Khalid Basaeed is on a mission to bring top-quality accessories and leather goods from the UAE to the world within the next decade. With a keen eye for design and passion for regional raw materials, the 38-year-old established Feathers in 2010, proclaiming it to be the first Emirati luxury-goods brand. Five years later, Feathers has five boutiques in three emirates, with customers flocking to buy Basaeed’s range of fine jewellery, wallets, writing instruments and geometric-print scarves.
You originally studied architecture and urban design; what led you to launch – and do all the designing for – a luxury- goods company?
My interest was ignited when I was studying in Edinburgh and my course had an element of product design. I loved it and attended every exhibition and event possible. Three years down the line, and after much planning, the first Feathers store was opened on October 10, 2010. As Emiratis we don’t have our own “luxury brand” – we always buy European and American ones. So my idea was to produce and design luxury goods we’re already buying and carrying, such as pens, watches and handbags. The second important aspect was to make the brand affordable and not let that diminish the quality. Our men’s wallets, for example, range from Dh350 to Dh700, using the very finest quality camel leather. Whereas for ladies, handbags go from Dh1,000 to Dh3,500.
Break down the DNA of the brand for me.
We’re trying to create a uniquely Emirati brand, with Arabian, Islamic, cultural and regional touches in its design. From the raw materials we choose – such as camel leather – to the Arabian architectural patterns we use, these are things uncommon to other brands.
Who is the target audience for Feathers?
I would say I’m targeting everybody. It’s not a brand exclusively for locals and people from the GCC – although a huge number of them like to support our brand and they are a very important client base. Expats, when they come to the UAE, want to take home a souvenir for their families and friends, and we offer something unique. I say, enough of souvenirs made in China such as Burj Al Arab statues, mugs with camel faces or beach-picture fridge magnets. These are old-fashioned and not related or reflective of our country and region. Wouldn’t you rather buy a UAE-made wallet of camel leather, designed by an Emirati?
Map out the expansion plan you have in mind for Feathers.
We want to continue to grow in the UAE first – Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and so on. We’ve also had some interest from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to franchise the brand and open branches there. We’re one day aiming to have our products in London, Milan and Paris, maybe not necessarily open a branch but sell them in big stores such as Harvey Nichols or Bloomingdale’s. Time-wise, within the next five years, we’d like to be in every GCC country. Then, within 10 years we could see ourselves present in the fashion capitals mentioned.
What’s the significance of a peacock feather as part of your company name and logo?
We’re a local brand with ambitions to go global and Feathers is easily pronounceable in the Arab world and abroad. Aesthetically, I’ve always been fascinated by peacocks – the stunning simplicity and symmetry of their feathers. The pride and beauty of the animal also seemed to reflect our brand, as did the colour spectrum of the bird’s feathers – that’s why it was the perfect theme.
What are the trending colours of your spring collections?
The new collections have turquoise, ocean blue, royal blue – the full blue spectrum. There are forest greens, plus peaches, beige and the tan family. The palette reflects trends seen at Milan Fashion Week and a huge leather exhibition recently held in the city.
What have been the best-sellers since you launched?
Definitely the camel wallets and handbags. Other items include a watch made in Switzerland to commemorate the late President Sheikh Zayed. It has the engraved silhouette of his face upon its dial and is still our best-selling timepiece. Other popular pieces, which can’t be found anywhere else, are accessories such as charm bracelets bearing traditional Arabian coffee pots and burkas.
Walk us through your upcoming Eid collection.
We have designed a collection of fine jewellery in gold with diamonds and pearls. It’s very sleek with an elegant and classic feel. The pearls have strong regional significance, but the collection is very international and can easily be worn by anyone. It works for the day or as evening wear and we hope a universal audience will like the Arabic touches.
• To see the latest collections by Feathers and to locate your nearest boutique call 02 550 7556 or 04 232 8788
rduane@thenational.ae
Race 3
Produced: Salman Khan Films and Tips Films
Director: Remo D’Souza
Cast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah, Saqib Salem
Rating: 2.5 stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Company%20profile
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The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
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%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Diaa%20Jubaili%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20180%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublisher%3A%20Deep%20Vellum%20Publishing%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Stage 3 results
1 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 4:42:33
2 Tadej Pocagar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:03
3 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana 0:01:30
4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ
5 Rafal Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe
6 Diego Ulissi (ITA) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:56
General Classification after Stage 3:
1 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 12:30:02
2 Tadej Pocagar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:07
3 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana 0:01:35
4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 0:01:40
5 Rafal Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe
6 Wilco Kelderman (NED) Team Sunweb) 0:02:06
The Old Slave and the Mastiff
Patrick Chamoiseau
Translated from the French and Creole by Linda Coverdale
RESULTS - ELITE MEN
1. Henri Schoeman (RSA) 57:03
2. Mario Mola (ESP) 57:09
3. Vincent Luis (FRA) 57:25
4. Leo Bergere (FRA)57:34
5. Jacob Birtwhistle (AUS) 57:40
6. Joao Silva (POR) 57:45
7. Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) 57:56
8. Adrien Briffod (SUI) 57:57
9. Gustav Iden (NOR) 57:58
10. Richard Murray (RSA) 57:59
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Empty Words
By Mario Levrero
(Coffee House Press)
Company%C2%A0profile
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More on Quran memorisation:
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
