Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
A student-led project captured the imagination of media professionals and industry leaders at the BRIDGE Summit with “Farjan” – a concept that blends Emirati identity with cutting-edge technology.
Created by Higher Colleges of Technology students Fatema Al Breiki and Mahra Al Messabi, the project demonstrates how fashion can serve as a bridge between past and future. What began as an academic exploration of 3D printing evolved into a powerful cultural narrative.
“We were inspired by exploring 3D printing in fashion, and from there, we wanted to transform our work into something modern, meaningful and rooted in Emirati heritage,” said Al Breiki.
The turning point came when the students decided to connect innovation with environment and culture, transforming their designs into storytelling pieces inspired by local neighbourhoods – or “Farjan” – that reflect community, belonging and sustainability.
“Farjan allowed us to combine design, culture and innovation to create a product that reflects who we are and what our community represents,” said Al Messabi.
The project uses 3D printing and AI-powered tools to create designs that are inspired by the UAE’s natural and cultural landscapes – a reflection of the nation’s wider vision of blending tradition with advanced technology.
Unlike existing 3D-printed fashion concepts in the region, “Farjan” stands out by placing Emirati culture and the environment at the centre of what they do.
“There are 3D-printed products in the region, but none that focus deeply on Emirati culture and the environment the way our brand does,” Al Breiki added.
The BRIDGE Summit offered the students more than a stage – it gave them a future-facing perspective.
“This platform showed us that our idea has the potential to become a real experience, not just a student project,” said Al Messabi.
Supported by the UAE’s creative ecosystem and their academic institutions, the students described how mentorship and national support played a major role in elevating their work.
“The support we received gave us the confidence to present ‘Farjan’ as a serious, innovative project that could stand proudly among industry-leading ideas,” Al Breiki explained.
For both creators, the experience reshaped their ambitions.
“It made us more confident in pursuing ideas that serve the community and represent our culture in innovative ways,” Al Messabi added.
