For the 10th edition of the Middle East Emergent Designer Prize, High Jewelry Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, in partnership with Tashkeel, announces the winner: Hajer Al Tenaiji

Cultivating talent across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, the Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East Emergent Designer Prize, in partnership with Tashkeel, aims to encourage and support designers to bring their creative ideas to reality. Each year, emerging designers are invited to submit proposals for functional

products that embody a particular theme, which can be interpreted through materials, forms, functions, and techniques. Designers are strongly encouraged to utilize innovative approaches using locally sourced materials.

The designer behind the winning product receives a five-day trip to Paris to attend courses at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, an institute founded by Van Cleef & Arpels and dedicated to sharing the culture and knowledge of the world of jewelry.

10th anniversary of the Middle East Emergent Designer Prize marks a significant milestone in celebrating and nurturing regional talent. With Van Cleef & Arpels’ continued involvement, this partnership with Tashkeel has grown into a prestigious platform for emerging designers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, encouraging them to bring their creative visions to life. This decade-long collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation and cultural heritage, fostering a new generation of designers who embody these values. By providing access to global expertise and supporting local talent,Van Cleef & Arpels and Tashkeel are not only enhancing the region’s design landscape but also contributing to a broader dialogue on creativity and craftsmanship.

This year’s theme was Inspiring Winds. In literature, wind heralds coming change, often enabling us to embark on journeys of growth and renewal. Ranging from charming light breezes to imposing hurricanes and tornadoes, wind possesses specific resonance in desert lands where languages and dialects have numerous terms for the myriad movements of air across both sea and sand. From naseem and harmattan to khamsin, simoom and shamal, these currents of air form part of the cultural heritage of communities who are rooted as much on the waves as they are on the dunes.

The new edition of the Van Cleef & Arpels Emergent Designer Prize brought together some of the region’s most well-regarded design experts to serve as jury members:

• Abdalla AlMulla: The acclaimed Emirati designer and Tashkeel alumni has made a name for himself with his culturally nuanced work – interiors, architecture, objects and installations – that combine a contemporary world-view with local craft and artisanal know-how.
• Aline Asmar d’Amman: This Paris-based Lebanese designer is a globally recognised expert in artful interiors with prestigious projects such as the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris to her name. In 2022 she masterminded the scenography for the Lebanon pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Aline was the guest of honor and president of the jury of the 7th Festival d’architecture intérieure of Villa Noailles, Design Parade Toulon 2023.
• Rana Beiruti: Based in Jordan, Beiruti is the co-founder of Amman Design Week and works closely with both emerging and established artists, designers, and performers. Her new Design Doha biennial exhibition, Arab Design Now, features work by over 74 regional creatives.
• Shaikha Al-Sulaiti: One of the most influential design names in Qatar, this AD100 designer leads the interior design division of Msheireb Properties and oversees the Doha Design District. Her work has been presented at acclaimed galleries such as Rossana Orlandi in Milan.
• Talib Choudhry: Architectural Digest Middle East’s Head of Editorial Content, Choudhry, has been at the helm of the title since September 2017. Since moving to Dubai, he has cemented AD’s position as the region’s leading design authority, developing the brand across 360’ platforms including digital, social and experiential.

These experts, along with representatives of Van Cleef & Arpels and Tashkeel, selected Hajer Al Tenaiji as the winner of the 10th Edition Prize. Additionally, due to an exceptionally strong number of submissions, the Jury selected Lamies Yayha and Khaled Al Kathir as the two runner-ups, furthering the initiative’s commitment to community, supporting not one, but three talented designers.

Winning Designs

‘Dhow Kite’ by Hajer Al Tenaiji

Wind is the lifeblood of sailing, and for centuries, pearl divers have relied on its invisible hand to guide them towards their precious bounty, which helped them in earning their living. In the United Arab Emirates there is a long tradition of sailing Dhows. This heritage sport traces its origin to when dhows were used in pearl diving, fishing and transporting goods. Through this Dhow Kite design, culture is connected with the spirit of wind andserves as a symbol of positivity and potential.

Karam Hoar, Marketing & Communications Manager of Tashkeel, said: “Now in its 10th edition, the Middle East Emergent Designer Prize has developed a formidable reputation for identifying and nurturing rising talents who are poised to play a prominent role in the region’s dynamic design scene. This year, we were incredibly impressed by the quality and creativity of the submissions. After a great deal of deliberation and discussion, the jury selected Hajer Al Tenaiji for her beautiful design that thoughtfully blends the traditions of the region with the natural elements that inspire her work. We are thrilled to see how these designers will continue to contribute to the evolution of Middle Eastern design.”

‘Breezeborn’ Console by Lamies Yayha

Crafted with the whispering essence of wind-sculpted landscapes, the Breezeborn Console embodies the timeless beauty of erosion’s gentle touch. Featuring softly curved edges and textured surfaces that echo the sands’ intricate patterns, this minimalist masterpiece invites to tranquility and connection to the earth. Each piece is crafted from reclaimed wood, ensuring a harmonious and natural design.

‘No Beginning” Chandelier by Khaled Al Kathir

Inspired by the concept of using wind to make a sculpture with soft and malleable materials, the “No Beginning” chandelier conveys a sense of movement and life with natural world. Hand sculpted, the design depicts the effect of the wind on shaping the stone - made from recycled cork and sand - whose unique earth tones suggest it was cut from the surrounding mountains. Ultimately, a sense of freedom can be found in the organic design, allowing one to feel an appreciation for the random beauty found in nature.

Alessandro Maffi, SVP of Middle East and India, Van Cleef & Arpels, explains:

“We are honored to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Middle East Emergent Designer Prize in partnership with Tashkeel. This cultural and community-centric milestone reflects our deep commitment to supporting the creative vision and talent that thrives in this region. At Van Cleef & Arpels, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of fostering an environment where innovation and craftsmanship can flourish. This year’s theme, Inspiring Winds, has beautifully showcased the extraordinary ability of regional designers to interpret the essence of their heritage. We are proud to recognize Hajer Al Tenaiji and all the participants who have demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in their work.”