SHAMS is a modern take on the traditional Mandoos, inspired by my mother, Shamsa, and her Mandoos chest. Drawing from the old Mandoos commonly found in many Emirati homes for storing valuable possessions, SHAMS is a mid-sized sideboard made of rich, dark walnut, integrated with brass touches, and supported by walnut legs.
It features two levels, with walnut spheres acting as separators. The bottom level serves as a spacious compartment for storing prayer mats and the Qur’an, while the top level designed for perfumes and Dokhoon. Perfect for your living room or Majlis, SHAMS aims to simplify individuals’ daily rituals by combining Dokhoons, perfumes, prayer mats, and the Qur’an in one elegant piece. A tribute to the Mandoos and its significance in Emirati culture, SHAMS embodies both tradition and modernity.
SHAMS has been showcased at prominent regional and international platforms, highlighting its fusion of Emirati heritage with contemporary design principles:
Maison & Objet 2025 – Paris, France
Exhibited as part of the UAE Design Oasis curated by Dubai Culture, SHAMS introduced international audiences to a modern interpretation of the traditional Mandoos, reflecting cultural memory through sculptural form.
Exhibited as part of the UAE Design Oasis curated by Dubai Culture, SHAMS introduced international audiences to a modern interpretation of the traditional Mandoos, reflecting cultural memory through sculptural form.
UAE Designer Exhibition 5.0 – Dubai, 2024
Presented during Dubai Design Week, SHAMS was featured in a curated group exhibition showcasing emerging UAE-based designers. The piece stood out for its narrative-driven concept and refined craftsmanship, resonating with audiences through its cultural depth and sculptural elegance.
Presented during Dubai Design Week, SHAMS was featured in a curated group exhibition showcasing emerging UAE-based designers. The piece stood out for its narrative-driven concept and refined craftsmanship, resonating with audiences through its cultural depth and sculptural elegance.
Athath Fellowship Cohort 2023 – Abu Dhabi, 2024
The first iteration of SHAMS was designed and prototyped during the Athath Fellowship, an intensive furniture design and prototyping programme for aspiring entrepreneurs. It was first publicly showcased as part of the programme’s final exhibition.
The first iteration of SHAMS was designed and prototyped during the Athath Fellowship, an intensive furniture design and prototyping programme for aspiring entrepreneurs. It was first publicly showcased as part of the programme’s final exhibition.
