SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
What makes horses one of the most enduring symbols of Emirati identity?
From art and luxury to contemporary jewellery, horses continue to inspire Emirati creatives, reflecting values of grace, strength, heritage and nobility.
Their elegance and symbolism have increasingly found their way into modern jewellery design, where heritage is reinterpreted through contemporary craftsmanship.
Inspired by the grace, strength and legacy associated with horses in Emirati culture, jewellery designer Hamda Qubaisi has developed a design language that blends heritage with modern craftsmanship.
Qubaisi transforms symbols deeply rooted in UAE identity into contemporary wearable art.
This vision was most recently reflected in the commemorative badge she created in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai for the 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup, one of the most celebrated events on the global horse racing calendar.
The sculptured gold piece, adorned with diamonds and engraved with the Dubai World Cup emblem and UAE ribbon motif, was designed to reflect the elegance and symbolism of horse racing in the UAE.
For Qubaisi, however, the commission was also deeply personal and closely tied to her artistic philosophy and cultural identity.
“As an Emirati designer, my cultural background is at the core of my design identity,” she said, explaining that growing up surrounded by her grandmother’s heirloom jewellery shaped her appreciation for pieces that are “timeless and deeply meaningful”.
She added that her work draws inspiration from traditional Emirati architecture; particularly forts and archways, alongside themes of identity, empowerment and self-expression.
Speaking about the Dubai World Cup piece, Qubaisi explained that she wanted to capture “the essence rather than the literal form” of horse racing.
“Horse racing holds deep cultural significance in the UAE, symbolising strength, grace and legacy,” she said.
“I approached the design by incorporating fluid lines and dynamic movement, echoing the elegance of the horse while maintaining a refined, modern aesthetic.”
She added that horses, which represent “power, freedom and nobility” in Emirati culture, inspired the flowing structure of the piece and the placement of the diamonds, designed to “reflect light in motion, mirroring the grace of a horse in stride”.
Qubaisi also highlighted the balance between heritage and contemporary design that defines her work.
“I take traditional elements such as architectural forms or cultural symbols, and simplify them into modern, wearable pieces.”
Storytelling, she explained, remains central to every design she creates. “Every piece I create carries a narrative, whether it is inspired by heritage, architecture or personal experiences,” she said, adding that jewellery should become “more than an accessory; it becomes a story to wear and connect with”.
Qubaisi said she incorporates modern techniques through digital design and precision craftsmanship, allowing greater creative experimentation while maintaining accuracy.
She added that transforming digitally designed concepts into physical jewellery “enhances creativity and innovation” while ensuring each piece preserves “both technical excellence and cultural identity”.
The designer also reflected on the broader rise of Emirati creatives in the luxury industry, describing the Dubai World Cup commission as part of “a movement where Emirati creatives are contributing to and shaping the global design landscape while staying true to their identity”.
On the future of the industry, Qubaisi believes the UAE jewellery industry is entering a new phase of international recognition led by designers blending heritage with innovation.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to share our culture with the world through design, and to contribute to a global dialogue where Emirati identity is celebrated,” she said.
She concluded that the future of the UAE jewellery industry offers opportunities for creativity, international collaboration and global expansion.