Emirati artist Ashwaq Abdulla has become the first to design the official trophy of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, the world’s longest-running women’s-only professional tennis tournament. For its 2019 instalment, which took place from 29 July until 4 August in San Jose, California, Ashwaq was tasked with creating a trophy that represents the relationship between the UAE and the US through tennis.

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Named the ‘Pearl of Partnership’, the resulting piece is a sculptural work of art that reflects the UAE’s pearl-diving history. Made using painted steel and bronze, it features two pearlescent loops shaped like tennis rackets and a golden tennis ball sitting between them.

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Ashwaq took to Instagram to share snippets from the event, where she presented the trophy to the winners. She expressed her elation at the culmination of her vision for the trophy, which was designed and created entirely in the UAE.

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A proud moment for the UAE, this is testament to the unyielding spirit and determination of Emirati women, which has been echoing worldwide. Congratulations, Ashwaq!

Cover photo credit: @Ashwaq.abdulla