AsalahCompetitionFrom the threads of tradition to the design of tomorrow
A Social Economics Competition celebrating Emirati craftsmanship through contemporary furniture and home accessories design.
An Initiative of CulturalSignificance
AED 50,000
Prizes & Recognitions
The Asalah Competition celebrates the art of designing furniture and home accessories blending tradition with modern craftsmanship and innovation.
In partnership with leading cultural institutions, this competition invites designers, artisans, and creative visionaries to reimagine furniture and home accessories inspired by the rich heritage of UAE crafts. Drawing from traditional practices such as weaving, palm frond craftsmanship, carving, and metalwork, the competition celebrates designs that reinterpret these time-honored techniques for contemporary living.
The initiative honors creations that demonstrate craftsmanship excellence, cultural authenticity, and innovative design thinking, while preserving the essence of Emirati identity. The Prize recognizes outstanding work across two categories: Furniture Design and Home Accessories with a combined purse of AED 50,000. Winners receive media recognition and the opportunity to showcase their work at a leading exhibition venue.
Organized in partnership with
EWC proudly presents Craft the Furniture with Threads of the Past — Celebrating Emirati Craftsmanship through Contemporary Design. A Design Competition for Abu Dhabi University Students. As part of our Community Support Campaign, we invite Abu Dhabi university students to reimagine traditional Emirati handcrafts, like Sadu weaving, Khoos (palm frond work), pottery, and Talley into modern furniture and home accessories. This initiative is a tribute to the legacy of Elder Emiratis, aiming to preserve their artistry while reinventing it for today's homes and tomorrow's lifestyles.
Objectives
Engage students in community-driven design with cultural relevance. Promote and preserve Emirati craft traditions. Inspire functional, modern, and sustainable design rooted in heritage. Foster design thinking that bridges generations.
What to Submit
Designs must be original creations. Incorporate or be inspired by traditional Emirati crafts. Use natural colors and sustainable materials. Combine modern functionality with cultural storytelling.
Furniture
Design functional furniture pieces inspired by Emirati heritage and traditional crafts.
Total Prize
AED 30,000
Chairs
Design one functional seating piece inspired by Emirati heritage. This may include a chair, bench, stool, lounge seating piece, or another single seating design.
Learn MoreTables
Design one functional table piece inspired by Emirati heritage. This may include a coffee table, side table, console table, accent table, or another single table design.
Learn MoreAccessories
Design functional home accessories inspired by Emirati heritage and traditional crafts.
Total Prize
AED 20,000
Partitions
Design one foldable or movable partition inspired by Emirati heritage, crafts, and spatial traditions. The design should be functional, flexible, and suitable for interior spaces.
Learn MoreLamp
Design one lighting piece inspired by Emirati heritage. This may include a floor lamp, table lamp, or another functional decorative lighting object.
Learn MoreFurniture Design
Home Accessories Design
Honorable Mention
AED 20,000
Top 20 Runners
Exhibition Participation
Shortlist
30 Projects
Public Award
AED 5,000
Community voted
Winner Benefits
Beyond the monetary prize, winners receive a comprehensive package designed to amplify their work and career.
Regional Visibility
Regional visibility through exhibition and recognition by a distinguished jury.
Heritage Reinterpretation
Opportunity to reinterpret UAE heritage crafts through contemporary design.
Prototyping Experience
Hands-on experience in prototyping and full-scale production.
Industry Exposure
Exposure to industry experts, cultural institutions, and networking opportunities.
Career Development
Portfolio enhancement and career development through recognized work.
Awards & Exhibition
Awards, public exposure, and potential residency with exhibition opportunities.
Judging Criteria
Submissions are evaluated by the jury panel based on the following criteria.
Distinguished Jurors
A distinguished panel of experts and cultural leaders selected for their expertise in design, craftsmanship, and Emirati heritage.
Key Dates
The award process begins with its official launch, followed by an internal nomination phase and product exhibition. Selected entries then advance to evaluation by an external jury, who assess the top projects and choose a group of finalists for full-scale production. A public vote determines a People's Choice winner among the finalists, and the process concludes with the selection and announcement of the top three winners.
April 1, 2026
April 1, 2026
Award Launch
Launching the award in Abu Dhabi University.
May 15, 2026
May 15, 2026
Submission Due Date
Final deadline for project submissions.
May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
Internal Nomination
Internal nomination for external assessment & products exhibition.
June 8, 2026
June 8, 2026
External Jury Exhibition
Exhibition for external jury to assess the top 30 projects and select the top 15 runners for scale 1:1 production.
June 17, 2026
June 17, 2026
Public Voice Winner
Public voice winner for the top runners.
June 26, 2026
June 26, 2026
Top Three Winners
Shortlisted top three winners announced.
Get in Touch
Have questions about the competition, eligibility, or submission process? We're here to help.
Email us
info@asalah.ae
Competition Brief