Participants

Discover the remarkable talents showcasing their work at SkillFest

 

Artists

Engage with our artists and participate in the best workshops ever found in Qatar

404020333_730840765616320_8190149167921029392_n

Azzam Al Mannai

Artist

About Azzam: Returning from his travels with a deeper understanding of global art perspectives, Azzam Al Mannai was inspired to capture the essence of Qatari culture through his lens. Azzam established his photography studio in 2015, dedicated to portraying the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Qatar. His work not only reflects the aesthetics of traditional and contemporary scenes but also narrates the rich stories behind them.
Showcase Information: Azzam’s latest collection, "Visions of Qatar," highlights the intersection of natural landscapes and human ingenuity. This series will be featured at the Palace Vendome, providing a backdrop that enhances the depth and color of his photographic narratives.

Abdulaziz Yousef

Abdulaziz Yousef

Artist

About Abdulaziz : Abdulaziz Yousef is an artist from Qatar who explores new visual experiences in his art. His diverse art portfolio showcases various execution techniques, including animation, murals, multimedia, traditional canvas artwork, graphic illustration, and sculpting. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Abdulaziz seeks to transcend the visual expressions of the unconscious mind through his signature distinctive style.
With an impressive 15 years of experience as a cartoonist in TV channels and newspapers, Abdulaziz has developed a distinctive style to effectively convey and share his story with the world. He has gained local and international recognition, receiving awards for several projects. These include the third place in the Tamyoz award for his Mural work, a Promax bronze award for one of the digital campaigns he worked on, and multiple awards in international festivals for his short films.
Abdulaziz has also curated and co-curated exhibitions such as "leBockade" and "[re]action" in collaboration with the Doha Film Institute. These galleries were associated with the "Ajyal" film festival and were highly popular at the time. Additionally, Abdulaziz has held solo art exhibitions, with his latest one titled "Escapism" in 2019.

Workshop Information: Join our Character Design Workshop to master the art of creating unique and compelling characters. Learn essential principles, infuse personality and backstory, explore various artistic styles, and engage in hands-on practice with personalized feedback from experienced instructors. Develop characters that resonate with audiences, build a portfolio-worthy project, and gain skills valuable for artists, writers, game designers, animators, and illustrators. Bring your sketchbook and drawing materials, and optionally a digital drawing tablet or laptop. The workshop spans over a weekend with intensive sessions designed to maximize learning and creativity.

Sharefa-AL-Mannai

Sharefa AL Mannai

Artist

About Sharefa: Sharefa AL-Mannai, a multidisciplinary Qatari Artist. Her work is inspired by her imagination where she utilizes different mediums to deliver her message, ranging from digital artwork to installations. Some of her work pieces were exhibited at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassem Museum, AL-Hosh Gallery, Eiwan Al Qassar, and Ajyal Art exhibition 2020-23. She also had the honor to be selected among local Artists to participate in JEDARIART by national museum to paint a mural.
Workshop Information: Textured Canvas, In this workshop, kids will be introduced to creating textured paintings of different sea creatures. The aim is to allow kids to use their imagination to create whimsical artwork to share with their families and friends.
Note: Aimed for kids ages between 7-13 yrs.

Muna-Al-Bader-4

Muna Al Bader

Artist

About Muna : Muna Al Bader’s work carries deep-rooted messages, taking inspiration from both traditional and non-traditional art and seeking to connect with cultures on a global scale. “My art is exceptionally inclusive. My vision for art is as a medium for emotional communication.
She is a well established Qatari artist. She was residence within the Fire Station Artist in Residence programme. For the past 10 years, Muna’s paintings have explored ways to express intrinsic human emotions, specifically, the intertwining nature of happiness and sadness. These emotions cannot exist without each other. Whenever there is happiness, there is sadness behind that. To Muna, the equation of life is the recognition of this concept - that these two powerful emotions are inseparable.

Workshop Information: In this workshop, children will dive into their imagination as they create a beautiful undersea scene using a combination of painting and silhouettes. Participants will paint the sea using shades of blue, green, and white, and then enhance their artwork by adding carefully cut-out sea creature silhouettes to bring their underwater world to life.

