Hamzat Wasl showcased the second edition of the exclusively designed prayer mats from the “Mn Laila'' initiative. The initiative's sole purpose was to fulfil the act of giving through its products and activations.

Hind Bin Demaithan initiated “Mn Laila” in 2012 to honor and continue the legacy of her late mother Laila, who lost the battle with cancer. The sales of the first edition went towards donating wheelchairs for those in need through a campaign that was led by Social Bandage. For the second edition, the product was designed in Dubai and fabricated in Egypt, Laila’s birthplace.

The exhibition celebrated Laila, her story, her passion and the unique eye she had towards design while projecting the process of fabrication and research of the product, from the developed patterns that represent fragmented memories of the Falaheen (farmers) to the inspired embroidery techniques that commiserate Laila’s upbringing through embroidered illustrations and more. The product were available online and at Dubai Design Week where a percentage of the proceeds will go to affected families by the ongoing pandemic. This pandemic serves as a reminder for us to be grateful and give back due to its global impact.

About Hamzat Wasl Studio
/hamzat-al-wasl/ is a unique glottal stop in Arabic – a connection between what comes before to what comes after. Founded in 2017 by curator and artist Hind Bin Demaithan, Hamzat Wasl is an art and design management studio based in Dubai and Cairo. The multidisciplinary studio primarily operates as a go-between, matchmaking creatives with projects from organisations, government entities, and self-initiated programmes. Driven by the aim of fostering a community of creatives and encouraging collaborations, Hamzat Wasl offers in-house design and art services, consultancy, community programmes and commissions, all under one roof. Since its inception, the studio has worked with a number of government agencies including the Ministry of Culture and Youth and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, as well as commercial commissions with Tiffany & Co. and Dubai Design Week.