Submissions are Now Open for the Ebda’a Awards

As part of its partnership, for this year’s Ebda’a Awards, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) will be providing a course called “Digital Jewelry Designer” for the first prize winners from each category, which includes a 10-day online programme. The Ministry of Community Development will be providing nominees for the People of Determination Category, which will be the 3rd edition collaboration for the award for the People of Determination category. 

Commenting on the awards, Azza Al Qubaisi said: “The Ebda’a Award are unique as the winners are able to keep their designs and we help them bring their designs to life. We strongly believe in empowering future designers and we are proud to endorse their professional journey. Furthermore, there is no other jewellery design award that has run for as many years as Ebda’a

 “At the beginning of my career in jewellery design there was a very small community of experts in the field. Over the past five years, I can safely say that the number of jewellery designers has more than tripled and it is down to the support we provide artisans through platforms such as the Ebda’a Awards. There are many creative minds that pursue jewellery as a profession, while others suffice with design just being a hobby, and I believe we should support both.”

She elaborated: “Over the years, the Ebda’a Awards has showcased several unique UAE designs, which is a testament to this great nation. While we enjoy experiencing universal designs, it is always a pleasure to see crafts that represent the UAE.”

She concluded: “Like every year, in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, we are so excited to see designs from the People of Determination. They have proven that they are equally as talented, and they truly are an inspiration.  There is so much beauty to be tapped into from these remarkable individuals.”

The jury for this year’s Ebda’a Awards is comprised of five seasoned artists, including Jewellery Artist and Sculpture, Azza Al Qubaisi, Founder and Designer of Maha Al Sibai Jewllery, Maha Alsibai, Founder of Alserkal Jewellery, Sheikha Alserkal, jewellery designer Alia Bin Omair and Noura Alserkal, Founder of Noura Alerkal brand. The guest jury for this year’s Ebda’a Award is Ronaldo Buensalida, who received the Best Mention Award for the year 2019 and 2020.

Born in Abu Dhabi, Azza Al Qubaisi is a self-represented Emirati Artist living and working in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Educated in London, she studied at Chelsea College of Art and Design (Diploma of Foundation Studies) and continued to obtain her B.A at the London Guildhall University, in Silversmithing, Jewellery Design and Allied Crafts. She is also a certified HRD diamond grader and is currently pursuing an M.A in cultural and creative industries in HCT-CERT Abu Dhabi.

Throughout her career her artworks have been shown in solo and group exhibitions, public shows and festivals across the UAE. She was the first artist to exhibit in DIFC in 2005 and successfully represented the UAE in solo exhibitions “A 1001 steps Festival” in Helsinki, Finland (2004) and “Language of the Desert” in Abu Dhabi. Her works have also been seen in Doha, Bahrain, Morocco (Asilah), Cairo, London and Brussels. Her jewellery has also been published in several books, including “500 Earrings: New Directions in Contemporary Jewelry: 2007” by Lark Books, and then republished in “Lark Studio Series: Earrings: 2011”.

The closing date for submission is 18^th October and the winners will be announced during the exhibition. To submit your entry to [email protected].