About Us

Project 971 was born in a moment of reflection.

In a time when uncertainty touched the region, and the impact of war began to ripple through everyday life in the UAE, we found ourselves—Dania Sadek and Maryam Bengali—sitting together, speaking about a country we both deeply love. A country that has given us opportunity, identity, and a sense of home.

We knew that in moments like these, it is often homegrown businesses that feel the impact first.

So instead of waiting, we decided to act.

Project 971 became our response—a creative collaboration rooted entirely in the UAE. Not a brand in the traditional sense, but a project with purpose. A commitment to support local, to build from within, and to celebrate everything that makes this place so unique.

The name 971 is intentional. It is the UAE’s country code—something every resident knows, a quiet symbol of belonging, connection, and home.

Every piece within Project 971 is created using locally sourced materials. Fabrics are handpicked from markets and shops across Dubai, embracing the diversity, contrast, and richness found within the city itself.

At the heart of the project is the kaftan—an iconic, universally loved silhouette. We chose it for its inclusivity, its ease, and its ability to belong to everyone. But we reimagined it: each kaftan is reversible, allowing two stories to exist within one piece, and crafted from unexpected combinations of textures, prints, and fabrics.

No two are the same.

Each kaftan carries a name—drawn from a street, an area, or an iconic landmark within the UAE. Through these names, every piece becomes more than clothing; it becomes a story, a memory, a tribute. A way of introducing the country in all its layers—through places, through details, through meaning.