Qatar National Day, celebrated on December 18, marks the unification of the country — it’s an honor of heritage and identity. Among the traditions that bring people together on this day, serving Arabic coffee carries a special significance. More than just a drink, it represents hospitality, generosity, and connection — it brings people together.

In celebration of Qatar National Day, boo design studio collaborated with Doha-based artist Zainab AlShibani to create a limited-edition coffee set. QIC Reads spoke with the artist and the studio to learn more about the collaboration, Qatari cultural heritage, and the meaning of National Day. 

What was the creative inspiration behind the Qatar National Day set?

The inspiration for the Qatar National Day cup design centers on unity, a core value of Qatari identity. We have long had the Gatherware product in our collection, and it fits perfectly with this concept, celebrating the spirit of togetherness that National Day embodies. 

What truly makes Gatherware special is that, when stacked together, these cups form the elegant silhouette of a Dallah. This transformation symbolizes unity and the beauty of shared moments. Each cup, while distinct in function, contributes to a harmonious whole, just as the people of Qatar come together to celebrate their culture and traditions.

Why this specific design? 

The design of Gatherware is rooted in the intention to connect tradition with contemporary aesthetics. We deconstructed the iconic Dallah, a powerful symbol of hospitality and sharing within Arabic culture. We rebuilt it as a stackable set of cups, reimagining its function for modern coffee lovers. Gatherware serves as a beautiful reminder of connection and community. By crafting cups that cater to diverse preferences, we reflect the values of belonging and warmth that are central to Qatari heritage. 

This reinterpretation not only preserves the cultural significance of the Dallah but also invites a new generation to engage with these traditions in a functional, everyday context. The design emphasizes the importance of gathering together, allowing each cup, while distinct in its individual purpose, to contribute to a cohesive whole. 

Would you say Gatherware is more for everyday use or for collecting?

Gatherware is both a functional everyday object and a collectible design piece. We aimed to use culture as a design catalyst, drawing on cultural icons and stories to fuel our projects and create new, meaningful pieces. By incorporating these elements into the design, we ensure that the cups not only carry cultural significance but also serve as practical, daily-use items. 

What inspired you to create this set? 

I wanted to convey the idea of unity by exploring the Arabic script and giving people achance to build the words that resonate with them. It is also a way to help non-Arabic speakers better understand the Arabic script while celebrating the sense of unity we all feel on National Day.

Could you walk us through your creative process?

I started by sketching different compositions for how the lettering could be featured, then looked for inspiration in quotes or sayings about the national day that could be interesting to explore visually. Later, by lettering the quotes, I noticed a key feature in the script that I thought would be interesting to explore through the various layers of the cups designed by boo design studio. Then I looked at how color can play a key role in pushing the concept further.

Does each piece you create come with a story — a message you wish to pass along?

Yes, each piece is a way for me to express my thoughts, but usually, I like to explore how my pieces can be conversation starters and a way for people to connect.

What does Qatar National Day mean to you?

It's a chance to celebrate my home country and what it stands for, which is unity and connectedness.

In celebration of National Day, QIC offers complimentary loyalty Coins to new customers. From 15 to 21 December, all new QIC App users will receive 1,800 welcome Coins for downloading the app and creating a personal profile for the first time. Starting December 18, you can use your Coins to redeem exclusive artworks created by Zainab AlShibani and boo design studio.

Step 1: Download the QIC App and create your personal profile. You will receive 1,800 points instantly.

Step 2: Starting December 18, you can use your Coins to redeem the artworks — available only through the app.

Step 3: Once the artwork is selected, you’ll receive an email to book an appointment at QIC's main branch in Doha to collect it.