Ayah Maklad

Founder, CEO & Creative Director at Maklad Design

Speaker

Ayah Maklad is the Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Maklad Design, a Dubai-based interior design and fit-out company delivering projects across residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, education, and workplace sectors. Having founded the company at a young age, Ayah has led its evolution from a design-focused studio into a multidisciplinary practice offering interior design, fit-out, bespoke joinery, landscaping, and end-to-end project delivery.

As Creative Director, Ayah oversees the creative vision of the company’s projects, with a strong emphasis on storytelling, functionality, and the human experience. Her approach combines conceptual thinking with practical execution, ensuring that every space reflects its purpose, identity, and the needs of those who use it. Under her leadership, Maklad Design has built a diverse portfolio of private and institutional clients, including Dubai Health Authority, International Schools Partnership, Nibras International School, Oman Dental College, and Dubai Municipality, alongside residential and commercial projects across the UAE.

With a particular interest in how the built environment influences behavior, interaction and well-being, Ayah believes that educational spaces should go beyond traditional functionality to inspire curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging. A strong advocate for emerging talent, she also champions Maklad Design’s “Run by Youth” philosophy, empowering a new generation of designers and professionals to challenge conventions and bring fresh perspectives to the industry. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: great design is not just about how a space looks, but how it makes people feel, interact, and thrive.