Designer Zainab AlBlooki, a fellow in 2024 Material Lab Fellowship Programme, has set out to repurpose teak wood from traditional dhows and boats. Zainab's choice to focus on teak wood comes from two key motivations: her deep desire to honour the UAE’s rich seafaring heritage and the wood’s renowned durability and water-resistant qualities. Her project is an opportunity to transform what might otherwise be discarded into something both valuable and modern.
Zainab AlBlooki
May - June 2024:
The initial phase began by finding sources for the teak wood in the UAE ports. During these trips, Zainab connected with fishermen and craftsmen who redirected her to local farmers that held workshops for building dhows and fixing them. Those local communities were incredibly welcoming, and one farmer offered her his 20-year-old decommissioned dhow.
July - August 2024:
Once Zainab had access to the old dhow, she began experimenting. After inspecting the teak wood’s condition, she sanded and cut it. Then, she tested both glue and nails to connect the slices of wood together. The designer found that through every step and test, the wood maintained its remarkable robustness, strength, and flexibility, reinforcing the fact that it makes an excellent material for a variety of applications she had in mind.
Zainab’s project aims not only to preserve a rich piece of UAE heritage but to promote sustainable design practices by breathing new life into old teak wood. Since many old dhows have fallen out of use or been decommissioned, the wood has become available for reuse, offering a sustainable alternative to sourcing new materials. Furthermore, the connections that the designer fostered with the local communities underscored the cultural significance of her project and the importance of preserving this heritage.
Zainab AlBlooki, an Emirati designer, blends contemporary, sustainable designs with cultural references in her practice, Square016. She holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts in interior design from Zayed University and has exhibited her work at various prestigious venues, including Downtown Design and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Passionate about woodworking, she creates high-quality furniture. She is working with teak wood and scavenged dhows for the duration of the 2024 Material Lab Fellowship Programme.
Related Case Studies
Design
Reem Jeghel
A UAE-based product designer who gained acclaim for her Palm Veneer showcased at Dutch Design Week and Dubai Design Week 2022. Her sustainable designs highlight the creative use of upcycled material. Reem is working with palm tree veneers during the 2024 Material Lab Fellowship Programme.
Design
Nour Kays
A design director at the Farm Branding and Creative Lab and the founder of NK by Nour Kays, she holds a bachelor’s in Graphic Design and a master’s in Communication Design. She actively promotes conscious consumption and low-impact living through her work and lectures. She’s working with repurposed toys and plastic for the duration of the 2024 Material Lab Fellowship Programme.
Design
Munira AlMulla
A designer whose work has been showcased at exhibitions like Global Grad Show and Dubai Design Week. Her design studio focuses on furniture and product designs with vibrant materials and an emphasis on functionality, sustainability, and cultural relevance. Munira is working with plastics, bioresin, and sea shells throughout the 2024 Material Lab Fellowship Programme.
Design
Lina Ghalib
A product and furniture designer with a bachelor's and master's degrees in Interior Architecture, aspiring to transition into Interior Design. As a Tanween alumnus, she developed PlyPalm, creating the Yereed bench. Her goal is to continue developing products with this material. She’s working with palm tree mid ribs for the duration of the 2024 Material Lab Fellowship Programme.