In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Emergent Designer Prize, Van Cleef & Arpels, in collaboration with Tashkeel, is presenting an exhibition showcasing the winning works from the past ten editions. Held at Tashkeel Studio and Gallery in Alserkal Avenue, the exhibition brings together functional design pieces by emerging designers from across the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Since its launch in 2013, the Emergent Designer Prize has recognised ten winners and several finalists, each presenting unique pieces crafted using locally sourced materials. Each year, participants respond to a thematic brief, producing objects that reflect both contemporary concerns and cultural context. To commemorate a decade of artistic innovation, the exhibition features works from winners and finalists from all 10 editions, with a special spotlight on last year’s winning artist, Hajar Al Tenaiji.
Al Tenaiji’s winning piece, “Dhow Kite”, reflects on the vital role of wind in the UAE’s maritime past, particularly in pearl diving and dhow sailing. Blending cultural heritage with sustainability, the piece serves as both a tribute to the nation’s seafaring history and an invitation for younger generations to connect with it through interactive and eco-conscious design.
Also, on display are two finalist pieces from this year’s edition: “Breezeborn console”, by Lamies Yahya – crafted from reclaimed wood, it reflects the symbiosis between nature and design and “No Beginning chandelier”, by Khaled Al Kathir – a piece that mirrors the wind’s effect on shaping stone and the earth’s natural landscapes through the use of recycled cork and sand.
The exhibition runs until 3 June 2025, offering visitors a look at a decade of design development across the Gulf, and the growing role of functional design in shaping the region’s creative industries.
Location: Tashkeel Studio and Gallery, Alserkal Avenue
Date: until 3 June 2025