launch of their in-house homeware line and the reimagining of an iconic Dubai destination. United Arab Emirates; verhaal.studio
Waiwai
Led by Wael Al Awar and Kazuma Yamao, the Dubai- and Tokyo-based studio waiwai questions how architecture can respond to the environmental realities of the Middle East. Its ongoing research explores industrial waste as material resource, most recently expressed in Barzakh for the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial – a pavilion formed using plastic, palm fibre, and brine. Alongside this, the studio has developed a restoration masterplan for Bukhara’s historic district in Uzbekistan, weaving heritage and modern adaptation. “Our region holds unique lessons,” Al Awar says, “for how architecture can evolve with its climate and culture.” United Arab Emirates, Japan; waiwaidesign.com
X Architects
As co-founders of Dubai-based studio X Architects, Ahmed Al-Ali and Farid Esmaeil are strongly focused on sustainability and contextual design, creating everything from landmark mosques to hospitality developments set within natural landscapes, and masterplans that prioritise urban regeneration. One key new project is the Estidama Mosque in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, which transforms traditional 2D Islamic patterns into a dynamic 3D space that expresses light, form and spiritual depth. Harmonising with Masdar City’s vision of a sustainable community, it utilises solar panels and a grey-water recycling system. United Arab Emirates; x-architects.com
Yasmina Makram
Cairo’s Yasmina Makram has emerged as one of Egypt’s most compelling interior voices, known for spaces that combine precision with poetry. Co-led with her sister, Nour Makram Ebeid, the studio has expanded from bespoke residences to large-scale commissions across the region. Recent projects include the headquarters for Hassan Allam Holding in Riyadh, the DAO Derma Clinic in Cairo, and new showrooms along the Nile. Whether designing a co-working space at the Grand Egyptian Museum or a private home overlooking the Pyramids, the studio remains grounded in authenticity, detail, and narrative depth. Egypt; yasminamakram.com
Yasmine Ghoniem
If there is anyone who really knows how to have fun at work, it is the Australian-Egyptian mastermind behind Sydney-based YSG Studio, Yasmine Ghoniem. For Aussie fashion label Alémais’ flexi workspace, she has planted a lunar landscape in an industrial warehouse and decorated walls with shimmering mosaics with designs straight out of mythical tales. For a client who wanted to leave city life behind, she transformed a house into a magical, nature-inspired escape that is in equal measure chic and brilliantly bonkers. Throughout, her intuitive approach to colour and mixing vintage finds with contemporary designs keeps her ahead of the curve. Australia, Egypt; ysg.studio
