Refresh and rehydrate through a new take on an age-old tradition
Faissal El-Malak and Alia Bin Omair
Nothing expresses hospitality like "sabeel". Neighbourhood water fountains, found outside villas and mosques, for centuries they have provided travellers with free refreshment. Now, through its Sabeel 2020 competition, Expo 2020 has joined with regional artists and designers to celebrate this piece of Islamic heritage. A collaboration between fashion designer Faissal El-Malak and jeweller Alia Bin Omair, signature fountain "Nahel" combines several local artisanship traditions. The handmade tiles on each sabeel mimic the patterns found in Sadu-woven textiles, while the metal fixtures bear the unique imprint of safeefah, or palm weaving.
Discover Nahel in 360°
The vibrant tiles that cover the Nahel fountains take their inspiration from Sadu weaving, which Emirati women have practiced for countless generations. Meanwhile, the fountains’ metal basins owe their artisanal design to another rich regional tradition: safeefah palm weaving. You’ll find variations of the Nahel fountain scattered across Expo in three colours: green in the Sustainability District, orange for Opportunity, and blue for Mobility.
Sabeel Fountains is an Expo 2020 initiative in collaboration with Art Jameel to reimagine the traditional Emirati drinking fountains. Beginning in September 2019 with the Sabeel 2020 open call, winning concepts can now be found across Expo 2020 Dubai.
