The Design Fund Award in partnership with L’ÉCOLE Middle East, launched in 2019, provides a unique platform for emerging jewelry designers based in the UAE and medium-sized jewelry-focused businesses to embark on a transformative journey. Through bespoke collaborations and comprehensive training opportunities, the award sets the stage for the creation of future-leading brands within the region and beyond.
This year, the following participants were recognized for their outstanding creativity and innovation in jewelry design: Shamma Al Hammadi from the University of Sharjah was named the winner for her project “Al Dana wa Al Khawasa,” while Shamma Al Falasi from Zayed University in Dubai and Alya Al Zaabi from Zayed University in Abu Dhabi were the finalists.
The title “Al Dana wa Al Khawasa” is Arabic, translating to “The Pearl and the Diver,” and reflects elements of traditional Emirati culture, particularly the heritage related to handicrafts and sea crafts. “Al Dana” (The Pearl) represents beauty, value, and the rich cultural history of the UAE’s pearl diving heritage, while “Al Khawasa” (Handcraft) symbolizes the hard work, bravery, and traditional way of life of the Emirati people. The winning jewelry piece is deeply rooted in the UAE’s cultural heritage, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance. It features a central lustrous pearl, representing the rich history of pearl diving in the UAE, surrounded by intricate metalwork patterns inspired by traditional Emirati wickerwork, crafted with high-quality diamonds. This design celebrates the labor, artistry, and historical significance of these traditional practices, creating a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic.
The 3 finalists of the ADMAF Design Fund Award 2024 attended a 5-day program at L’ÉCOLE Middle East in Dubai Design District (d3) from September 4th. During this immersive experience, they had the opportunity to participate in courses covering the history of jewelry, the world of gemstones, and the savoir-faire of jewelry-making techniques, led by esteemed lecturers, professionals, and master jewelry craftsmen at L’ÉCOLE Middle East. L’ÉCOLE’s dedication in sharing jewelry culture will provide the finalists a chance to gain an in-depth understanding of the heritage and craftsmanship of jewelry design.
In addition, the top winner will receive a 50,000 AED prize to help further establish her jewelry design career and an exclusive 5-day trip to Paris in November, to participate in an educational programme organized at L’ÉCOLE France & Europe’s new campus, Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau on the Grands Boulevards, to further enhance her skills and knowledge in Jewelry Arts. Furthermore, the winner will also have the opportunity to showcase her winning pieces at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025, where this prestigious platform will provide her with significant exposure to present their work to a global audience.
Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF)
Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) was established in 1996 as one of the earliest cultural foundations in the Gulf region and Arab World. ADMAF supports the sustainability and creativity of the cultural industry and contributes to enriching Abu Dhabi as a cultural beacon.
For more information, please visit ADMAF website at: www.admaf.org.
About Abu Dhabi Festival
Founded in 2004, the Festival was generously granted the patronage of the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from 2007 to 2011. The first Abu Dhabi Festival was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then Minister of Information and Culture (currently Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs).
Abu Dhabi Festival is the festival of “Bilad Al Khayr”, the land of blessings, the land of Zayed, and embraces the values of dialogue, tolerance, respect and peace.
For more information, please visit www.abudhabifestival.ae.
About L’ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts
Established in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts aims to introduce the public to all aspects of jewelry culture. It is an initiation school, open to everyone – complete beginners as well as enlightened amateurs, collectors and those with a curiosity for the world of jewelry.
L’ÉCOLE offers courses in three major fields: the history of jewelry, the world of gemstones and the savoir-faire of jewelry-making techniques, taught by art historians, gemologists, jewelers and artisans. The classes are all practice-based and the students experiment with gestures, skills and tools, guided by their lecturers. It also offers other activities: exhibitions, books, videos, podcasts as well as in-person and online talks. Creative workshops were also created for children and teenagers.
L’ÉCOLE now has five permanent addresses: two in Paris, one in Hong Kong, one in Shanghai and one in Dubai.
Moreover, since its inception, L’ÉCOLE regularly travels abroad, in Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East, for talks, exhibitions or traveling course programs that can last one to three weeks. L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts therefore contributes to the promotion and visibility of jewelry culture on an international scale.
For more information, please visit www.lecolevancleefarpels.com.
