Meet five designers from the GCC whose work explores the relationship between contemporary aesthetics, craftsmanship and cultural identity.
Across the GCC, designers are finding individual ways to express their creative identities, drawing inspiration from architecture, traditional craftsmanship, personal experiences and the environments around them. Some work with furniture and decorative objects, while others focus on residential interiors and architecture, but each brings a recognisable perspective to her practice.
We highlight five women whose projects offer insight into the region’s design talent.
Alamira Noor Bani Hashim – UAE
Emirati designer Alamira Noor Bani Hashim is the creative director of Dubai-based design studio ANBH. With a passion for architecture and interiors, she has developed a distinctive style that combines natural materials, rich textures and thoughtful details. Her work focuses on creating welcoming, functional spaces that reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their users.
Drawing inspiration from her surroundings and cultural heritage, Bani Hashim brings a contemporary approach to interior design, balancing traditional influences with modern aesthetics. Her projects span residential and commercial spaces, each reflecting her attention to detail and appreciation for craftsmanship.
Shaikha Al Sulaiti – Qatar
Qatari designer Shaikha Al Sulaiti is known for her creative approach to furniture and decorative objects, combining traditional influences with contemporary design. Drawing inspiration from Qatar’s cultural heritage, architecture and craftsmanship, she explores different materials, colours and techniques to create pieces that are both functional and visually distinctive.
Her Wahaaj tables, part of the Imagining Utopia collection, take inspiration from the stained-glass windows of traditional Qatari houses. Incorporating recycled fabrics, geometric shapes and vibrant colours, the designs reflect her interest in experimentation and sustainability while celebrating elements of Qatari identity.
Hend Almatrouk – Kuwait
Kuwaiti architect Hend Almatrouk is the co-founder and creative director of Studio Toggle, an architectural practice she established in 2011 alongside Gijo Paul George. Her work spans residential, commercial and public spaces, combining contemporary design with a thoughtful approach to functionality, materials and the surrounding environment.
Almatrouk is known for creating spaces that respond to users’ needs while exploring innovative architectural forms and layouts. Projects such as House in Dahiya in Kuwait reflect her approach to modern architecture, balancing distinctive design with practical, comfortable living spaces.
Aljoud Lootah – UAE
Emirati designer Aljoud Lootah is known for her contemporary approach to furniture and product design, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Working across furniture, lighting and decorative objects, she often draws inspiration from Emirati culture, architecture and everyday life, reinterpreting familiar elements through sculptural forms and innovative materials.
Her designs feature bold shapes, intricate details, and a strong appreciation for craftsmanship. Through her work, Lootah explores the relationship between heritage and contemporary design, creating functional pieces that also make an artistic statement.
Princess Anoud Khalid Mishaal – Saudi Arabia
Saudi designer Princess Anoud Khalid Mishaal founded Riyadh-based A Interiors, specialising in residential interiors, bespoke furniture, and decorative design. Her work blends contemporary aesthetics with Saudi heritage, using traditional materials, textiles, and artwork to create elegant, personalised spaces.
With a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail, she approaches each project individually, reflecting her clients’ tastes and lifestyles. Her farmhouse project in Al’Ammariyah exemplifies this approach, combining contemporary furnishings with traditional textiles and decorative details inspired by local culture.
