The Tirhal Collection's collaboration marks a contemporary revival of traditional Emirati design, carrying us from ancient tribal roots to modern day society.

Debuting for the first time outside of the United Arab Emirates is the Tirhal Collection, conceptualized by Lithuanian-born textile designer Loreta Bilinskaite-Monie for Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts. Tirhal’s (meaning ‘journey’) launch marks a contemporary revival of, and tribute to, traditional Emirati design, carrying us through from ancient tribal roots to modern day society.
Photo: Mark Cocksedge
The heart of the collection is made from the skills and talents of 16 Bedouin women who are among more than 300 who have taken part in the Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts program. They’ve handmade each piece of the Tirhal Collection with sustainable materials, including locally-sourced sheep’s wool and natural dyes. Tirhal celebrates the deep-rooted cultural practice of Al Sadu weaving, an age-old tradition in which women transform wool from their own sheep into furnishings such as tent dividers, cushions, and pillows. Photo: Mark Cocksedge
Bilinskaite-Monie’s vision captures the significance of cloth folding in the tribes across the Arabian Peninsula, who would fold up their tents, load them onto camel trains, and travel from location to location. Each piece features a modern, pixelated interpretation of a traditional weaving pattern, symbolizing the nomadic lifestyle of Bedouin commun...