Oculus brings a poetic softness to illuminated surfaces through its layered chiffon composition. Repurposing textile waste with intention, the piece draws inspiration from the graceful folds of the abaya. Through her sensitive approach to material, Al Dulaimi has transformed familiar fabrics into a sculptural light object that feels both contemporary and deeply tied to cultural expression.

2. Al Nawa Collection 2025 by Nasser Al Ghawi

The Al Nawa Collection 2025 reflects Nasser Al Ghawi’s exploration of the date stone as both material and memory. Composed of a chandelier and feature table, each piece brings thousands of polished stones together within eco-resin to create rich, tactile surfaces. Inspired by the palm tree’s enduring symbolism, the collection merges cultural heritage with modern material innovation.

3. Bayn wa Bayn console by Tasneem Al Nabhani

The Bayn wa Bayn console expresses the quiet rhythm of Gulf terrains through palm-frond desert board. Its layered surfaces suggest shifting sands and subtle movement, giving the piece an understated sculptural presence. Curated from Al Nabhani’s study of regional landscapes, the console offers a modern interpretation of nature’s forms within a refined furniture silhouette.

4. Al Ghawas seating by Amna Al Shamsi and Hannaneh Rafiee

Inspired by the UAE’s pearl-diving history, Al Ghawas combines reclaimed teak, metal accents and naturally dyed fabrics, reflecting the resilience and craftsmanship of the ghawas diver. The pieces balance strength with softness, translating maritime heritage into contemporary forms suited to modern interiors.

5. Haila jewellery cabinet by Jasim Alnagbi

Haila reimagines the iconic Emirati heirloom bangle as a sculptural cabinet for jewellery and treasured objects. Its bold curvature and reflective structure reference the elegance and ritual associated with the original adornment.

6. Sculptural pendant lighting by Hessa Alghand

This contemporary reading of palm wood reinterprets one of the UAE’s most significant natural materials. Alghandi’s piece highlights the quiet beauty of reclaimed wood through refined form and subtle detailing. Rooted in the cultural symbolism of the palm tree, the pendant embodies a dialogue between tradition and modern design sensibilities.

7. Loodo coffee table by Alefiyah Ustad and Reem Shawkat (Clock & Cloud)

Sand-based materials have been crafted to shape a sculptural, grounded coffee table whose design echoes the welcoming spirit of the majlis, capturing the warmth and intimacy of communal gathering. Through its considered form and regional materiality, Loodo bridges contemporary interior design with the landscapes that define the Gulf.

The post Things to Covet appeared first on identity.

The collection featured nine designers from the Tashkeel Tanween Design Programme 2025, each of whom has spent the past 11 months immersed in research, experimentation, and collaboration with engineers and scientists to create functional objects that push the boundaries of material innovation while remaining deeply rooted in Emirati heritage.

Displayed alongside are portraits of the designers and their works, capturing the creativity and craftsmanship that define the Tanween Collection 2025:

Hessa Alghandi

Sarah Al Dulaimi

Nasser Al Ghawi

The pieces on display tell stories as diverse as the materials they employ. Emirati designer Hessa Alghandi transforms discarded palm wood into sculptural pendant lighting that bridges tradition and contemporary elegance, while Iraqi-British artist Sarah Al Dulaimi reimagines the abaya in Oculus, a layered chiffon wall light that transforms textile waste into luminous art. Poet-designer Nasser Al Ghawi celebrates the symbolism of the palm tree with the Al-Nawa Collection 2025, a chandelier and feature table crafted from thousands of date stones and eco-resin.

Alefiyah Ustad and Reem Shawkat

Tasneem Al Nabhani

Furniture designs reinterpret time-honored craftsmanship: the sand-based coffee table Loodo by Alefiyah Ustad and Reem Shawkat of Clock & Cloud evokes the majlis, and Tasneem Al Nabhani’s Bayn wa Bayn console uses palm-frond desert board to mirror the shifting landscapes of the Gulf. Jasim Alnaqbi’s jewellery cabinet Haila transforms the Emirati heirloom bangle into a sculptural object of reflection and care, while Amna Al Shamsi and Hannaneh Rafiee’s Al Ghawas seating honors the UAE’s pearl-diving heritage through reclaimed teak, metal, and naturally dyed fabric.

Jasim Alnaqbi

Amna Alshamsi and Hannaneh Rafiee

Beyond its role as a showcase, the Tanween Collection demonstrates Tashkeel’s long-standing commitment to nurturing local talent and advancing a sustainable, culturally resonant design language. Designers will continue to receive support in funding, marketing, and production, enabling them to bring their limited-edition creations to market and establish a foothold in the UAE’s design scene.

As the program opens applications for Tanween 2026, a new cohort of designers, engineers, and architects will embark on a year-long journey of research, collaboration, and material experimentation, culminating in Dubai Design Week 2026. With each edition, Tanween continues to define the UAE’s design narrative one that is modern, innovative, and profoundly connected to its heritage, offering a glimpse into the future of Emirati creativity.

The post Tashkeel Unveils Tanween Collection 2025: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation appeared first on identity.