Sand dunes are an essential and distinct element of the natural landscape of the United Arab Emirates, making up around 80% of the UAE’s land area. These dune fields form and change shape over time through the interaction of air and sand, a direct manifestation of the push and pull of wind on mounds of sand, sculpting different forms and heights over the desert landscape. An integral contributing part of the rise of Bedouin communities in the UAE, the multifaceted dimensions of a dune, changing from first-person view to top-down photography, make it a remarkable and ever evolving part of the UAE’s natural environment, continuing to provide shelter to a diverse ecological system.

Traces of Time is a timepiece that explores the formation of sand dunes, allowing the user to experience this natural phenomenon through the passage of time and movement of light. Inspired by the process of formation of the rich geometry and patterns that exist in the desert landscape, Almulla designed a product that looks at time, light and movement. The built-in timer moves light across the timepiece, gradually illuminating each of the six profiles as the day progresses, using two different colours of light to represent day and night. As the light moves, it brightens each numeral positioned in front of the profiles to indicate the current time.

Almulla designed the main acrylic feature of Traces of Time to mimic the official wind studies and graphs of Dubai in 2018-19. Using this data alongside visual studies through drone photography, Almulla was able to bring together the aesthetic and topographic elements of the natural landscape in a design piece that transports a visual indication of dune formation into a domestic environment. The body of the piece incorporates antique brass finish, evoking the UAE’s heritage and ensuring the product retains its solidity and quality to stand the test of time.