M MAC Design is expanding its footprint in the Upper Upscale Lifestyle hospitality segment, with exciting new projects for brands like 25hours Hotel, Moxy, and Even. These ventures offer rich creative potential, allowing us to push boundaries in storytelling, spatial harmony, and guest experience. Our recent 10-year anniversary and branding refresh mark a bold new chapter—fuelling innovation, introspection, and a renewed commitment to design excellence.

FROM START TO SUCCESS

Born and raised in Dubai in the late 1970s, Anil carries a deep connection to the region. His pursuit of heritage led him to Delhi, India, where he studied architecture and absorbed diverse design traditions. Returning to Dubai, he began his career in a furniture factory, gaining hands-on experience in joinery and woodworking, shaping his meticulous approach to detail and materiality. He later pursued a Master’s in Interior Design in Milan. Rising to Design Director at Samuel Creations, he led major hospitality projects before co-founding MMAC Design in 2013, now a leading studio delivering award-winning, narrative- driven hospitality experiences.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Looking ahead, MMAC envision strategic growth across emerging markets, with a focus on experiential hospitality and culturally rooted design. As the industry evolves toward immersive, wellness- driven, and community- centric spaces, the studio aims to lead with purpose and originality. With an expanding team and global collaborations, MMAC is well-positioned to seize new opportunities, shape future trends, and continue crafting destinations that resonate deeply with both travelers and local communities.

Leading with Impact

Anil leads with empathy, fairness, and a deep respect for personal well-being. He fosters a culture where creativity flourishes, work-life balance is honored, and every team member feels valued. His intuitive leadership style inspires trust and loyalty, creating an environment where people thrive. As he puts it, “With minimal turnover and a casual, friendly atmosphere, we strive to make MMAC Design more than just a workplace— it’s a place to grow.”

PROJECTS

THAT DEFINE EXCELLENCE For Anil, The Luxury Collection in Aqaba, Jordan, marked a pivotal moment in his design journey—it was the first project where the interior concept fully embraced a meaningful narrative. Drawing inspiration from the historic port city of Alya, the design story permeated every aspect of the hotel. From intricate tapestries and exquisite Syrian furniture to thoughtfully curated staff uniforms, each detail paid homage to the region’s rich heritage. In contrast, the Marriott Hotel & Apartments in Kampala, Uganda, offered Anil the opportunity to explore a vibrant, contemporary East African aesthetic. This expansive property—featuring over six F&B venues, a spa, and even a casino—allowed him and his team to flex their design creativity and deliver something truly iconic for the city. Drawing from Kampala’s underground fashion scene and tribal roots, the concept resulted in a hotel that is both strikingly modern and unmistakably East African.