Abu Dhabi Extends Submission Deadline for House of Artisans Design Competition
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with Mubadala, has extended the submission deadline for the second edition of the House of Artisans Design Competition. Creatives across the UAE now have until 20th April to submit their entries.
This competition, sponsored by Mubadala, is a vital initiative under the House of Artisans programme, reinforcing a commitment to nurturing emerging talent and preserving the UAE’s rich heritage. It serves as a unique platform for designers to engage with traditional crafts, with selected designs holding the opportunity to be acquired by the Mubadala Foundation.
Winners of the competition will gain valuable exposure both locally and internationally. The previous winning design, named “Moza”, was proudly displayed at the prestigious NOMAD St. Moritz and NOMAD Abu Dhabi events.
The chair, designed by Khaled Al Shaer and Mohammad Samara, exemplifies Emirati craftsmanship. This modern low-back lounge chair features a combination of an industrial steel pipe structure and a seat upholstered with handwoven palm frond leather (Khoos), crafted by the Emirati artisan Alia Al Mansouri. The piece successfully communicates cultural expression to both regional and global audiences, balancing form and function with a contemporary aesthetic.
The competition is open to established artists, designers, and students from UAE-based higher education institutions across three categories: furniture design, product design, and deco art.
Following an initial shortlisting, 20 participants will enter a specialised development programme, from which eight winners will be selected by a panel of experts.
This initiative is part of a five-year partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi and Mubadala, geared toward fostering collaboration between designers and artisans while ensuring the preservation and promotion of the UAE’s cultural heritage.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
