Mahallati marks life’s milestones across Qatari generations

Mahanati Mahallati, vice-president and managing partner of Mahallati Jewellery, reflects on the brand's deep-rooted connections within Qatar's society. Spanning three decades, Mahallati Jewellery has been present for major family milestones, evolving from engagement rings and wedding sets to push presents and pieces for future generations. The brand, founded in 1968 by Abdul Karim Mahallati, has witnessed generations grow within the community, with pieces worn by mothers, grandmothers, and now granddaughters.

Established by Abdul Karim as a 15-year-old apprentice in Iraq, the company expanded to Kuwait and Thailand before relocating its headquarters to Dubai. Family members Mehran, Marwa, and Mohammed have since joined forces with extended relatives to run the independent business. Mahallati emphasizes that design concepts are born organically within the family, with ideas technically developed by designers but the core concepts originating from family members.

Each piece is meticulously crafted in Thailand by 200 artisans, who blend traditional goldsmithing techniques with modern machinery and technology. Despite the time-consuming and labor-intensive nature of traditional methods, Mahallati maintains that they yield superior results in terms of beauty and quality, ensuring the brand preserves its cultural heritage.

In Qatar, the brand's commercial expansion began in the 1990s through a partnership with Alfardan Jewellery, driven by a shared business vision between Mahallati's father and Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan. The two founders collaborated closely for decades, exchanging ideas for expansion and daily operations, leading to a strong, long-lasting partnership.