Merging traditional Emirati craft knowledge and the art of jewellery-making, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council and renowned Emirati jeweller Adi Al Fardan have unveiled an exclusive collection inspired by the craft of Al Safeefah. Translating Al Safeefah’s intricate geometric compositions and rhythmic weaving patterns into bespoke jewellery pieces crafted in gold and precious stones, the collection draws inspiration from the research and archive developed by the Council.
Launched to coincide with Emirati Women’s Day, the collaboration carries significance that extends beyond the design aesthetics. It honours the role Emirati women have played across generations in preserving and transmitting craft knowledge. Even today, Emirati women continue to develop this heritage, opening new possibilities for its integration in design and creative fields, reinforcing their role as a steadfast foundation for preserving heritage craft culture.
Deeply rooted in Irthi’s meticulous research and documentation of Al Safeefah weaving, the collection seeks inspiration from the beauty of its geometric interlacing, repetitive compositions and patterns that define the craft. Adi Al Fardan developed the visual foundation of the designs, reinterpreting the craft’s elements through the language of jewellery in ways that preserve its Emirati identity while giving it a new expression shaped by his distinctive approach to design and craftsmanship.
“At Irthi, our work is grounded in viewing craft as inherited knowledge that can endure and evolve,” said H.E. Reem Bin Karam, Director General of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council. “Our collaboration with Adi Al Fardan demonstrates how this knowledge can open new opportunities for Emirati craft, as Al Safeefah moves from its traditional context into the language of jewellery while retaining its identity and distinct character,” she added.
The collection comprises four sets, each featuring a bracelet, necklace, earrings and ring, crafted in 18-karat white, yellow and rose gold. The gemstones evoke the colours of the UAE flag, from red rubies, emeralds, and black diamonds to white diamonds, adding symbolic depth associated with the nation’s identity, the launch occasion, and compositions inspired by Al Safeefah.
Commenting on the collaboration, Adi Al Fardan said, “Collaborating with Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council holds special significance for me because of our shared belief that heritage is not only about preserving the past; its value also lies in our ability to evolve its relevance. Commenting on the collaboration, Adi Al Fardan said: “Collaborating with Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council holds special significance for me because of our shared belief that heritage is not only about preserving the past; its value also lies in our ability to evolve its relevance.”
The collection is offered as a limited edition available for a month only, coinciding with the month-long celebration of Emirati Women’s Day. It will also be showcased at the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council pavilion during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026, held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 28 August to 6 September 2026.
