Latifa bint Mohammed opens the inaugural permanent campus of L’ÉCOLE Middle East in Dubai – Celebrating Arts & Culture

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of The Executive Council of Dubai, recently inaugurated the first permanent campus of ‘L’ÉCOLE Middle East’ in partnership with Dubai Design District (d3). This prestigious school of jewelry arts aims to make the world of jewelry accessible to everyone, marking a significant milestone in L’ÉCOLE’s global expansion plan.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials from Dubai Culture, Dubai Design District (d3), as well as key figures from Van Cleef & Arpels, the parent company of L’ÉCOLE. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized Dubai’s growing reputation as a global center for design and creativity, highlighting the city’s commitment to fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of creativity.

L’ÉCOLE Middle East has already launched 13 public courses and opened its first regional exhibition titled ‘Gold and Treasures: 3000 Years of Chinese Ornaments.’ This exhibition features a curated selection of 100 masterpieces from the Mengdiexuan Collection, showcasing the rich history of goldsmithing in China over the past three millennia. Visitors can also explore crystal and gold nuggets from the L’ÉCOLE collection, highlighting the natural beauty of these precious materials.

The courses offered at L’ÉCOLE Middle East provide a unique opportunity for individuals to delve into the art, history, and intricacies of jewelry design under the guidance of expert instructors. In a show of social responsibility, L’ÉCOLE Middle East has pledged to donate 100% of the proceeds from its public courses and talks to Dubai Cares, an organization dedicated to improving access to quality education for children in developing countries.

Located in the Dubai Design District, the new campus of L’ÉCOLE Middle East is designed by Constance Guisset, reflecting the school’s core values of craftsmanship, heritage, and creativity. The campus is structured around three foundational pillars: Art History of Jewelry, The World of Gemstones, and Savoir-Faire, providing students with a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.

The establishment of L’ÉCOLE Middle East in Dubai underscores the city’s pivotal role in the creative industries and its commitment to promoting a knowledge-based and innovative-driven economy. With its focus on expanding the creative horizons of artisans and designers, L’ÉCOLE Middle East is set to play a key role in shaping the future of jewelry arts in the region.