FBMI @ Design Days Dubai

The Fatima bint Mohamed Initiative (FBMI) participated in Design Days Dubai from 14 to 18 March 2016, showcasing their new Antique Wash rug collection in which natural vegetable dyes were used to create antique rugs that resemble the color of stones. Also displayed, was a unique piece by Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Khalifa Bin Saif Al Nahyan. The Emirati designer combined various elements of her own jewelry collection with intricate Afghan designs to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind table rug. Known as ‘The MKS Carpet Table,’ the piece is indicative of the growing collaboration underway between UAE artists and Afghan artisans under FBMI’s flagship 'Artists for Change' initiative. The primary goal of 'Artists for Change' is to promote the talents and capabilities of disadvantaged Afghan artisans – the vast majority of whom are women.

Established in 2010, the FBMI has now provided employment to over 3,000 Afghans, 70% of which are women, in the traditional craft of hand-made carpet making. The initiative has two retail showrooms in the UAE, one in the UK and has plans to expand into the US. By the end of summer 2016 it will have also established a new showroom in Dubai Design District (D3).