Ikram Abdi serves up courtside style at Wimbledon

Yasmin Finney, left, and Ikram Abdi Omar attend day eight of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. (Getty Images)
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Updated 09 July 2024
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Ikram Abdi serves up courtside style at Wimbledon

DUBAI: Swedish-born Somali model Ikram Abdi was spotted at Wimbledon on Monday and was photographed at the Ralph Lauren Suite before she took in a game on day eight of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

Abdi showed off classic summer stripes in the form of a pant suit from the brand’s Polo Ralph Lauren line. She sat alongside entertainment industry insiders including British actress Jodie Turner-Smith and British Netflix star Yasmin Finney.




kram Abdi was photographed at the Ralph Lauren Suite at Wimbledon. (Getty Images) 

Tony Award-winning British actress Sophie Okoneda was also photographed at the Ralph Lauren Suite, where she showed off a cream-and-white tailored look.

Wimbledon has had no shortage of celebrity attendees, with the coveted Royal Box playing host to a number of A-list stars.

Situated in the prime-viewing slot at Centre Court, the Royal Box has been a hot ticket since 1922 and it has 74 exclusive seats. Invitations are sent by the Chairman of the All England Club, but members of The Championships’ Organising Committee and The Lawn Tennis Association can make suggestions, according to the Independent.

Monday’s guest list included Lenny Henry, Cliff Richard, Nicole Scherzinger and Prince Albert of Monaco.

Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault, David Beckham, Dave Grohl and Dustin Hoffman are just a few of the other celebrities who have been spotted in the crowd at Wimbledon this year.

It is the second time Abdi may have crossed paths with US Mexican actress Hayek, who was also spotted at an event in London in June.

Qatar’s Fashion Trust Arabia held a party at Claridge’s Hotel in London on June 17 to celebrate its cohort of winners for 2023.

Abdi attended the event alongside Hayek and the prize-winning designers.

Abdi made her catwalk debut in 2018 during London Modest Fashion Week. She would go on to walk for the likes of Iceberg and Charles Jeffrey, as well as front campaigns for major international brands, including Burberry and Nike. 


Yataghan boutique in Jeddah celebrates Saudi heritage

Updated 20 December 2025
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Yataghan boutique in Jeddah celebrates Saudi heritage

JEDDAH: Yataghan, the contemporary Saudi jewelry house founded in 2008 by designer and entrepreneur Sarah Abudawood, has announced an expansion with its Riyadh debut at Kingdom Centre, alongside the relocation of its headquarters and flagship store to a street-front location on Jeddah’s Thalia Street.

The brand, known for blending Arabian heritage with modern minimalism, unveiled two boutiques designed as immersive experiences rather than mere retail spaces.

Every detail of the new Jeddah location has been carefully curated; brass accents inspired by the Yataghan blade evoke precision and luxury, while striped, gray onyx symbolizes continuity and progress, according to the brand’s founder. Vast windows, softened by Yataghan’s signature hexagonal motif, a symbol of harmony, order, and strength, flood the boutiques with natural light, creating an inviting environment for visitors.

Inspired by the Yataghan sword, with its distinctive, single-edged blade, the brand’s collections fuse minimalist design with Arabic calligraphy and tribal motifs.

“The name Yataghan draws its meaning from the two swords on the Saudi flag — a symbol that has always fascinated me for what it represents: conviction, protection, truth, and above all, balance,” Abudawood told Arab News.

“The Yataghan sword, known for its graceful curve and exquisite craftsmanship, embodies purpose and precision. It is drawn to defend what matters and to guard what is sacred. It sets boundaries and restores equilibrium, reminding us that strength is not only about force, but about knowing when to advance and when to stand still.

“That balance is reflected in every piece we create. Because, like the sword, Yataghan is more than an ornament; it is a statement of purpose, and identity.”

Abudawood explained the cultural inspiration behind the brand, highlighting pieces connected to Saudi identity. “This branch carries designs that are deeply connected to Saudi identity and cultural memory. Some pieces are exclusive, inspired by symbols, rhythms, and forms rooted in our heritage, interpreted through a modern lens … Jeddah, in particular, has a unique spirit: fluid, expressive, open, and layered with history. That essence subtly informs the designs you’ll find here.” 

The founder also spoke of the brand’s philosophy of minimalism and meaningful design.

“It comes from my belief that simplicity creates space for meaning. I have always been drawn to architecture and the principle that form must follow function. I design with intention; nothing is accidental. Every line has a purpose, every curve holds a story. Minimalism, for me, is not about removing emotion; it is about distilling it. I want each piece to feel timeless, personal, and quietly powerful.”

The label has been flaunted by high-profile clients — including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Lama Akeel — but Abudawood emphasized the brand’s focus on connection over visibility. “Whether someone is a public figure or not, what moves me is when they feel seen by the jewelry. Yataghan has always been about resonance, about creating pieces that speak to identity, strength, and personal stories,” she said.

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark new chapters for Yataghan, including local and international expansion, innovative collections, and a stronger focus on storytelling and community collaborations. “Growth has never been about reach alone; it’s about depth, integrity, and lasting impact,” Abudawood added.

“Ultimately, what drives me is purpose. I’m motivated by the desire to create work that matters, to offer women something that reflects who they are, not who they’re expected to be. Design, for me, is a form of dialogue, a way to translate emotion into form. As long as I’m creating with honesty, intention, and heart, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”