Dr. Ola Abbas Khayat

Dr. Ola Abbas Khayat is an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Interior Design and Furniture at the Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University. She also serves as the Deputy Director for Donor Relations at the university. Dr. Khayat earned her Master’s degree in Digital Design in 2016 and her Ph.D. in Interior Design in 2019 from De Montfort University in the United Kingdom.

She has participated in numerous academic and community initiatives and has chaired several specialized committees focusing on curriculum development, student affairs, and academic quality. She is actively involved in fostering a culture of innovation and design within the college and possesses extensive teaching experience in areas such as interior design, furniture history, and design studios.

Dr. Khayat has presented research and delivered lectures at various conferences and workshops, receiving multiple academic awards from De Montfort University for excellence in research competitions and scientific presentations. Her work explores topics including artificial intelligence in education, and interior design for both contemporary and heritage spaces — notably her study on traditional guest houses in Historic Jeddah.

Her research interests focus on innovative technologies in interior design, contemporary design inspired by local identity, and the development of interactive learning environments that foster creativity and academic engagement.