In the heart of Doha’s creative district, a quiet yet powerful collaboration has emerged — one that bridges continents, generations, and artistic philosophies. Egyptian heritage rug house Kahhal 1871 and celebrated Qatari designer Shaikha Al Sulaiti have come together to unveil The Divine Collection, a series of hand-knotted rugs and prayer pieces that reinterpret sacred geometry through the lens of contemporary design.
The unveiling, held at Studio 7 under the theme “A Craftsman’s Language, Spoken Anew,” reflects a growing movement in the Arab world: a return to craftsmanship as a means of cultural expression, storytelling, and connection. This collection represents not just an artistic statement, but an emotional and spiritual journey woven through thread, time, and touch.
An Intersection of Heritage and Innovation
Founded in Cairo over 150 years ago, Kahhal 1871 is one of the oldest luxury rug makers in the region, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and devotion to traditional weaving techniques. Shaikha Al Sulaiti, a Doha-based designer and creative director, is renowned for her ability to reinterpret Gulf heritage with a modern sensibility, balancing minimalism and cultural symbolism.
Together, they have created a collection that transcends aesthetics — it speaks to a shared heritage of devotion, artistry, and faith. The Divine Collection includes four area rugs, one runner, and two prayer rugs, each one entirely handcrafted. Some pieces took up to ninety days to complete, with artisans meticulously tying thousands of knots in wool and silk to create patterns that flow like calligraphy.
The Language of Sacred Geometry
At the heart of the collection lies geometry — not merely as ornamentation, but as a spiritual language. Each prayer rug features six stars along its sides, aligned with seven interlinking motifs that represent the seven heavens, and an eighth link symbolising the gates of paradise. When two rugs are placed together, the stars connect perfectly, forming a seamless continuation — a poetic metaphor for unity, balance, and divine harmony.
This visual connection is further echoed in the collection’s modular design system, which allows individual rugs to link together to form larger compositions. Whether displayed in a private home, a majlis, or a public installation, the rugs embody a philosophy of togetherness — the belief that beauty and spirituality are magnified when shared.
Material as Memory
Marble-like in tone and texture, the hand-woven surfaces reveal soft gradients and layered detailing that reflect the touch of human hands. Every fibre carries within it the memory of time — of artisans who learned from their ancestors, and of design rooted in spiritual rhythm.
For Mohamed El Kahhal, Managing Director of Kahhal 1871, The Divine Collection is “a celebration of what binds our region beyond borders — our shared spirituality, artistry, and heritage.” Shaikha Al Sulaiti adds that her approach was inspired by “the timeless teachings of Arab culture — belief in love, unity, and strength through togetherness.”
Design as Spiritual Dialogue
Each piece in the collection carries its own story. Some recall the calm repetition of prayer, others echo the geometry of Islamic architecture, and still others draw on the interplay between shadow and light. The designs are deeply meditative — intended to evoke reflection rather than decoration.
Through this collaboration, Kahhal 1871 and Shaikha Al Sulaiti invite viewers to experience design not as luxury, but as an act of devotion — where every knot, curve, and connection represents the harmony between human creation and divine inspiration.
The Divine Collection ultimately transforms a functional object — a rug — into a spiritual canvas. It bridges Egypt’s centuries-old mastery of craft with Qatar’s contemporary design language, creating a narrative that celebrates continuity, reverence, and beauty born from collaboration.
