April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now
Creative Direction: Amy Sessions
Photography: Greg Adamski
Production: Olivia Morris
Fashion Assistant: Sarah Joseph
Makeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG Artists
Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum, founder of Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery, talks to exclusively about gratitude, determination and the inspiration behind her debut collection.
Born and raised in the UAE to a mother with a love for the arts and a caring and supportive father, Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum has a lot to be grateful for, especially her family, which is at the heart of her eponymous jewellery brand, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery.
The down-to-earth Sheikha recently debuted the brand with the ‘My Treasure’ collection, using butterflies, a tribute and a symbol of her gratitude to her late grandmother, after whom she was named. Each piece honours the memory of the elder Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum, one of Dubai’s most remarkable women, as it encourages women to embark on a journey to find their inner strength and purpose.
“Butterflies are symbols of transformation and beauty and my grandmother grew up at a time when options were limited for women, but she didn’t let that stop her,” Sheikha Sana says. “She found a way to shine and to help others shine which is why I consider her a treasure.”
Taking inspiration from her grandmother has taken the young Sana on her path to entrepreneurship and womanhood. Her Highness’ warm and gentle nature belies her fierce determination to stand on her own two feet and her keen awareness of the world around her. Understanding that her position in life awards her privilege, she aims to utilise her position to partner with education-related charities, with a focus on women and children.
“I was blessed to be born in the UAE, a safe haven to people from various backgrounds, where women are respected and treated equally, but I know that there are many who are not as blessed,” she explains. “I hope to help change this by partnering with charities supporting the education of young children and women’s empowerment.”
Being from the UAE is a blessing Sheikha Sana never forgets, particularly in challenging circumstances. “2020 was a difficult time for the world as a whole, but through it all, thanks to the leadership’s focus on putting people’s safety first, and the many frontline workers who worked diligently to ensure that we were cared for every step of the way, we have been edging closer to the light at the end of the tunnel,” Her Highness says, sharing her gratitude. “We all came together as a society and didn’t give up on our hopes and dreams as a nation – we even made it to Mars!”
The UAE is a place with endless possibilities. Having grown up in Dubai, Sheikha Sana has always been inspired by the energy of the city and the infinite opportunities the emirate has. It’s something she attributes to the leadership of Dubai “The persistence to always move forward and improve in Dubai trickles down from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and flows through the veins of every resident of the city,” she says. “That mindset is infectious and helps me strive to do better every day.”
It’s this mindset and determination that has led the young entrepreneur to create an already hugely successful fine jewellery brand, alongside an incredible team that she’s hugely thankful for, who have been working with her to build her brand and to deliver an end product that is not only beautiful but also reflects the ideals that have been carefully crafted into every piece. As a true believer in women’s empowerment, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery focuses on working with those who value kindness, gratitude, spirituality and honesty.
