Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
Explore the revival of the country’s crafts and its contribution to creativity and development
In a rapidly globalising world, heritage crafts hold unique cultural value, acting as a bridge between tradition and modernity. Bahrain, with its rich history and abundant natural resources, has become a centre for the revival of traditional crafts. This is in turn sparking new opportunities for creativity and development, as artisans, designers and artists collaborate in the country’s flourishing cultural movement. The country’s coastal heritage continues to play a pivotal role in its craft tradition. From the construction of dhow boats to the creation of sailors’ garments, the country’s crafts have long been tied to the sea. Bahrain’s freshwater sources nourish palm groves and rush plants, providing materials for baskets and home furnishings that blend functionality with aesthetic charm. The island’s natural resources also support its renowned pottery and architectural carving traditions, while its history of metalworking, goldsmithing and embroidery enriches cultural celebrations. These crafts tell the story of the people behind them, celebrating community, cooperation and cultural heritage.
Published by Assouline, this book features photography by Harald Gottschalk and text by cultural researcher Sheikha Mariam Hisham Al Khalifa. It encapsulates Bahrain’s handicraft traditions and will help to inspire future generations of artisans to carry forward their legacy with renewed appreciation.
assouline.com
Soft pastels, natural materials and artistic craftmanship take centre stage at Villa Miraé
Here are the bold and statement pieces that caught our eye this month
Tucked away in the Andalusian countryside near Gaucín, a small town located between Marbella and Gibraltar, Cortijo Genesis in Spain has recently been renovated by Victoria-Maria Geyer
Interior designer Juliette Spencer of Atelier RO revives a storied pre-war apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with an elegant fusion of New York structure and French soul.
Designed by Barcelona-based studio El Equipo Creativo, the newly renovated Kimpton Los Monteros hotel in Marbella, Spain is deeply inspired by Marbella’s rich landscape and cultural heritage.
Roar has recently designed a new office for a global consulting firm that boldly reimagines the UAE's landscapes and cultural heritage into a workplace
“No one does colour quite like Caroline Stanbury,” shares Kate Instone, Founder and Creative Director of Blush International
The Zaha Hadid Foundation partners with the American University of Beirut to support the next generation of architectural talent.
The Foster + Partners designed striking museum will honour the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
identity hosted a roundtable and workshop in honour of Emirati Women's Day in collaboration with Casamia
identity is excited to announce its 11th annual identity Design Awards 2025.
Taking place between 4-9 November, here's what we know so far about the 11th edition of the Middle East's leading design festival.