
Cultural Costume Design for Al Ain Oasis – Department of Culture & Tourism
In 2016, I was commissioned by the Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi to design a functional and historically inspired staff uniform for Al Ain Oasis, one of the UAE’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. My role required extensive research into Emirati dress traditions, material functionality, and cultural representation, ensuring that the final design honored the heritage of Al Ain’s farming community while meeting the practical needs of daily wear.
Key considerations in my design process included:
Historical & Cultural Authenticity – Studying traditional Emirati attire to develop a style that resonates with the community of Oasis farmers.
Material Selection – Choosing breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying fabrics, allowing for comfort in varying weather conditions.
Practicality & Replication – Ensuring that the uniforms were easy to tailor, layer, and reproduce while maintaining a distinct visual identity.
Color Palette Alignment – Selecting earthy and natural tones inspired by the official branding of Al Ain Oasis, reinforcing a seamless connection between staff attire and the site’s cultural narrative.
This project reflected my commitment to cultural storytelling through design, blending tradition and functionality to create a practical yet meaningful representation of the Oasis and its heritage.