Al-Qasr, Dakhla Oasis
In Al-Qasr, palm fronds cut back every year as ordinary grove maintenance become jareed โ the raw material for a weaving tradition older than anyone in the village can date with certainty. GAAREED carries that craft, unchanged, from a New Valley workshop to your home.
Shop by Collection
Each collection reflects a technique suited to what it holds โ tight and structural for baskets, looser and textural for lampshades.
Meet the Makers
The hands behind every piece โ profiles to be completed with real names, photos, and quotes from the Al-Qasr workshop.
Abeer Abdo
Faten began her journey with palm leaf weaving 10 years ago after joining a training course held in her village. What started as an opportunity to learn a traditional craft soon became a meaningful source of income and a profession she truly enjoys.
Today, she creates a wide variety of handcrafted palm leaf products, from baskets and trays to home dรฉcor and decorative pieces, using techniques she has refined over years of practice.
For Faten, every handmade piece reflects dedication, creativity, and the belief that traditional craftsmanship can continue to create opportunities for future generations.
"Learning this craft changed my life. It became not only a skill, but also a way to support my family while preserving a tradition that deserves to continue." โ Faten
Abo Mohammed
For the past 10 years, Mohamed has been working with palm leaves, creating handcrafted pieces that combine traditional techniques with everyday functionality.
Over the years, he has developed his skills through continuous practice, carefully weaving each basket, tray, and decorative piece by hand. Every product reflects patience, precision, and respect for a craft that has long been part of Egypt's cultural heritage.
At GAAREED, Mohamed's work represents the value of craftsmanshipโcreating timeless pieces that are both beautiful and practical for modern homes.
Om shaker
Om Shaker began weaving palm leaves at the age of 12. Today, at 55 years old, she has spent more than four decades preserving this traditional Egyptian craft.
She learned the art from the women in her family, including her mother-in-law and her husband's stepmother, continuing a heritage that has been passed down from one generation to the next.
Over the years, she has also shared her knowledge by teaching more than 30 people, helping keep this craft alive and creating opportunities for others to earn a living.
"May God bless everyone with good livelihood. This craft has endless possibilities, with so many products and designs to create." โ Om Shaker
From Palm to Product
The complete handcrafted journey, start to finish โ process photography to be added.
Sustainability, by Default
Palm leaf is a byproduct of annual grove maintenance that would otherwise be burned or discarded.
No new resource extraction
Palm fronds are removed from date palms every year as routine grove maintenance โ GAAREED uses an existing agricultural byproduct.
Biodegradable, natural fiber
No synthetic wicker substitutes โ every piece is 100% natural palm leaf.
Fair labor
Artisans are paid for skilled work at rates that reflect the craft.
Featured: Baskets
What Customers Say
Everything is perfect, as described, good quality
What a beautiful piece! This lamp will be a highlight in our living room.
The product is excellent, excellent, excellent, and handmade; it's almost made to order.
Why GAAREED
Handmade in Al-Qasr, Egypt
Every piece is woven in a New Valley village, not a factory.
Made to Order, Never Mass-Produced
Most pieces are woven within 1โ3 business days of your order, not pulled from a warehouse shelf.
Fair Pay for Real Artisans
Artisans are paid for skilled work at rates that reflect the craft.
Modern Design, Timeless Craft
A weaving technique passed down for generations, shaped for a home today.
From the Journal
Stories from the workshop and the oasis.