          

  www.munaalbader.com

Vendors

Meet our distinguished vendors who create beauty and creativity at SkillFest

Filiz-Cam

Filiz Cam

Crochet

Beginning: In a quaint corner of Doha, Filiz Cam transformed her love for crochet into a beacon of creativity and hope. Her journey with Needle and Hook began with a simple crochet hook and a colorful palette of yarn, where every stitch became a step towards fulfilling her dream of spreading joy and sustainability through her handcrafted creations.
Aim: Needle and Hook's mission is to delight and inspire through meticulously crafted crochet art. Filiz is dedicated to producing enchanting crochet pieces that not only bring warmth and joy into homes but also foster imagination and sustainability. Her aim is to make every customer feel special, delivering products that resonate with personal care and creative flair.
Vision: Filiz envisions Needle and Hook as a pivotal part of the sustainable crafts movement, where each piece of crochet work carries a story of environmental stewardship and personal touch. Her goal is to weave the threads of sustainability into every product, ensuring that her craft not only delights but also educates and inspires a community of mindful consumers.

   

Sonali-Raman

Sonali Raman

Fashion

Beginning: Sonali Raman began her journey with a profound appreciation for India's rich textile heritage and a passion for sustainable fashion. Her brand, SR by Sonali Raman, was born out of a desire to revive and sustain the age-old crafts of India, transforming traditional fabrics into contemporary fashion statements that speak to mindful consumers globally.
Aim: SR by Sonali Raman aims to redefine the fashion landscape by promoting ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products. Every piece not only celebrates India's diverse craftsmanship from Himalayan regions to Kanyakumari but also supports the empowerment of women artisans through fair employment practices. The brand stands as a beacon of inclusivity, offering designs that cater to women of all shapes and sizes, embodying the spirit of true inclusivity.
Vision: The vision of SR by Sonali Raman is to foster a global appreciation for handcrafted Indian textiles while advocating for sustainability and ethical consumerism. Through each collection, Sonali aspires to connect the threads of traditional artistry with modern fashion sensibilities, ensuring that these age-old techniques thrive in the contemporary world. Her ultimate goal is to inspire a movement towards conscious fashion choices that respect both people and the planet.

       

  sonaliraman.com

Guillermo-Garcia-1

Guillermo Garcia

Fashion

Beginning: During our participation in Paris Fashion Week FW2020, where we had the pleasure of working alongside experienced and famous brands from around the world, we realized there was an urgent need for innovation. To truly revolutionize the industry, we needed to break molds and push beyond any known limits, with the merging of luxury and absolute sustainability being the way forward.
Guillermo Garcia, our Creative Director, born in the Andes of Venezuela, has always been inspired by Venezuela’s rich natural beauty, particularly the jungle, forests, and sunlight of this Caribbean country. Deeply connected to his roots, the designer has always aspired to bring the elements of nature into the fashion world, and after the decisive realization of an urgent need in the industry for something beyond imagination during Paris Fashion Week in 2020, he envisioned the future of fashion in a glimpse, and proposed capturing the sublime beauty of KOMOREBI – the sunlight shining through trees and entering nature – into his creations. In this exact moment, an idea was born that, though not yet fully definable, was already destined to allow nature and the industry to coexist harmoniously.
Aim: The introduction of glass into all our collections marked the dawn of a new era for Guillermo Garcia and for the sustainable luxury markets worldwide, our textile technology leaves behind all natural and synthetic fibers commonly used in fashion. Guillermo Garcia, our Creative Director, crafted a mesmerizing collection of lifestyle luxury products, from shimmering accessories to elegant one-of-a-kind clothing pieces, and statement jewellery. Each piece reflects the delicate balance between sustainability and luxury, capturing the essence of refined craftsmanship and ecological responsibility.
Vision: Today, Guillermo Garcia stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in the sustainable luxury fashion world. Our journey as explorers of new materials and technologies is only beginning. We envision a future where our creations inspire others to join us in protecting and celebrating the beauty of our planet. Guillermo Garcia is more than a brand; it is a movement. Our story is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the belief that true luxury is not just about opulence but also about the impact we leave on the world. As we continue to shine and evolve, we remain dedicated to our mission: to create timeless, sustainable luxury that dazzles the world and preserves its beauty for generations to come.

