In honour of Women’s History Month, we highlight seven jewellery brands founded by Emirati women whose creative visions are shaping the region’s design landscape.
Blending traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, these brands are creating unique pieces that are making waves both locally and internationally and we couldn’t think of a better occasion to spotlight their work and the creative minds behind it.
Shamsa Alabbar Jewellery
Shamsa Alabbar has become one of the UAE’s most recognised jewellery designers, helping define the country’s modern jewellery landscape. Since founding her brand in 2013, she has designed each piece as a tribute to the strength and spirit of Arab women. Her designs are inspired by Arabic typography and represent the strength and modernity of Arab women.
Alia bin Omair
Emirati designer Alia bin Omair founded her namesake brand in 2016. The brand creates statement pieces that celebrate heritage, culture and nature for the modern wearer. For its founder, Alia’s pieces carry a story or significance, whether it’s rooted in heritage, emotions, or a specific experience. Each piece is proudly sourced and crafted within the UAE, reflecting the brand’s commitment to local craftsmanship.
Noora Shawqi Jewellery
After studying jewellery and gemology at the International Gemological Institute and the Gemological Institute of America, Noora Shawqi launched her brand in 2018, inspired by her travels and cultural heritage. Her creations are crafted from fine gold, diamonds, and vivid gemstones. She describes her pieces as a blend of boldness, timelessness, and understated elegance.
Ailes Jewelry
Founded in 2021 by Emirati sisters Hind Ismail Janahi and Fatma Janahi, this fast-rising UAE brand is rooted in a lifelong love of jewellery. The sisters, who began designing and customising their own pieces as children, honed their craft with formal studies in gemology at the International Gemological Institute. Rooted in the heritage of the UAE, the brand approaches jewellery as wearable art, fusing timeless traditions with contemporary design. Its creations have caught the attention of royalty, including Her Majesty Queen Rania and HRH Princess Rajwa Al Hussein as well as A-list celebrities like Rihanna and Kylie Jenner.
The O Jewelry
Emirati multidisciplinary artist and designer Shamsa Al Omaira founded The O Jewelry in 2014 after a conversation with a friend. Her design journey began by creating bespoke pieces for her family, and her brand now merges the worlds of art and jewellery. Each design celebrates the richness of the past, the simplicity of the present, and the aspirations of the future. Shamsa’s unique pieces have even caught the attention of Queen Rania.
TOi Fine Jewellery
Aisha BinHendi made history for UAE jewellery as the first Emirati fine jewellery brand to be worn on the Cannes red carpet. She launched her brand in 2022, naming it TOi—French for “you”—reflecting her philosophy of celebrating simplicity and individuality in every design. Each piece is crafted to feel intimate and authentic, while also telling a story through its form and craftsmanship
Twig Fine Jewellery
Emirati designer Hessa Al Abdallah founded Twig Fine Jewellery with 8 years of expertise in the field, drawing inspiration from her childhood memories accompanying her mother through Dubai’s iconic gold souks. The brand’s name is derived from the slender branches of a tree, delicate in appearance, yet symbolic of life, growth, and continuous renewal, a duality that defines the brand’s philosophy. Twig creates fine jewellery that bridges the organic beauty of nature with Emirati cultural heritage, crafting pieces that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
