The knife, valued at more than 800,000 dirhams and weighing tens of kilograms, required over a year and a half to develop. However, the most unusual feature of the latest piece from Tamreen is that it is designed to preserve the history of Al Ain, spanning a period of 5000 years.
This unique knife was created for the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition in Abu Dhabi in 2026. It traces the region's history from the Stone Age through the Bronze and Iron Ages to modern times, combining archaeological references, the ancient falaj irrigation system, and Al Ain's iconic landmarks.
Mohammed Al Amiri, General Manager of Tamreen General Trading, noted that the concept was to go beyond merely depicting the falaj and instead capture the history of the area in a single work.
The team spent over 18 months researching and creating this piece, including visiting archaeological sites and museums to find details that could be incorporated into the design. Among these details were ancient seals displayed in a museum, whose engravings served as inspiration for the patterns used on the Damascus steel blade. Al Amiri explained that the same seal designs, including details of the obverse and reverse sides, were recreated in metal.
The structure of the knife itself reflects the path of the falaj. Its sculptural form depicts mountains and a water source, while the underground canals are shown carrying water to the 'shari', from where it emerges onto the surface, nourishing the Al Ain oasis, its farms, and gardens. The indentation inside the knife symbolizes the water retained in the landscape, while the surrounding shape represents the terrain around Al Ain, including sand dunes and mountains.
The piece also combines materials associated with different historical eras: copper represents the Bronze Age, and stone is used to reference the Stone Age, alongside iron and Damascus steel. The knife includes a piece of stone stylized as an ancient knife and secured with copper, as part of the Stone Age reference.
Al Amiri emphasized that working with Damascus steel was particularly challenging, as the blade needed to be assembled from several parts and forged together, combining various metals to create the final pattern. Nevertheless, despite its complex appearance, Al Amiri stressed that it is not just a decorative item. 'It is a functional knife, not an ornament,' he stated, demonstrating it by cutting a sheet of paper.
The company began creating its annual historical and conceptual knives in 2022, after previously focusing on traditional knives and engraved items. The first such creation was inspired by the history of the falcon and its habitat. In 2023, the team turned to the Bronze Age after a knife enthusiast told them about Bronze Age knives held in the Fujairah Museum collection. This work included elements of the Fujairah landscape and heritage, including the Al Bidyah Mosque, which is over 600 years old.
In 2025, the company released its 'Al Ramlah' (sand knife), inspired by the UAE's desert landscape. Its design conveyed the movement of sand under the influence of wind and rain, as well as the formation of petrified sand, while the handle contained references to the date palm. Three silver pearls were also used to convey the UAE's connection between the sea and the desert.
The latest piece represents a further step in the company's attempt to transform historical research into a physical work of art. Al Amiri reported that the development process involved not only the company and the artist but also the materials, fire, and forging techniques used to make the knife. The 2026 piece is intended to be released as a unique work, not as a model for mass production.
Tamreen's association with the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition in Abu Dhabi began in 2007. The company also presents a range of international knife brands and has developed its own products and labels, including Salih Knives, launched in 2015. At the 2026 exhibition, Tamreen will also present over 2000 different knife models in its pavilion, alongside three new models.