Quick answer: Tasmeem Tashkeel is the art and design collective of Tashkeel, the Dubai art and design organisation founded in 2008 by Her Highness Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum. Tasmeem means "design" in Arabic. United under one creative identity, the collective brings together designers from different disciplines to create bespoke furniture, carpets, artworks, tableware and gifts that draw on the UAE's heritage, materials and landscape. Tasmeem Tashkeel designed and curated many of the furnishings at Gerbou, and its work is available at the Tasmeem Tashkeel collection.
What does Tasmeem Tashkeel do?
Tasmeem Tashkeel conceptualises and produces custom work for clients and for Tashkeel's own spaces. Its pieces are guided by three ideas: intention, materiality and place. That means each object starts from a cultural reference, such as a weaving tradition or a native tree, is developed through careful choice of materials, and is designed to belong to the UAE.
The collective's work spans:
- Collectible furniture such as the Ghaf Chair, Ghaf Table, Sadu Coffee Table and Mandoos Console.
- Carpets including the Sand Carpet, Pearl Carpet and Sea Carpet, tufted pieces that translate the desert, pearl diving and the coastline into texture.
- Bespoke artworks such as Elements of Nature, a 120 cm circular work that can be customised.
- Tableware including the UAE Collection plates and handmade Finyal Cups made from Dubai clay.
- Gifts and games such as Playing Cards with Leather Pouch, the Chess Briefcase and the Sijin & Snake & Ladder Game Box.
- Travel pieces like the Short Travel Bag from the Gerbou collection.
What did Tasmeem Tashkeel create for Gerbou?
Gerbou, the Emirati-inspired restaurant at Tashkeel in Nad Al Sheba, was furnished with pieces designed and curated by Tasmeem Tashkeel together with UAE-based artisans. The Ghaf Table, for example, was designed to welcome guests in the entryway, its laser-engraved surface combining the Ghaf tree with traditional regional blockwork patterns. The collective also designed the UAE Collection plates and the Gerbou-inspired sketchbooks. The design of Gerbou went on to be recognised by the Prix Versailles as one of the World's Most Beautiful Restaurants in 2025.
What inspires Tasmeem Tashkeel?
- Weaving traditions: Sadu and khoos (palm-frond weaving) appear in tables and consoles. Read more in Sadu, Khoos and Mandoos: Emirati motifs in contemporary furniture.
- Native nature: the Ghaf tree, desert sand, the sea and wildlife sanctuaries such as Ras Al Khor, which inspired the room divider Lagoon of Grace.
- Maritime heritage: pearl diving and the shifting horizon of the Gulf.
- Architecture: the arches of the 1987 Tashkeel building, echoed in the Ghaf Chair.
- Social rituals: gahwa, the majlis and traditional games played with family.
Can I commission Tasmeem Tashkeel?
Yes. Tasmeem Tashkeel is dedicated to creating custom, bespoke work for clients, from a single artwork to furnishing a full space. Several pieces in the shop, such as Elements of Nature, are listed as customisable. Hospitality, corporate and residential clients can contact Tashkeel through shop.tashkeel.org to discuss a commission.
How is Tasmeem Tashkeel different from Tanween by Tashkeel?
Tanween by Tashkeel is a year-long design programme for emerging UAE-based designers, who each develop their own product from concept to launch. Tasmeem Tashkeel is a collective that works under one shared identity, producing commissioned and collection pieces on behalf of Tashkeel. Both are part of Tashkeel's mission to support design made in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
What does Tasmeem mean?
Tasmeem (ΨͺΨ΅Ω ΩΩ ) means "design" in Arabic.
Is Tasmeem Tashkeel based in Dubai?
Yes. Tasmeem Tashkeel works from Tashkeel in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, and many pieces are made in-house or with UAE-based artisans.
Where can I buy Tasmeem Tashkeel designs?
At the Tasmeem Tashkeel collection on the Tashkeel shop.
Are Tasmeem Tashkeel pieces limited editions?
Many furniture pieces are limited editions, and Ghaf wood pieces are especially rare because Ghaf can only be used from naturally fallen trees.
