In an exciting development, the Zayed National Museum has unveiled the official uniforms for its staff, designed by Emirati fashion designer Mariam Omar Bin Ghalib Al Falasi. Her designs masterfully merge the rich cultural heritage of the UAE with a contemporary aesthetic, highlighting both comfort and practicality while embodying the museum’s identity and spirit of hospitality.
Inspired by Tradition
The official uniforms emerged from a design competition launched in 2023, aimed at Emirati students in universities across the country. Al Falasi’s winning designs resonate with the museum’s mission to preserve Emirati heritage and honour the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace. These designs reflect core values that have inspired the UAE’s journey.
A Memorable Visitor Experience
Hind Al Khouri, Director of Marketing and Communication and curator of the visitor experience at the Zayed National Museum, stated: “The museum staff is the first point of interaction for our visitors, playing a pivotal role in shaping their impressions from the moment they arrive. Our vision for a comprehensive and multi-dimensional museum experience is realised through carefully designed elements that reflect the museum’s identity and enhance the visitor’s connection to its narrative and messages. The visual aspect is essential to this experience, which is why the uniforms embody the cultural richness of the UAE while also conveying the museum’s modern character. The intricate details in the designs reflect the diverse roles of our team within a cohesive visual identity that enriches and distinguishes the museum experience.”
Celebrating Emirati Craftsmanship
The women’s designs draw inspiration from “Talli,” one of the UAE’s most prominent traditional crafts, which represents an authentic facet of cultural heritage, showcasing values of creativity and community connection. Historically, women wove Talli during gatherings using “Kajouja,” and Al Falasi has cleverly infused this traditional element into detailed accents, particularly on the sleeves of the robes and jackets, whilst maintaining a contemporary style that preserves its authenticity.
Meanwhile, the men’s designs are based on the traditional Emirati “Kandora,” complemented by elegantly tailored jackets that evoke imagery from historical photographs of the late Sheikh Zayed. The design of the headpiece, “Iqal,” takes cues from national dress elements, offering a representation that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, resonating with the museum’s visual identity.
A Harmonious Palette
The colour palette of the uniforms is inspired by the serene and balanced tones of the UAE’s desert landscape, reflecting the essence of the environment. The fluid lines, meticulous craftsmanship, and simple patterns contribute to the modern appeal of the designs, ensuring they complement the architectural identity of the museum without overpowering it.
Emphasising Cultural Identity
Mariam Al Falasi remarked, “Designing the official uniforms for the Zayed National Museum was an opportunity to celebrate the cultural identity of the UAE through practical and contemporary designs that meet everyday usage needs. I aimed to reinterpret authentic elements from traditional Emirati attire in a manner that aligns with the museum’s extraordinary architecture and cultural vision, achieving a balance between tradition and innovation. I hope these designs impart a sense of pride and belonging to the team, transforming the concept of a work uniform into an extension of national identity and a reflection of pride in Emirati heritage. A museum of such stature deserves for its values to reflect in every detail, with the official uniforms becoming a part of the narrative that tells the story of the UAE to the world.”
The winning design was selected through a competition initiated by the Zayed National Museum in 2023, which invited Emirati designers and university students to create concepts inspired by traditional national attire that skilfully combined authenticity with innovation, while also meeting high standards of practicality and comfort for daily use. This initiative reflects the museum’s commitment to supporting cultural and creative industries, empowering national talents, and showcasing Emirati creativity as an extension of the country’s cultural identity.