L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, and the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, or ADMAF, have officially announced the winners and finalists of the 5th edition of the ADMAF Jewelry Design Award.
Emirati designer Sara Al-Ali took the top spot this year with her project, Mureyyah Abaya Clip, winning praise for her design honoring the rich heritage of the UAE.
Alongside her, Pegah Toutak and Aftab Arab were named as finalists for their exceptional pieces, The Echo of Love and the Melodies of the Oud and The Dance of Venus respectively.
Launched in 2019, the ADMAF Jewelry Design Award has been a gateway for up-and-coming designers to gain real-world knowledge and industry exposure. Winners and finalists will now embark on an immersive program at L’ÉCOLE Middle East’s Dubai campus, covering jewelry history, gemology, and hands-on craftsmanship.
Sara Al-Ali’s win comes with a prize of Dhs 50,000 to bring her design to life, along with an all-expenses-paid learning experience at L’ÉCOLE’s Paris campus from September 1-5. She’ll also have the chance to showcase her creation at both the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 and the L’ÉCOLE Festival 2026, giving her access to global audiences and industry leaders.
Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, praised this year’s record-breaking number of entries, highlighting the originality and cultural depth shown in the designs. “We’re proud to mark five years of this award, and to continue building a community of jewelry designers rooted in heritage and creative expression,” she said.
With each edition, L’ÉCOLE and ADMAF continue to provide young creatives with world-class mentorship and platforms for growth. As the UAE marks its Year of Community, this initiative is a step towards building a vibrant and sustainable design ecosystem.
