‘Naseej: Threads of Hope’ at BEEAH demonstrates art of empowerment
- Last updated: May 17, 2025 | 10:22
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Chairperson of the Board of Directors at BEEAH, BEEAH, the region’s pioneer in sustainability and innovation, has inaugurated the art exhibition titled ‘Naseej: Threads of Hope’ at its headquarters in Sharjah (May 14 - June 3).
Conceived as a dialogue between design, craft, community uplift and a bridge between sustainability, design and social impact, the exhibition features nine exclusive handwoven carpet artworks by regional and international artists, spotlighting children’s well-being, sustainable craftsmanship and community empowerment through artistic collaboration. Each of the pieces is a vibrant testament to the transformative power of art and the promise of a better future.
Nada Taryam, CEO - Real Estate at BEEAH said that “‘Naseej: Threads of Hope’ reflects the transformative power of how art connects, inspires and drives meaningful progress. At BEEAH, we believe that creativity can deepen our connection to culture and heritage while shaping new narratives for the future.
Hosting this exhibition at our iconic Zaha Hadid–designed headquarters in Sharjah symbolises the harmony of innovation and tradition; it is a space that fosters dialogue, reflection, and visionary thinking.
Through our partnership with FBMI, we are proud to champion artisan communities, preserve time-honoured crafts, and foster social impact — all through the shared language of design and hope.” FBMI is the Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative, with a mission to brighten the future of underprivileged societies by investing in their skills, health and education, to empower them to help themselves.
“The craftsmanship is emotional,” Nada Taryam said. “FBMI sources natural and sustainable material - we stand for it too.” She said that the artists who had been brought from the region worked in the same medium, but told different stories, adding that BEEAH would like to advocate for art by providing a platform for artists and collaborating with different organisations. Curated by Fatima Deemas, the exhibition integrates contemporary design and cultural heritage. The works showcased are from contemporary regional and international artists and creative organisations including Sara Kanoo, Sultan Bin Fahad, Juma Al Haj, Adrian Pepe, Bokja (Huda Baroudi and Maria Hibri), Faissal El Malak, Hessa Al Suwaidi, Nasir Nasrallah and Zaha Hadid Architects.
The carpets were handwoven by women artisans in Kabul, Afghanistan, under the guidance of FBMI and its artisan platform, Zuleya. The designs were brought to life using natural dyes from organic materials and ethically sourced wool, living up to ecological responsibility while preserving traditional Afghan techniques. The result is a multisensory experience that fuses art, storytelling, heritage and social entrepreneurship. It is a world where design transcends decoration and becomes a medium for empowerment, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Fatima Deemas, cultural curator and passionate advocate for arts at BEEAH, said that “this exhibition is a journey woven with purpose, creativity, and community. Each commissioned work captures a designer’s interpretation of childhood joy, resilience, and imagination. In collaboration with the skilled artisans of FBMI, these carpets transcend traditional art forms — they become living stories of hope, handwoven with care, sustainability, and meaning. ‘Naseej: Threads of Hope’ is not only a celebration of artistic craftmanship, but a powerful reminder of how design can uplift, empower, and create lasting social impact.”
A private charity auction follows the exhibition launch, with proceeds benefiting the Khaled bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF) and FBMI’s community and humanitarian initiatives. Bokja is a Beirut-based design collective founded by Huda Baroudi and Maria Hibri. Drawing on heritage textiles and antique furniture, it reimagines salvaged fabrics from the Silk Road into vibrant, contemporary narratives. Sultan Bin Fahad is a Saudi artist whose work explores spirituality and material culture, particularly related to Makkah. His work has been shown internationally and acquired by the Palestine Museum in 2016.
Zaha Hadid Architects pushes the boundaries of design through innovation, geometry, and fluid form. Founded by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, the firm is renowned for its futuristic approach, sustainability ethos, and mastery of complex computational design. Juma Al Haj is a Sharjah-based artist whose practice reflects visual rhetoric and personal narratives. Sara Kanoo is a Bahraini architect and designer. Her multidisciplinary work spans interiors, furniture, graphics, and urban design. As head of That Studio, she leads culturally driven projects focused on sustainability and community engagement. Faissal El Malak is a Palestinian multidisciplinary artist based between London and Dubai. His work was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2019, making him the first Palestinian fashion designer represented in their permanent collection.
Born in Sharjah, Nasir Nasrallah is an Emirati artist, writer, and curator. He founded Marsam Al Sahel studio in 2019 and currently directs the Education Programme at Sharjah Art Foundation. Adrian Pepe is a Honduran fibre artist based in Lebanon, whose practice explores the materiality of textiles through performance and installation. Hessa Al Suwaidi is a New York-based artist from Dubai. Her artistic voice reflects layered storytelling, particularly relating to women in the Middle East. Through innovation, full-circle resource management and digital transformation, BEEAH addresses environmental challenges by deploying the latest technologies and creating the roadmap for a smart and sustainable future. BEEAH operates in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. ‘Naseej’ reflects BEEAH’s commitment to integrating arts and culture, creating a platform where sustainability and creativity converge.