Jasim Alnaqbi, the visionary founder of Taqseem Studio, stands at the exciting intersection of creativity and innovation as a multidisciplinary designer with a profound commitment to design thinking and strategic problem-solving. Fusing design principles with business expertise, Jasim has not only excelled in academia but also cultivated an impressive freelance portfolio, collaborating with a wide range of clients to deliver impactful and culturally resonant work. His current focus on Arabic typography and deep comprehension of industry trends is matched only by his drive to push the boundaries of innovation, aiming to shape the future of design management in the region and beyond. Below, we delve into his thoughts, inspirations, and vision for the ever-evolving landscape of design, in this exclusive conversation for Art&Gulf Magazine.
As a multidisciplinary designer with a strong background in design thinking and innovation, how do you approach the challenge of creating solutions that are both functional and visually impactful?
For me, design is never just about aesthetics, it’s about meaning. Every project begins with understanding how people interact with the object, brand, or space. My process is rooted in research and observation, where function and beauty are treated as equals. I believe the emotional connection a design creates is as important as how it performs.
With Haila, for instance, I explored how function and sentiment coexist. It’s not just a jewelry cabinet, it’s a modern heirloom inspired by Emirati traditions of passing jewelry from generation to generation. By reimagining scrap stainless steel to resemble brass, I transformed industrial material into something warm and enduring, merging emotional value with usability. That balance between function, storytelling, and visual presence defines my approach to design.
Your freelance experience has exposed you to clients from diverse industries. How has this variety influenced your creative process and the way you approach new design projects?
Working across different industries, from cultural institutions to government entities and Tashkeel. Has taught me how adaptable design can be. Each client comes with their own rhythm, expectations, and language, which pushes me to constantly shift perspectives without losing my core voice and design style.
Although the perspective changes, the approach remains the same. It always begins with analyzing the scene, understanding what has been done and what’s missing. The creative process is never linear; sometimes it begins with research and observation, other times it’s sparked by a single color, a texture, or simply the realization that a new direction is needed.
“This variety has shaped my process at Taqseem Studio, where every project starts with a question: ‘What story does this design need to tell?’ Whether it’s expressed through typography, spatial experience, or product design, I’ve learned to merge craft and strategy. Aligning with the client’s goals while embedding cultural and emotional depth that resonates with people.”
Jasim Alnaqbi interacting with the piece that inspired Haila.
Given your deep interest in emerging design trends, how do you see the design landscape evolving in the UAE over the next few years?
The UAE’s design scene has matured tremendously. Design is now seen as a driver of culture, not just decoration. Over the next few years, I see even stronger growth in product and material design, with Emirati designers creating pieces that reflect our identity in a contemporary way. There’s a new generation of designers unafraid to experiment merging craft with technology, reviving heritage techniques like Talli and Khoos through modern materials and digital fabrication. I believe initiatives like Tashkeel’s Tanween Programme are key to that future, giving designers like myself the platform to explore sustainability and cultural continuity through innovation.
Collaboration seems to play a significant role in your career. What do you believe are the key elements of building successful partnerships in the creative industry?
Collaboration, to me, is built on trust, transparency, and shared curiosity. The most meaningful partnerships happen when both sides believe in the same purpose and bring their own strengths to the table. It’s not just about combining skills it’s about aligning intentions and growing ideas together.
Throughout my journey, I’ve collaborated with institutions like Tashkeel, craftsmen across the UAE, and fellow designers who each added their own layer to the work. Haila is a reflection of that a piece shaped through dialogue, mentorship, and the exchange of perspectives. Every contribution, big or small, made the final outcome richer.
“It’s about listening as much as leading, and understanding that creativity grows in community. The creative industry, especially in the UAE, is rooted in community; it’s built on networks of people who uplift one another. Being an active designer means being out there meeting people, exchanging thoughts, and being open to opportunities that emerge from those encounters.”
Material and Color Palette of Haila
Looking ahead, what are your future plans and aspirations as a designer within the Emirates and beyond?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue positioning Taqseem Studio as a voice for contemporary Emirati design a place where tradition is not only preserved, but reimagined. I want to keep exploring the intersection between heritage, materiality, and innovation, and to create work that feels rooted in our culture yet speaks to global audiences.
Haila was a milestone in that direction a reminder that design can carry memory, craftsmanship, and emotion all at once. I want to build on that momentum and expand further into product and collectible design, as well as installations that tell stories of place, language, and craft. My ambition is to see pieces born here become part of conversations around design globally. Ultimately, my aspiration is simple: to create objects and experiences that last emotionally, culturally, and physically and to continue building bridges between what we inherit and what we imagine next.
Jasim Alnaqbi’s journey is an inspiring reminder that design is at its most powerful when it is meaningful, collaborative, and deeply connected to culture. As he continues to push boundaries within the Emirates and on the international stage, his commitment to nurturing dialogue and innovation stands to leave a lasting impression on the future of modern design.
Editorial Staff 2025
