Ruwais is a Qatar-based saffron brand sourcing its product directly from Iran. The brand approached us to develop a distinctive visual identity and packaging system capable of expressing its luxury positioning. Since saffron itself is a precious, high-value product, our design challenge was to create an experience that felt authentically premium while remaining culturally grounded. We aimed to elevate the product through refined visual cues, tactile details, and expressive storytelling.

The brand name draws inspiration from an old port in Qatar, chosen by the founders for its heritage, history, and deep cultural roots. At the same time, saffron itself is a symbol of Iranian heritage and tradition, and this dual sense of authenticity became the guiding principle for shaping the brand’s visual identity and packaging.
To honor the Eastern aesthetic inherent in saffron’s history, we developed a signature watercolor texture using saffron-infused water. This technique created organic, flowing patterns that echo the natural qualities of the spice itself. The resulting texture became a foundational visual element, appearing across packaging and brand materials, providing a subtle yet distinctive reference to the product’s origins.

In addition, we created narrative illustrations for three premium products, drawing inspiration from the saffron stigmas themselves. These illustrations celebrate the culture and traditions of Iran’s Khorasan region, depicting motifs such as folk dance, local architecture, and traditional music. The imagery was rendered with delicacy and restraint, balancing cultural storytelling with a premium, refined visual approach.
Recognizing the significance of calligraphy in Arab culture, we designed the Ruwais sign in the Thuluth script, a classic Arabic calligraphic style with historical gravitas. To enhance the sense of heritage and prestige, the sign was shaped to resemble traditional seals, reinforcing the artisanal and premium quality of the product. For the English logotype, we selected a typeface that complements the traditional aesthetics while maintaining clarity and modern readability, ensuring the brand resonates with a global audience.

The result is a visual identity that bridges heritage and refinement: Ruwais packaging tells a story of place, tradition, and craftsmanship, creating a cohesive, culturally rich, and visually striking brand presence.