Crate & Barrel teams up with Emirati artists to create UAE-themed Christmas baubles


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

It’s that time of the year when festive decorations are flying off the shelves faster than Santa’s reindeers.

But, for those looking to deck the halls with something that pays tribute to the region, there's a new limited-edition collection at Crate & Barrel.

To celebrate the spirit of the season, the furniture and decor company has collaborated with four local artists to create UAE-themed Christmas baubles.

Each of the decorations champion the region in some way – whether by celebrating Emirati textiles or the UAE’s national dress – and all profit from sales will go to Al Noor Training Centre for Persons of Disabilities, a school for people of determination in Dubai.

For the collection, Crate & Barrel teamed up with Abdulla Lutfi, who specialises in quirky black and white creations. The Emirati artist has autism spectrum disorder and says he knows he has "reached this far because of education”.

“I would like to support the students of Al Noor get ahead in life and become independent members of society,” he says of his involvement with the initiative.

Amreen Wahid, the henna artist behind @Girly.Henna on Instagram, has recreated her intricate henna designs in black and white for the baubles, while multidisciplinary artist Muna Amareen has taken inspiration from traditional Emirati embroidery and textiles – known as talli – to create colourful, floral pieces.

Budoor Abdulqader's creations feature the UAE's national dress. Courtesy Crate & Barrel
Budoor Abdulqader's creations feature the UAE's national dress. Courtesy Crate & Barrel

Finally, Emirati fashion designer Budoor Abdulqader has gone all out with baubles featuring traditional clothing, with some featuring an added face mask in tribute to 2020.

“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,” she says. “Bringing cultures together to raise money for Al Noor is an initiative that I am very honoured to participate in and support.”

The baubles are priced at Dh80 each. The limited collection will be available in stores in Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and The Dubai Mall

The bio

Who inspires you?

I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist

How do you relax?

Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.

What is favourite book?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times

What is your favourite Arabic film?

Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki

What is favourite English film?

Mamma Mia

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