The Erthi Contemporary Crafts Council, in collaboration with Emirati jeweller Oudi AlFardan, has unveiled an exclusive jewellery collection inspired by the traditional craft of Sufeeha. This innovative collection translates the intricate geometric formations and visual details of this textile craft into exquisite pieces crafted from gold and precious stones, supported by extensive research and archival work developed by the Council.
Artistry and Heritage: A Cultural Convergence
Launching in conjunction with Emirati Women’s Day, this initiative exemplifies the collaboration between Emirati craftsmanship and the art of jewellery making. The partnership not only focuses on design but also highlights the pivotal role that Emirati women have played across generations in preserving traditional crafts. Today, they continue to contribute to the evolution of this heritage, opening new avenues for its representation in design and creativity.
Geometric Inspirations
The collection derives its aesthetic foundation from thorough research and documentation carried out by the Erthi Crafts Council regarding the Sufeeha craft. By analysing its characteristic structures, repetitions, and interplays of geometry, Oudi AlFardan has drawn visual principles for the jewellery designs, reinterpreting the craft’s elements into a new language that retains its Emirati identity while offering a fresh expression of design and technique.
According to H.E. Reem Bint Karam, Director General of the Erthi Crafts Council, the Council views craft as an inherited knowledge that is both enduring and adaptable. “Research and documentation are critical to our efforts to preserve its nuances and communicate it to new generations,” she explained. “Our collaboration with Oudi AlFardan exemplifies how this knowledge can create new pathways for Emirati craftsmanship, as Sufeeha transitions from its traditional context to the language of jewellery, maintaining its identity and uniqueness.”
A Symbolic Collection
The collection features four sets, each comprising a bracelet, necklace, earrings, and a ring, crafted from 18-carat gold in white, yellow, and rose finishes. The gemstones used—red rubies, emeralds, black diamonds, and white diamonds—reflect the colours of the UAE flag, adding a symbolic layer that connects to the identity and significance of the Women’s Day celebration.
National Pride and Commemorative Design
Each piece in the collection includes the phrase “Hassantak bismillah ya Watan,” extracted from the UAE national anthem. Each necklace is dedicated to a word from this phrase, enhancing the collection’s connection to national identity while celebrating Emirati Women’s Day.
This limited edition collection will be available for just one month, coinciding with the celebrations for Emirati Women’s Day. Additionally, it will be showcased at the Erthi Crafts Council pavilion during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from August 28 to September 6, 2026.