Reducing Waste with Withered Leaves for Materials

Maitha Al Omaira

Maitha Al Omaira is a visual artist and poet born in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Her creative practice revolves around the interplay of light, time, and nature, with a particular emphasis on poetry. Through her work, she delves into the realms of the unseen, forging new definitions that allow space for different yet captivating interpretations of life and time.

In her collaboration with UAE Year of Sustainability, she has focused on exploring local natural materials to create sustainable and versatile materials. The project investigates the potential of using withered leaves for various purposes, drawing inspiration from traditional UAE building methods like palm tree-based "Areesh" and coral houses. Reconnecting with nature, making benches from reclaimed wood, integrated with local plants, encouraging people to sit, observe, and reconnect with nature in the shade of trees. This project aims to deepen the connection between people and their natural surroundings.