9 UAE-based designers to receive training, mentoring, research support to produce original designs made in the UAE for 2024 cohort.
Dubai, UAE –Tashkeel, one of the UAE’s key cultural incubators, has announced nine designers set to take part in the 11th annual Tanween Design Programme – the largest cohort selected to date.
Aimed at fostering the growth of design in the UAE and the production of sustainable furniture and home goods in-country, Tashkeel’s Tanween initiative welcomes a select group of emerging UAE – based designers, offering them a transformative journey of skill enhancement and creative exploration. Through a carefully crafted curriculum, the nine selected designers engage in immersive training, mentorship, and research opportunities, culminating in the development and production of commercially-available design pieces that are made in the Emirates.
“Given that this is Tashkeel’s largest group of Tanween designers to date, we can see the growth of the regional design sector in the last decade, as well as the increased demand for creativity and production emanating from the UAE. These nine new Tanween designers are poised to make significant contributions to the local and global design community.” said Karam Hoar, Marketing & Communications Manager at Tashkeel.
Throughout 2024, Tanween participants refine their craft, expand creative horizons, and engage in critical discourse, fostering regional design innovation. With opportunities to showcase their work through a prestigious design exhibition in Q4 2024, Tanween empowers designers to make meaningful contributions to the evolving design landscape.
Tashkeel’s Tanween cohort for 2024 includes:
- Khadija Almazimi, an Emirati designer and researcher specializing in UAE heritage and sustainable materials, who has pursued painting since childhood. With qualifications in Graphic Art from the Sharjah Higher College of Technology and Science Design (Interior Design) from the American University in the UAE, Khadija has built a diverse portfolio, working in various roles including graphic designer, architecture drafter, and freelance interior designer.
- Majid Al Bastaki, a Senior Architectural Engineering student, who has established himself as a creative force marked by innovation. Alongside his studies, Majid excels as a Freelance Architectural Photographer since 2018, capturing captivating images that showcase architectural beauty.
- Khaled Al Shaer, an Emirati multidisciplinary designer and strategist, who holds a degree in design management from the American University of Sharjah. His professional journey spans various dimensions within the technology sector, encompassing roles as an interaction designer. Khaled works with architect and designer Mohammad Samara as a design duo united in their interest in contextual design, light touch, and placemaking, investigating coexistence with nature, vernacularity, and the exploration of a regional design philosophy.
- Mohammad Samara, a design architect from the American University of Sharjah, who centers his professional endeavors on innovation and sustainability. Research is a pivotal driver, influencing his approach to challenge preconceived design notions. Mohammad sees design as a catalyst for meaningful dialogues and positive change, aiming to revive a distinct design identity in the region.
- Amna Bin Bishr, Duna Ajlan, and Dania Ajlan, owners of One-Third Studio, a dynamic trio of female designers on a collective mission to redefine the field of design. United by a shared passion for creating impactful and aesthetically compelling products, they bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of diverse experiences to the table
- Osama Rashad, an architect and technical partner at Atoms Studio in Dubai, who holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University. Specializing in earth construction, he has led various projects in South Sinai, Egypt, emphasizing community engagement and knowledge dissemination through seminars and workshops. In 2022, his work was exhibited at Cairo Design Week.
- Rimsha Kidwai, a product designer with an interest in urban research, materiality and indigenous production methods. Based in the UAE since 2006, she graduated from the National College of Arts in Pakistan and has since worked at Dubai-based design studios Tinkah and Aljoud Lootah Design.
Tanween 2024 introduces an innovative approach to furniture design, emphasizing functionality and sustainability. Each piece is not only inspired by the rich culture and heritage of the UAE but is also entirely crafted within the country, reflecting a commitment to local craftsmanship and ingenuity. The initiative aims to merge traditional Emirati design elements with modern aesthetics, producing timeless pieces that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious. Through Tanween 2024, Tashkeel showcases its dedication to promoting sustainable practices while celebrating its unique identity in the realm of design and craftsmanship.
About Tashkeel:
Tashkeel is an incubator of visual art & design and a commercial consultancy rooted in the United Arab Emirates. Established in Dubai in 2008 by Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Tashkeel’s facilities enable production, experimentation and discourse. Its annual programme of training, residencies, workshops, talks, exhibitions, international collaborations and publications aims to further practitioner development, public engagement and lifelong learning. And its commercial services seek to embed UAE-made art and design in the very fabric of society and the economy. By nurturing the growth of contemporary art and design, Tashkeel seeks to empower the country’s ever growing creative and cultural industries.
Tashkeel’s commercial services include Consultancy, ranging from advisory, sales, design and production services and special projects for a wide range of clients; Training, the development and delivery of art-based learning for the education, cultural, public and private sectors; Membership, providing comprehensive access for the creative community to facilities and studios to research, experiment, make and collaborate; and Printing & Cutting Services of laser-cutting, fine art/photography & risograph printing; and Retail, selling UAE-made art and design products instore and online as well as across a nationwide network of partners.
Tashkeel’s incubator initiatives include: Tanween, which takes a cohort of UAE-based designers through a one-year skills development programme, taking a product inspired by the UAE from concept to completion; Critical Practice, which invites visual artists to embark on a one-year skills development programme of studio practice, mentorship and training, culminating in a major solo presentation; Residencies at Tashkeel or abroad, ranging in duration and often in partnership with international partners; Make Works UAE, an online platform connecting creatives and fabricators to enable designers and artists accurate and efficient access to the UAE manufacturing sector; Exhibitions & Fairs to highlight innovation and excellence, growing audience for art & design in the UAE.
