Emirati gemstone ‘Spirit of the UAE’ unveiled as first UAE jasper enters fine jewellery
Sharjah’s Saghah Al Emarat platform launches the first Emirati gemstone — a natural red jasper from Fujairah — marking a major step for local jewellery sourcing and design.
Launch at Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show
The Saghah Al Emarat platform unveiled the first officially promoted Emirati gemstone, named “Spirit of the UAE,” during the 57th Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show at Expo Sharjah. The launch, supported by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, introduces a locally sourced red jasper extracted from the Al-Sijji area of Fujairah.
Organizers said the initiative is intended to move the sector beyond design and retail toward an integrated value chain that includes exploration, sourcing and manufacturing. The platform hosted 20 Emirati designers, including seven women participating for the first time, and featured work by designers of determination that drew strong visitor interest.
Origin and characteristics of the UAE jasper
The newly presented stone is a natural red jasper whose provenance is traced to Fujairah’s Al-Sijji deposits and authenticated in partnership with the Fujairah Foundation for Natural Resources. Gem specialists at the exhibition highlighted the jasper’s natural crimson hue, a Mohs hardness ranging from about 6.5 to 7, and a waxy-to-glassy sheen that makes it suitable for polished gems in fine jewellery.
Those technical attributes, combined with documented local provenance, position the stone as a competitive Emirati gemstone for designers and collectors. The formal recognition of a homegrown gem opens avenues for certified local supply and enhances the appeal of Emirati-origin pieces on the regional market.
Signature pieces embodying heritage and place
To mark the launch, young gemologist and designer Fatima Al Muhairi presented two commissioned works that narrate the stone’s journey from the UAE’s geology to contemporary jewellery. The first piece, titled “Spirit of the UAE,” depicts the mountain source, a palm tree symbol and historic architectural motifs inspired by Al Muwaiji Fort, linked to a natural pearl that references the nation’s seafaring past.
Her second work, named “Heritage,” is a camel-head brooch that fuses a cultured pearl from the Al Suwaidi pearl farm in Ras Al Khaimah with the Fujairah jasper. The composition was framed by Al Muhairi as a dialogue between inherited traditions — camel and pearl — and a sustainable legacy embodied by local gemstones.
Designers, inclusion and a new supply role
Participants showcased a broad creative range, from diamond-set gold pieces to contemporary collections inspired by Emirati landscapes and vernacular architecture. The platform’s curators emphasized inclusivity, noting standout contributions from designers of determination, including a design called “Al-Shoufa” that attracted praise for its craftsmanship.
Saghah Al Emarat also reported an operational shift: several members have progressed from pure design roles to direct involvement in sourcing and supply. The platform highlighted the milestone of an Emirati designer becoming the country’s first female gemstone supplier, travelling to mines and museums to secure authentic stones for local makers.
Industry endorsement and economic potential
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, framed the jasper launch as an important step in adding value to domestic resources and expanding the national gold and jewellery supply chain. He said relying on the UAE’s own geological assets strengthens local products and creates new economic opportunities across production, branding and export.
Officials and industry representatives at the show underlined the potential for the Emirati gemstone to raise the international profile of UAE-made jewellery. By anchoring collections to a documented local stone, designers can offer distinct provenance and storytelling that appeal to high-end buyers and cultural tourists alike.
Local brands and the next phase of growth
Registered Emirati label Duri was among the exhibitors, presenting pearl-focused collections that pair natural and cultured pearls with contemporary design. The presence of homegrown brands alongside the new gemstone signals a broader ambition to forge a recognisable Emirati identity in luxury jewellery.
Platform managers say the next phase will emphasise building supply chains that make locally sourced stones readily available to designers, while continuing to foster design talent. The model combines technical support, access to geological resources and market development to convert creative talent into sustainable enterprises.
The unveiling of the “Spirit of the UAE” jasper marks a milestone for the country’s jewellery sector, linking geological heritage with contemporary design and commerce. Organisers and participants described the launch as the start of a deliberate effort to anchor Emirati jewellery in locally sourced materials and to grow a competitive, provenance-driven industry.