Noha Mukhtar

The Mashrabiya’s Modern Muse

Noha Mukhtar’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing one’s passion. A Dar Al Hekma University interior design graduate, Mukhtar initially worked in the digital realm. However, a yearning for hands-on creation led her to pursue a master’s degree in product design and manufacturing at the University of the Arts in London, igniting a passion for craftsmanship, specifically woodturning.

Returning to Jeddah, Mukhtar found a home at Zawiya 97, where she established her workshop. Her work often draws inspiration from traditional architecture, particularly the mashrabiya. This intricate latticed screen, a symbol of Jeddah’s heritage, is reinterpreted through Mukhtar’s contemporary woodturning techniques. Her master’s thesis explored this very fusion, demonstrating her commitment to preserving and reimagining cultural heritage. From delicate candlesticks to substantial furniture pieces, Mukhtar’s creations showcase both technical skill and a deep understanding of wood’s potential. She also aspires to educate future designers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the manufacturing process. Mukhtar’s story is particularly relevant in Saudi Arabia’s evolving furniture design sector, offering a valuable model for aspiring artisans.

Reem Abdulghani

Embroidery’s Emotional Echo

Reem Abdulghani’s path to becoming a renowned fashion designer and embroidery artist is marked by a global design education. From Virginia Commonwealth University to Polimoda in Florence, where she worked alongside Roberto Cavalli, Abdulghani honed her skills, recognizing embroidery’s unique capacity for self-expression. She later shared her expertise as head of the fashion department at Riyadh branch of Raffles Design Institute.

A period of self-discovery in Lebanon allowed Abdulghani to connect with her creative voice, leading to the creation of her brands: Breem, a gift shop in Al Balad, and the Reem Abdulghani fashion line, featured at Rubaiyat. Her work flows directly from her emotions, guiding the placement of threads with spontaneity. Flowers, especially orchids, are recurring motifs, symbolizing feminine energy and strength. Her latest collection features 100 percent silk flowers, meticulously hand-painted and embroidered. Returning to Saudi Arabia has brought fresh inspiration, with the iconic palm tree and camel featuring prominently in her Breem gift shop. Abdulghani’s designs are unique, limited-edition pieces, imbued with memories and stories. Her shop is a celebration of color, and her design philosophy is rooted in emotion.

Ahmed Alkhudry

The Art of Arabic Calligraphy

Ahmed Alkhudry’s lifelong passion for Arabic script began in childhood. His journey led him to study under calligrapher Ibrahim Al Arafi at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, where he later taught for two decades, sharing his knowledge with over 5,000 students.

Alkhudry began writing the Holy Quran in secondary school, completing this monumental task by the age of 20. He is currently developing a comprehensive encyclopedia of Arabic calligraphy, The Beginning of the Beginner Student and the End of the Accomplished Learner, alongside two other encyclopedias: one on Quranic drawing and calligraphy, and another a biographical dictionary of calligraphers. He has also created mobile applications like The Base of Light and Texts of Quranic Calligraphy to make this art accessible to a wider audience. At Ayn Al Fan (The Eye of Art) workshop, Alkhudry works with other calligraphers, creating diverse products. He envisions Saudi Arabia as a leading center for Arabic calligraphy, emphasizing its profound significance as both an Islamic and Arab art form.

Juthoori

Weaving Heritage into Modern Design

Juthoori, founded by cousins Nour Tahla and Leen Alras, revives the enduring art of macrame. Growing up with Palestinian roots and a deep appreciation for artisanal skills, they aim to reintroduce macrame, not just as a trend, but as a deeply rooted craft with diverse applications.

Zawiya 97 provides daily inspiration for Juthoori, surrounded by fellow artists and the vibrant energy of Al Balad. They believe anything handmade holds inherent value, and macrame’s versatility allows them to create a wide range of products. Collaboration is key to their approach, with recent partnerships including leatherwork and macrame bags, and a project with Aroya Cruises featuring pieces reflecting Saudi Arabia’s five regions. Juthoori emphasizes heritage (“Juthoori” meaning roots) and sustainability, using natural materials and embracing a zero-waste philosophy. They aim to move beyond the “boho” label and establish macrame as a craft that expresses individual roots and cultural identity.

Join the Zawiya 97 Artist Incubator

Become part of a vibrant creative community at Zawiya 97 in Historic Jeddah. Their incubator supports artisans with studio space, cultural programs, residencies, and retail opportunities. Visit their website to register.

Web: zawiya97.com