The ghaf tree (prosopis cineraria), also known as ‘shami’ or ‘khejri’, was declared the national tree of the UAE in 2008. A popular Emirati saying goes, “Death will not visit a man, even at the time of a famine, if he has a ghaf, a goat and a camel, since the three together will sustain a man even under the most trying conditions." An integral part of the natural food chain, ghaf provides food and shelter for wildlife and livestock. Historically, it was an early source of nourishment, building material, firewood and medicine for communities.

Taht Al Ghaf seeks to pay homage to the ghaf. ‘Oud’ in Emirati dialect means a group of ghaf trees concentrated in one area. The limited edition piece consists of seven pieces of treated wood, shaped as half cylinders – a simple design to highlight the material and showcase the detail of the treated bark. The shadows cast seek to echo the tree’s heritage as a natural shade from the desert sun. The golden tones emitted not only suggest the rays but also the warmth of fires after dark, a nostalgic reminder of past traditions and the importance of family. Taht Al Ghaf evokes the image of the desert; the colour of the sand and the undulating waves of the dunes. Amid the emptiness, a solitary tree stands resilient, saturated by the sun.