       

Sama-Store

Sama Store

Lifestyle

Beginning: Sama is a culturally inspired lifestyle concept brand that fosters connection within the community. Our name, meaning 'sky' in Arabic, represents our boundless aspirations. Initially launching in 2017 as an online storefront, Sama has grown into its own as a concept store and is continuing to evolve into a meeting place and café experience. With a range of authentic and exclusive products designed in Qatar, we cater to both tourists and locals. At Sama, every item tells a story, making it a must-visit destination for beauty and culture.
Aim: Our aim is to create a vibrant cultural haven where people can connect, inspire, and celebrate their shared passions. We strive to curate a unique and diverse experience, bridging the gap between culture and community through our exclusive offerings and events.
Vision: Enriching lives through uniquely designed products and unforgettable experiences, creating a sense of belonging and delight in the hearts of diverse communities.

Mama-Recipes

Mama Recipe's

Sweets

Beginning: A few weeks before Ramadan 2023, while trying to recommend the best Maamoul in Doha to my community, none compared to my mom’s homemade recipe. Driven by the desire to share this exceptional treat, I called my mom and asked, “Mama, what do you think about selling your maamoul so people can finally taste the real thing? And we can donate a percentage to charity.” She loved the idea, and we quickly created a simple logo and packaging, intending to share our maamoul rather than start a business. Today, a year and a few months later, we’ve transformed that initial spark into a thriving venture. Our maamoul, free of refined sugar and perfect for everyday enjoyment, has become a beloved treat for both kids and adults. Come taste the difference and see why our maamoul is truly like nothing you’ve ever tried before!
Aim: Mama and I are on a mission to preserve our Palestinian culture. Each piece of our maamoul represents resilience, strength, and authenticity. We aim to make maamoul an everyday treat, not just for special occasions. Instead of gifting chocolates, we offer healthy, handcrafted maamoul that shows how much you care. Made by Mama, our maamoul brings genuine authenticity to every bite
Vision: Our long-term vision is to transform maamoul from a seasonal delight to a staple in every household, celebrated for its health benefits and cultural significance. We aspire to create a community that values authentic, handcrafted foods over mass-produced alternatives. By sharing our maamoul, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for Arabic heritage and inspire others to embrace and preserve their own cultural traditions. We see our business as a catalyst for healthier eating habits, meaningful gift-giving, and a greater understanding of the rich diversity within our community.

Golden-Earth-3

Golden Earth

Pottery

Beginning: I found myself drawn to a simple lump of clay my sister was preparing for her students as an art teacher. Little did I know, that day would become the turning point in my journey towards pottery. From that humble beginning, inspired by the magic of clay, I discovered my passion and purpose: to delve deeper into the art of pottery, to sculpt stories from earth's embrace, and to share the joy of creation with others.
Aim: To create handmade pottery pieces that foster the sense of authenticity, beauty and earthy feels that bring joy and enhance everyday life.
Vision: Raise the honor and preserve traditional pottery-making techniques and heritage to the community, contributing to cultural continuity, through pottery classes, workshops, or local events, promoting creativity and cultural appreciation.

Lorenaa-Michelle-1

Lorenaa Michelle

Fashion

Beginning: At the heart of Lorenaa Michelle lies a moment that changed everything. Struggling to find a breakthrough, the one concept that would set us apart in a saturated market. Then, it happened. A simple question "What if we focused on the problem in the fashion industry that no one sees?" from there the brand bloomed, I kicked off the first collection with upcycled textiles; highlighting my latin roots with a mix of middle eastern grounds.
Aim: The purpose of Lorenaa Michelle is to create high-quality, stylish, and sustainable clothing that empowers individuals to express their unique personalities while promoting ethical and environmentally-friendly practices within the fashion industry.
Vision: The long-term vision for Lorenaa Michelle is to become a global leader in sustainable fashion, aiming to inspire, and drive positive change. Ultimately, we envision a future where our brand not only sets trends but also sets new standards for how fashion can positively impact the world.

