ABU DHABI // An Emirati student has designed the trophy to be presented to the winner of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
Fayza Al Mashjari's handblown amber-glass design will be awarded to one of the world's best players in just eight days.
"To think my design will take pride of place in the home of one of the world's best tennis players is a very proud moment for me and my entire family," she said.
Ms Al Mashjari, a senior interior design student, was one of many hopefuls from Zayed University's College of Arts and Creative Enterprises to enter the second Lasvit Trophy Design Competition.
Her trophy will be displayed in the Tennis Village at Zayed Sports City during the tournament, which pits six stars against one another - Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych and Janko Tipsarevic.
The winner will be presented Ms Al Mashjari's trophy and will hold it aloft in front of a worldwide television audience.
Judges were impressed by Ms Al Mashjari's amber creation, inspired by the energy and movement of Abu Dhabi's streets.
"I'm so excited to have won this amazing prize," she said. "Going to the tennis is special but to see my design unveiled on court and to the world is unbelievable.
"I took inspiration from the streets of Abu Dhabi but also from the movement we may neglect to see in our everyday lives, such as graceful fabric on clothes."
The competition was organised by the Czech-based glass art company Lasvit, and the students were given a brief to portray the culture and heritage of the UAE.
"We always seek to support creative talent and Fayza's design was one of the best entries we have seen over the past two years," said the company's area manager, Filip Simek. "The fine blend of art, sport and Emirati culture makes this collaboration an especially meaningful and memorable project for all involved."
Stephen Tarantal, dean of the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, said the assignment gave students "an important insight into the creative process of producing a commissioned work of art from the project brief".
Tickets for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship are still available, with 20 per cent off all category 2 tickets. Prices for one-day tickets cost from Dh100 for children to Dh600 for adults. The tournament runs from December 27 to 29. Visit www.mubadalawtc.com for more information.
