This boutique, however, has a completely new and fresh concept that makes it distinctively unique. They describe it as a “design museum,” a social enterprise that promotes independent designers in the Middle East, which aims to revive their region's heritage as an eclectic center for design, art, architecture and culture in hopes of reducing designers’ migration to other locations.

The Arabic word “Tashkeil,” means variety and dynamic, which describes the array of talents that they hold in the creative industry in our region and illustrates the seven divisions that encompass our social enterprise. They aim to provide their designers with an information exchange forum, media coverage, access to commercial network and exclusive membership benefits — an absolute dream package.

The concept of the company was developed by CEO and Founder, Sofana Rabea Dahlan, as a means to portray the strong need for resurgence in creativity and innovation in the region, as they go hand in hand. Dahlan recently served as a leading Creative Industry panelist at the UNAOC in Doha in Dec. 2011 and was also chosen to close the session with Sheikha Moza of Qatar. Earlier this year, she was also asked to present Tashkeil’s innovative social model at Pecha Kucha Beirut.

Tanween is only one of the six divisions of the company; it is a design boutique in many ways, like a gallery of all design categories. It brings together independent designers from all over the Middle East under one roof, creating a platform to showcase their work in an exclusive showroom.

Located in the exclusive Al-Shatea district, Tanween will feature several new designers every two months, displaying everything from fashion, art, jewelry, architecture, graphic, industrial and photography.

For the “Nuqta Event,” they featured six designers: Kashida (Lebanon- Product Design), May AlQassar (Kuwait – Jewelry), Jarrah Al-Bloushi (Kuwait - Art/Photography), Amina Khalil (Egypt – fashion), Navine Maktabi (Lebanon - Home furniture) and Mahin Hussein (Pakistan – Fashion Accessories).

The event was a colorful mixture of different Middle Eastern cultures that introduced a wonderful group of different talents. Visitors of the first day got the utmost pleasure of meeting May Al-Qassar and Jarrah Al-Bloushi in person, which gave them a perspective of their creative thoughts behind their work.

As a designer, I see Tashkeil as a great starting point for all kinds of new designers to look to for self-exposure and growth in the many dynamics of the industry. It opens our society’s eyes to the many verities of talent that the Middle East has to offer and be proud of.

At the end of March, Tashkeil will be showcasing four upcoming designers during a special showing at Middle East Fashion Week in Abu Dhabi from March 29 to 31 at the St. Regis Hotel in Saadiyat Island.