Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (LIWA CITY)
For visual artist and designer Azza Al Qubaisi, the Liwa Date Festival is more than a harvest celebration; it is a conscious act of cultural preservation and remembrance.
For over two decades, she has returned, blending desert stories, ancestral echoes and modern artistry into works that speak of who she is and where she comes from.
Originally from Al Qutuf, Al Dhafra, Al-Qubaisi views the festival as an opportunity to reconnect with her heritage and to reflect the evolving identity of the UAE through her contemporary artistic creations.
"This festival is not about selling or marketing my products," she told Aletihad. "It is about saying I belong. I am here to present my identity."
At this year's festival, Al Qubaisi is exhibiting a range of works that fuse traditional Emirati elements with modern design.
Among them are chairs made from palm fronds, artistic pieces inspired by the desert landscape, and silver and gold accessories shaped like the Emirati burqa, traditionally worn by women in the region.
A highlight of her exhibit is the design of the festival's award trophies, which incorporate palm frond motifs and, for the first time this year, feature one of Liwa's iconic castles.
She also designed the rutab (fresh date) hangers used across the festival – pieces that turn functional objects into cultural statements.
"I don't like to see things without design and intention," she said. "We have a wealth of ideas and creativity. I like to make sure our traditional motifs are part of our everyday experiences."
Al Qubaisi's work is inspired by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's words: "A nation without a past is a nation without a present or a future."
She channels this philosophy into each of her creations, transforming heritage elements into pieces that are both visually compelling and culturally significant.
"My goal is to reflect my identity through my artworks, and at the same time present and preserve it for the future," she said. "A simple object like a hanger can become a visual connection for children, something that carries emotion, history and identity."
Arabic calligraphy is another signature feature of Al Qubaisi's work. By incorporating letters into her designs, she hopes to inspire a renewed appreciation for the Arabic language among younger generations.
All of her pieces are produced locally, and collaboration remains central to her artistic philosophy.
This year, she is working with fellow Emirati artist Moosa Al Halyan, who contributed illustrations on palm stalks for a joint exhibition.
"I always try to move away from 'me' and focus on 'we.' Collaborating with other artists helps develop the local artistic experience and contributes to a shared cultural vision," she said.
"As individuals and institutions, we must give and create together."
