‍Q: You speak at many events and on panels in English. On this occasion, you were able to speak with your native tongue, Arabic. What was that like for you?
A: Nothing feels as good as when you can use your native tongue and feel comfortable. Heartwarming to see the enthusiasm. It didn’t feel like a regular panel - it wasn’t impersonal like they sometimes can be.

Q: What was the most profound message that came out of the dialogue with the Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire Arabia and yourself that evening in Old Dubai? 
A: Once I started talking about us as Gulf people, what we are capable of, versus what has been pressed onto us… That’s when I got the most enthusiasm from the audience. I think I said what people were truly thinking but haven’t heard vocalised in this way. We were discussing our change of habits and the deep-rooted traditions Khaleeji women hold dear and the characteristics that bring out our true identity. While there is a lot of modernisation going on across the region, as Gulf women our values are as strong as ever and our self- and mutual-respect shines bright. Yes, we are embracing change but there are steadfast qualities that unite us even more now.

Q: You get asked a lot what your personal goal is and this private dinner evening was no exception. How did you answer that question? 
A: Well, I answered in two parts that are entwined: my aim is to help emerging designers reach success, and to help guide international brands and buyers in the region. To be direct, I feel like international buyers that are based in the Gulf region really have no clue… They do the lazy Ramadan collection approach and that is simply not enough to relate collections to consumers. I’m open to consulting opportunities so that Eid gift guides and kaftan capsule collections become a small part of much more sophisticated offerings made to Arab women in the region. We are intelligent consumers so brand strategy needs to level up to meet us in a genuine way.

Q: What was the spiciest part of the discussion on your panel? 
A: We did politely allude to a lot of Arab-focused publications being run by people who are not native. It’s obvious to the local audience but not so much to international headquarters. Change is slowly happening now but we’ve been waiting a long time.

Founder of creative agency Aleia, Alyaa speaks to team Deenathe1st about Her Dubai Deena Collaboration:

Q: This is another occasion where you have collaborated with Deena to create a special event. You both have taste levels second to none, so for those who couldn’t attend the private dinner/panel evening, please share a bit more about the decor and vibe of the night.
A: We incorporated Deena’s website color palette of white and black, and a touch of red inspired by her classic manicure that she always sports. The room featured draping [for an intimate feel] and sleek furniture to keep the space very modern and play in with the notion of past meets present since the venue is a heritage site.

Q: You’ve just launched your own agency. Tell us more about it and what needs you are meeting.
A: I launched ALEIA two years ago as a creative agency, but design has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I believe in the transformative power of art and approach every project as though it has been given new life, crafted into existence. My vision for ALEIA is to establish an agency that celebrates and integrates Emirati artistry across all industries, creating meaningful experiences imbued with a distinct purpose. I aim to shift the focus from the final product to the inherent beauty of the creative process itself. With meticulous attention to detail in every concept, I also hope to reclaim our power as Khaleeji consumers by offering insight into what we value, appreciate, and seek. At its core, ALEIA is about showcasing the richness of Emirati culture—whether through collaborations with international talents or creating something entirely original that honors both tradition and innovation.

Q: How did you and Deena meet and what brought about this collab? 
A: Deena and I met exactly a year ago. She has always been someone I and many like me deeply admire. Meeting her in person only confirmed what I had always believed: that the grace, elegance, and kindness she radiates on the outside are even truer on the inside. Hearing her stories first hand showed me how much the region craves voices and insights that are as raw and honest as hers. When Deena launched her website, it felt like the perfect moment to celebrate her story in the most authentic way possible. 

Q: Why did you choose Old Dubai for the venue? 
A: We chose the heart of Old Dubai as the backdrop—a place that symbolizes a powerful truth: as Khaleeji women, no matter how modern or glamorous we may be, we will never turn our backs on where we came from. Deena’s ethos of support of other women is one that is incredibly true, and is how this entire evening came about.

Q: You know Dubai society and its event scene inside out. What is at the top of your list for someone discovering the city’s culture to check out? 
A: If I could share anything about Dubai, I would highly speak of the most beautiful Emirati-founded brand @wajddubai. It’s an artisanal line for luxury traditional wear with a modern twist.

With special thanks to our collaborators Aleia by Alyaa and Marie Claire Arabia for co-hosting this special evening with Deenathe1st.com, and to 1833/١٨٣٣ - the Dubai-based private members club - who featured Deena in discussion with its founder, Sultan Al Darmaki. 

Follow @aleiabyalyaa @marieclairearabia on Instagram.

Until next time, Dubai!

READ Deena’s latest Editor’s Letter here