Introducing Tariq Riaz’s UAE 50

To celebrate the 50th year of the UAE we present a collection of memories: works of art that celebrate the foundations of the Emirates. These are the forts that secured communities, the date palms that provided sustenance, the vessels that held water, our most precious commodity. This is a collection of memories, of a landscape, culture, people and their remarkable journey. From the details of these humble elements come extravagant, exceptional celebrations of the nation’s story, and the roots of the Tariq Riaz contemporary collection.

Inspired by the ethos of 17th century objects de vertu, these works are designed purely for the delight of showcasing outstanding craftsmanship. They are experiments, inspiration taken to its highest level. Through these works Tariq Riaz is exploring what he and his team can do, pushing their creativity, testing their technique, playing with ideas to see what is possible.

The UAE 50 collection was designed and manufactured by Tariq in his UAE workshop, using the highest quality raw materials: platinum, gold, spectacular pearls, diamonds and colour stones. Each gem sits in a pavé setting to maximise its brilliance. These ingredients have been worked using cutting-edge technology to present an artistic vision inspired by the humble roots of the UAE, our past and the future it promises us.

Tariq is also pleased to present his contemporary collection at JWS International Jewellery and Watch Show this year at. Visit his work at Hall 9, stand D15.

Al Jahili

Al Ain’s Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAE’s most recognisable buildings. Built in the 1890s to protect the oasis and its palm groves, it was built on the orders of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Zayed the First. The fort’s iconic four concentric tiers are here captured in platinum encrusted with more than 400 diamonds and stunning colour stones in each of the three examples. Rose gold detailing captures the unique red sand of Al Ain.

The Door of Goodness

Visitors to Al Ain’s Al Jahili Fort walk through an ornate doorway that welcomes them with these words.

“A door of goodness is opened in glory’s chapter, Where joy and happiness with high glory reside. The blessings of honour said ‘Mark this house A house of high standing built by Zayed bin Khalifa’”

This inspiration has been captured in a spectacular parure, a matching necklace and earrings in natural diamonds, emeralds and natural pearl beads.

Jarrah

Jarrah commemorates the time when drinking water was scarce, immortalising traditional rope making techniques combined with ghaf tree wood details to represent that vessel that collected and preserved fresh water. The extraordinary Jarrah ring contains interchangeable south sea pearls — gold, white and grey — that can be swapped to fit the occasion. Rope and wood worked in platinum are adorned with more than 300 diamonds. A bespoke mechanism, adjusted with a diamond-tipped white gold pin, allows the ring to fit any finger comfortably and without slipping.

Qasr Al Hosn 1761

In the heart of Abu Dhabi there is a witness. Qasr Al Hosn has watched over us from the beginning. Its story begins in the eighteenth century with Sheikh Dhiyab Bin Isa, Sheikh of the Bani Yas tribe from Liwa, who ordered the construction of a watchtower to protect the growing community of Abu Dhabi island. This ring commemorates the earliest watchtower, Abu Dhabi’s first permanent structure. The ring is presented in emerald, ruby and sapphire versions, each boasting more than 700 natural diamonds and topped with mother-of-pearl.

Qasr Al Hosn 1855

By 1855, Qasr Al Hosn is the seat of government of Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa, also known as Zayed the Great. Under his rule, the region’s tribes united to build Abu Dhabi, home to the Gulf’s largest fleet of pearling boats. During this time Qasr Al Hosn serves as family home, military headquarters as well as the government centre of Abu Dhabi. Its watchtower has expanded to take on the iconic shape we recognise today, here commemorated in a raised tier clad in mother-of-pearl topped with a colour stone cut en cabochon to reveal the inner heart of each gem.

Each platinum ring contains more than 700 natural diamonds, five natural colour stones, surrounding the tower of mother-of-pearl.

Khalas

They say that once you have tasted this date, then khalas, there is no need to try any other. Here, this iconic food of the Emirates is celebrated in platinum, natural diamonds and extraordinary pearls.

The Khalas ring is inspired by the delicate woven patterns of date leaves and the texture of the palm trunk. At the crown of the ring sits a spectacular natural pearl, the perfect representation of the khalas date. These pearls are interchangeable: white, gold or grey, according to the whim of the wearer. Each sits in a ring bearing 336 natural diamonds.

A bespoke mechanism, adjusted with a diamond-tipped white gold pin, allows the ring to fit any finger comfortably and without slipping.

About Tariq Riaz

Tariq Riaz works at the meeting point of art and mechanics, where culture and science dance together, where movement is captured in a single moment. Designed and made in his Abu Dhabi workshop his jewellery tells stories inspired by nature, by culture, and by the people who wear it.

Using the earth's most precious materials, the expertise of skilled artisans and state-of-the-art technology he designs and creates unique pieces to be collected, worn and loved for generations.

His work explores the tensions between art and mechanics, poetry and science, capturing movement in precious metals and beautiful stones sourced with integrity.

Beyond their beauty, Tariq Riaz's creations are unique in the AbrazoTM technology used to make them both wearable and uncommonly comfortable for anyone, throughout their lives.

With a background in robotics and design Tariq brings more than sheer creativity to his work. He fuses art and technology to make jewellery that moves with the body, using ingenious AbrazoTM mechanisms to ensure perfect fit across a lifetime.