The UAE-based winners of a prestigious design award created in partnership between Dolce&Gabbana and the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation.
The award, which was announced last year, has been put in place with the vision of fostering creative talent hailing from the UAE and giving the winners the opportunity to train and learn from the experts at the Italian fashion house.
Two winners were revealed in their respective categories; Sarah AlMansoori claims the inaugural title in the jewellery creations category, while Azza Al Tawila secures the coveted spot in the fashion category. Both winners will embark on a journey that is set to transform their careers in the industry as they embark on a six-month paid internship programme at the Dolce&Gabbana headquarters in Milan. Working on their own designs throughout the process, their final products will then be featured in at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025, showcasing the fusion of tradition and innovation in Emirati artistry.
The winners were selected by a panel of judges including UAE industry experts and personalities and a representative of Dolce&Gabbana Alta Moda.
Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) said; “Aligned with our joint commitment to nurturing Emirati youth and fostering the growth of the cultural and creative industries within the country, we are proud to announce the second edition of the Design Award. This year, it includes categories in fashion design and creative jewellery, inviting students from higher education institutions to exhibit their talents and creative prowess in the realms of fashion design, handicrafts, jewellery, and accessories, both locally and internationally.”
“Our aim is to strengthen collaboration between our two countries, the UAE and Italy, within the cultural and creative industries sector. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to both winners, Azza Al Tawila and Sarah AlMansoori, who will embark on a journey to refine their professional paths under the guidance of leading experts in design, fashion, and perfumery. They will undergo internal training at the headquarters of the esteemed brand in Italy, with the opportunity to showcase their designs to the public during the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025.”
