Government  ·  United Arab Emirates

NAFIS

A national programme, given a physical identity

NAFIS, A national programme, given a physical identity
Piece
Award
Materials
Crystal · Metal
Processes
Engraving
Produced
In-house, UAE
Market
United Arab Emirates

A Programme With a National Mandate

The star and Arabic logotype were developed into a three-dimensional award, keeping the design instantly recognisable while giving it real presence and weight. The proportions and clarity were prioritised so the piece reads clearly in ceremonies, photography, and when displayed over time.

NAFIS, A Programme With a National Mandate

The Piece: Identity as Object

This award was developed as an object that would not simply carry the NAFIS name but embody it. The star element acts as both a symbolic and structural anchor, representing aspiration and progression, while the horizontal logotype establishes stability, clarity, and institutional order.

Crystal and Metal were combined deliberately to create contrast between transparency and strength, echoing the programme’s dual role in opening opportunity while providing structural frameworks for growth. Proportions, stance, and base weight were carefully calibrated so the piece feels grounded in hand, yet visually elevated when displayed.

NAFIS, The Piece: Identity as Object

Materials, Craft and Execution

Material selection and craftsmanship were central to achieving the required authority and refinement. Crystal, metal, and mixed materials were used to balance light transmission, durability, and permanence. Surface finishes were tightly controlled to avoid visual noise, allowing the form and symbolism to remain dominant.

Edges, engraving, and junctions between materials were refined through multiple iterations to ensure consistency across quantities while preserving a resolved, complete appearance in each piece.

NAFIS, Materials, Craft and Execution

In-House Production and Presentation

All NAFIS awards were designed and produced fully in-house at Crystal Arc, including fabrication, finishing, engraving, and creation of custom presentation boxes. This end-to-end control allowed for accuracy across different award categories, flexibility in production schedules, and consistency in finish and detailing.

Presentation was treated as an extension of the piece itself, ensuring that the first interaction with the piece reflected the professionalism and credibility of the programme it represents.

Ceremonial Context and Legacy

The awards were formally presented during NAFIS recognition ceremonies, where they were received by programme participants and presented by senior officials. Within this setting, the pieces functioned not only as markers of achievement, but as lasting symbols of national contribution, workforce excellence, and institutional trust.

A finished panel checked under the lamp

Where the NAFIS Award Is Presented

The NAFIS body of work demonstrates Crystal Arc’s ability to interpret institutional identity into refined, purposeful objects. Through controlled design, disciplined material use, and fully in-house execution, each piece delivers recognition that aligns with public-sector values while carrying long-term symbolic relevance.

The NAFIS body of work demonstrates Crystal Arc’s ability to interpret institutional identity into refined, purposeful objects. Through controlled design, disciplined material use, and fully in-house execution, each piece delivers recognition that aligns with public-sector values while carrying long-term symbolic relevance.

NAFIS  ·  United Arab Emirates

Common Questions

Who made the NAFIS award?

Crystal Arc. The piece was designed, manufactured and finished in-house at our own 200,000 sq ft facility in the UAE, then delivered to NAFIS in the UAE.

What is the NAFIS award made from?

Crystal and Metal. Material selection was driven by the piece's ceremonial role rather than by ease of production.

How was the NAFIS award made?

Production ran entirely on our own benches and included and engraving, with internal quality checks at each stage and a final inspection before presentation.

Was any part of the work outsourced?

No. Design, manufacture, finishing and packaging were all completed at Crystal Arc's UAE facility. Nothing in this project was subcontracted.

Every piece described here was designed, manufactured and finished at our own 200,000 sq ft facility in the UAE, with nothing outsourced.

Start a Project

Tell us what the moment is.
We will tell you what it should be made of.

We respond within 2 hours.

No spam. No follow-up calls. Just a proposal.