   

Oriental-Carpet-1

Oriental Carpet

Carpet Retail

Beginning: Our founder, Shawkat Gul Aga, established Oriental Carpet Company in 1970, after moving to Qatar to seize the niche emerging market for exquisite, genuine handmade carpets. He had an eye for the unique designs he aquired by travelling far and wide which he instilled in his son Nadir Gul Aga, who is our current CEO, and has carried over the same passion needed for raising this business to heights it has never seen before.
Aim: Our aim is to turn houses into homes - to spread the warmth and culture that a handmade items bring at affordable prices. We also wish to impact the community by educating the public on the vast, deep history of handmade carpets from around the globe and share our passion for the art.
Vision: In 10 years, we see ourselves as experts in the flooring industry - it's a journey we started a couple years ago and one that we want to see further success in. We wish to show our audience that we are versatile and capable of a variety of professional services.

   

  www.occdoha.com

Ceramic-Cube-1

Ceramic Cube

Artisanal Ceramics

Beginning: Hameed Al Qahtani founded Ceramic Cube in 2019, inspired by th community spirit of a traditional wood firing kiln, and used his engineering background to overcom challenges during the pandemic.
Aim: Ceramic cube offers workshops,materials,tools, and memberships to support potters in making artisanal ceramics.
Vision: Ceramic cube inspires community appreciation for pottery by showcasing Qatari talents, engaging on social media, participating in markets and fairs, and offering educational workshops.

KOI

KOI

Fashion

Beginning: Realizing that we have very fast paced abaya business with more toxicity to the environment and the energy/aura of people. I decided to create koi out of love of Japanese minimalism and culture.
Being influenced by Japanese culture and the significance of the Koi fish in that culture. It made me realize how we as people actually are pretty similar. We react towards our environment.
Aim: We celebrating the usage of clean fabric and ethical ways of creating our collection create a collection that expresses women's' daily expressions against oppression.
Vision: Love, as in koi. Self-love and confidence. inspire ladies to look within themselves and heal whatever is needed by expressing their selves through fashion.

WITR-2

WITR

Jewelry

Beginning: Fear was the guiding force behind my business. I struggled with accepting loss, hating the idea of losing the people I love. I believed there had to be a way to keep them with me forever. As I delved deeper, I discovered that eye prints are second only to DNA in uniqueness; they literally reflect the face of the soul. This realization led to the creation of our specialized studio, where we capture eye prints and engrave them into precious metals. Now, it is possible to keep a piece of our beloved ones' souls with us, immortalized in the intricate beauty of their eyes.
In 2015, I felt a profound calling to start a jewelry business, inspired by my artist mother who always emphasized the importance of art. Struggling with the pain of loss, I aspired to create something uniquely artistic and deeply meaningful. When I discovered the unparalleled uniqueness of eye prints, I decided to craft a prototype on gold. Despite the many challenges of pioneering such a one-of-a-kind venture, within a year, I successfully created a piece featuring my own eye print. In 2017, my dedication paid off when I earned an international patent through the Qatar Foundation for Research and Development and was officially recognized as an inventor. In that same year, WITR was honored with the first place prize for best product.
Aim: Our mission is to rewrite history with truth and authenticity. Through the unmistakable drawing of eye prints, we vividly tell the whole story, preserving it forever in gold. These eye prints capture the essence of individuals, ensuring their legacy lives on in a timeless, tangible form.
While we also create designs beyond eye prints, we remain dedicated to retelling the histories of emperors and kingdoms long forgotten. We recreate and craft high-quality jewelry that captures the spirit of the past, uniquely brought to life through handmade craftsmanship.
Vision: We aspire to create a museum that preserves, immortalizes, and brings souls back to life through eye prints. Our vision is to transform these unique eye prints into tangible history, capturing the essence of individuals for eternity. We believe that once an eye is open, it can never close again, allowing their stories to live on forever in a museum worthy setting.

   

ATLAAD-1

ATLAAD

Lifestyle

ATLAAD is a natural & authentic, green & ethical products & life style, It was founded with a passion and true beliefs that natural living is the best healing.
ATLAAD is a brand born in Qatar with ambition to have a home in many cities around the world.