Abu Dhabi, UAE -: The Organising Committee of the Jewellery and Watch Show Abu Dhabi, today announced that all up and coming jewellery designers can submit their designs into the prestigious Ebda’a Awards.
Pioneered by Azza Al Qubaisi, the renowned artist known as the first UAE National jewellery designer, the Ebda’a Awards are a main component of JWS, which is set take place from 26 – 30 October, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arabic Emirates, the major event will feature more than 140 exciting brands from all over the world.
With the help of its partners, JWS, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Ministry of Community Development, the Ebda’a Awards are designed to empower aspiring jewellery designers to enter the world of jewellery and give them a platform where they can be creative and showcase their unique designs. It is open to UAE Nationals as well as all other nationalities. As part of its partnership, for this year’s Ebda’a Awards, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) will be providing a course called “Digital Jewelry Designer” for the first prize winners from each category, which includes a 10-day online programme. The Ministry of Community Development will be providing nominees for the People of Determination Category, which will be the 3rd edition collaboration for the award for the People of Determination category.
Commenting on the awards, Azza Al Qubaisi said: “The Ebda’a Award are unique as the winners are able to keep their designs and we help them bring their designs to life. We strongly believe in empowering future designers and we are proud to endorse their professional journey. Furthermore, there is no other jewellery design award that has run for as many years as Ebda’a
“At the beginning of my career in jewellery design there was a very small community of experts in the field. Over the past five years, I can safely say that the number of jewellery designers has more than tripled and it is down to the support we provide artisans through platforms such as the Ebda’a Awards. There are many creative minds that pursue jewellery as a profession, while others suffice with design just being a hobby, and I believe we should support both.”
She elaborated: “Over the years, the Ebda’a Awards has showcased several unique UAE designs, which is a testament to this great nation. While we enjoy experiencing universal designs, it is always a pleasure to see crafts that represent the UAE.”
She concluded: “Like every year, in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, we are so excited to see designs from the People of Determination. They have proven that they are equally as talented, and they truly are an inspiration. There is so much beauty to be tapped into from these remarkable individuals.”
The jury for this year’s Ebda’a Awards is comprised of five seasoned artists, including Jewellery Artist and Sculpture, Azza Al Qubaisi, Founder and Designer of Maha Al Sibai Jewllery, Maha Alsibai, Founder of Alserkal Jewellery, Sheikha Alserkal, jewellery designer Alia Bin Omair and Noura Alserkal, Founder of Noura Alerkal brand. The guest jury for this year’s Ebda’a Award is Ronaldo Buensalida, who received the Best Mention Award for the year 2019 and 2020.
The categories of the Ebda’a Awards are:
PEARL DESIGN
Criteria
- Modern Design
- Highlight Arabian Pearls
- Everyday Jewelry
CALLIGRAPHY
Criteria
- Inspired by poetry
- Everyday Jewelry
EMIRATI DESIGN
Criteria
- Cultural Elements
- Inspired by Desert, Oasis, or Marine of UAE
- Everyday Jewelry
PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION
Criteria
In collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development
- Modern design
- Everyday Jewelry
Born in Abu Dhabi, Azza Al Qubaisi is a self-represented Emirati Artist living and working in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Educated in London, she studied at Chelsea College of Art and Design (Diploma of Foundation Studies) and continued to obtain her B.A at the London Guildhall University, in Silversmithing, Jewellery Design and Allied Crafts. She is also a certified HRD diamond grader and is currently pursuing an M.A in cultural and creative industries in HCT-CERT Abu Dhabi.
Throughout her career her artworks have been shown in solo and group exhibitions, public shows and festivals across the UAE. She was the first artist to exhibit in DIFC in 2005 and successfully represented the UAE in solo exhibitions “A 1001 steps Festival” in Helsinki, Finland (2004) and “Language of the Desert” in Abu Dhabi. Her works have also been seen in Doha, Bahrain, Morocco (Asilah), Cairo, London and Brussels. Her jewellery has also been published in several books, including “500 Earrings: New Directions in Contemporary Jewelry: 2007” by Lark Books, and then republished in “Lark Studio Series: Earrings: 2011”.
The closing date for submission is 18th October and the winners will be announced during the exhibition. To submit your entry to Ebdaa.award@arjmst.com.