In the UAE, Christmas is just as celebrated as any other holiday, and some Emirati artists have been putting their talents to use for a really good cause. Partnering up with homeware store Crate & Barrell, Emirati artists have designed some UAE themed Christmas baubles in support of the Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities.
The baubles are limited edition and have been created by these four local artists who are donating all profits to the Al Noor Training Centre in Dubai. The designs are representative of local culture and feature intricate henna designs, Emirati textiles, and local dress codes.
One of the artists who has participated in the collection is Abdulla Lutfi who is an Emirati with autism spectrum disorder. He specializes in quirky black and white designs, and credits his education as the reason for his art, “I would like to support the students of Al Noor get ahead in life and become independent members of society,” he said.
Other local artists who feature their work in the festive collection include, Amreen Wahid and Muna Amareen. Wahid is a henna artist and is the driving force behind the popular @Girly.Henna Instagram account and has transferred her exceptional designs onto the festive decorations. On the other hand, multidisciplinary artist Amareen, has conceptualized the traditional Emirati embroidery and textiles onto the baubles. Also known as talli, she used the concept and created vibrant and floral decorations, “I am very happy to be a part of this campaign to support Al Noor with their holistic approach to the wellbeing of all students, who benefit from individually designed programs to suit their specific needs,” she said.
Fashion designer Budoor Abdulqader created bold and beautiful baubles reflecting traditional Emirati clothing, with some featuring designs symbolically featuring a face mask, in tribute to the way people have had to embrace the new normal amid the pandemic. “Being Emirati and having a background in fashion design, I really wanted to highlight the UAE’s national dress and create unique baubles that add an element of playfulness and fun,” says Abdulqader. “Bringing cultures together to raise money for Al Noor is an initiative that I am very honoured to participate in and support.”
Each of the baubles are priced at AED 80 and the limited collection is available in Crate & Barrel stores in Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and The Dubai Mall.
