SPOTLIGHT: Alia bin Omair Transforms UAE’s Heritage into Wearable Art

Under The Spotlight: The statement, culturally-infused jewellery designs of Emirati designer, Alia bin Omair.The Setting:

Across the UAE.

The Frame:

Striking forms, organic textures, statement pieces, and dainty accents—where contemporary elegance and Emirati heritage intertwine.Alia bin Omair in One Sentence:

"A reflection of experimental design grounded in tradition, merging contemporary artistry with cultural heritage," the founder says.About the Designer:

Alia bin Omair is an Emirati jewelry artist, born and raised in Dubai. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Communications from Dubai Women’s College, specializing in Graphic Design. Her creative journey has encompassed photography, product design, and illustration, but her true passion lies in jewelry design. “I’ve always had a deep interest in heritage and the traditional craftsmanship of jewelry,” bin Omair shares.In 2013, she pursued a Diploma in Jewelry Design and Production at the Damas Jewellery Academy, where she was awarded Emirati Jewellery Designer of the Year. Three years later, she launched her eponymous label, and in 2021, she won the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize. “The recognition from Fashion Trust Arabia was both humbling and empowering,” she says. “Itelevated my brand’s visibility on an international scale and gave me the confidence to continue pushing my creative boundaries.”The Muse:

"Being Emirati, I’m drawn to my cultural roots—that’s where my journey began," bin Omair explains. “I started my brand to merge these rich traditions with experimental and contemporary design.

” The designer finds inspiration in a variety of artists, including Leigh Wells, Janine Janet, Karl Blossfeldt, and Elsa Peretti, as well as elements from their studios and libraries. “The creative spaces and approaches of these artists deeply resonate with me,” she says. “I’m particularly drawn to their ability to push boundaries while maintaining a connection to natural elements and materials.” These influences shape her designs through texture, form, and the integration of organic and abstract elements.bin Omair’s Storytelling Philosophy:

"I make sure each piece carries a story or significance, whether it’s rooted in heritage, emotions, or a specific experience," bin Omair says.

For the Satami collection, she shaped designs with clay molds, later cast in 18k gold, drawing inspiration from pre-oil era Gulf necklaces. “Reinterpreting traditional coin necklaces was about bringing something from the past into a modern context,” she explains. “I focused on preserving their cultural symbolism while using contemporary techniques to make them more wearable for today's generation.”Another significant collection, Touminah, is inspired by a traditional religious celebration in the UAE that honors children who have memorized the Qur'an. “This practice holds deep cultural significance, and the collection reflects the beauty and reverence of that moment.”

The Leaf collection is an experimental jewelry line inspired by palm fiber, a material often collected during the pruning of palm trees. “I’ve always been intrigued by the bags of palm fiber gathered at home and wondered how I could transform this raw material into jewelry.” Each fiber is carefully harvested from shed leaves and bark, resulting in unique, textured gold pieces that capture the essence of the UAE’s natural landscape.The Designs Through Alia bin Omair’s Lens:

"I believe that when someone wears a piece that speaks to them on a personal level, it becomes more than just jewelry—it’s a form of self-expression."The Behind-The-Scenes Process:

A naturally curious designer, bin Omair enjoys experimenting with materials and methods that reflect the UAE’s rich heritage and traditional craftsmanship, all handmade in Dubai. She is constantly seeking new techniques to fuse art and design, a signature approach evident in her inaugural collection, Tears. This collection showcases casts of frankincense nuggets—often referred to as ‘tears of the tree’—as striking statement earrings, studs, necklaces, rings, and bracelets.bin Omair is also a strong advocate for gold vermeil in her designs. “Gold vermeil allows me to offer high-quality pieces with the richness and warmth of gold—without the higher price tag of solid gold,” she explains. “It creates pieces that feel luxurious and accessible at the same time.”bin Omair’s Stand-Out Pieces:

"One of my favorite pieces is the Levonah Necklace from the Tears collection. This collection, and particularly this necklace, stands out for its weight and distinctive shape."

Another standout piece comes from Alia bin Omair’s collaboration with Odeem—the Fibre Leather Bag. In this partnership with the UAE-based luxury bag brand, bin Omair designed gold-plated silver ornaments for Odeem’s purses. The collaboration also includes jewelry, with the R Gold-Plated Silver Earrings standing out for their geometric design and bold silhouette.The Future of Jewelry Design in the UAE:

"I believe there will be a continued rise in sustainable practices and materials, with more focus on ethically sourced gems and metals. In the UAE, we’re also seeing a blend of modern minimalism with traditional craftsmanship, as designers embrace both their heritage and contemporary global influences."In the Words of Alia bin Omair…

"For me, thoughtful design means creating pieces that are intentional in every aspect—from the materials used to the emotions they evoke. It’s about designing not just for aesthetics, but with a deeper connection to culture, history, and personal stories."