As visitors flocked to COP28 in the UAE on Monday, a captivating attraction took center stage in Expo City’s Green Zone—the ‘Throne of Peace,’ an ornamental giant chair. Fashioned from a 2.2-ton, 150-year-old tree and the product of 15,000 hours of recycling, this majestic chair became a focal point near the UAE pavilion, drawing people eager to pose beside it.
Crafted by local artist Sheikh Ali Almualla, the grandeur of the throne lies in the seamless fusion of nature’s beauty and the intricate craftsmanship. Originally transported from the island of Java in Indonesia to Sharjah, the tree underwent a transformation by a team of nine technicians skilled in blacksmithing, sculpture, fibreglass, and painting.
Setting an example in sustainability, the throne measures 500 centimetres in width, 700 centimetres in depth, and stands tall at 550 centimetres. Andor Steven from Ardeco, a decor and furniture factory in Sharjah, shared, “The story narrates nature’s life journey and the challenges it encountered.” The tree, symbolizing resilience amid change, now stands as a throne embodying nature’s beauty, strength, and constancy.
The throne’s base, formed from the colossal trunk, supports the weight of the imposing structure with weathered yet resilient bark. The seat, a glossy masterpiece crafted from a single massive slab, reflects light in mesmerizing patterns and features knots and natural imperfections narrating the tree’s history.
The backrest, intricately carved with intertwining roots and soaring branches, rises tall and imposing. Steven explained, “The arrangement of entwined branches and roots mirrors a sense of containment and tranquillity. This throne narrates the tale of Mother Nature’s beauty, embodying stability and peace wherever it resides.”
Equipped with wheels for easy movement and a hydraulic crane for lowering, rising, and mobility, the masterpiece offers an Instaworthy spot. Visitors, both young and old, found joy in sitting and capturing photos on the throne.
British expat Aaron Ringrose, aged 10, remarked, “It’s really nice. You want to sit down on it and take a photo.” Tonny Kasinja, a visitor from Rwanda, expressed amazement and appreciation, stating, “It portrays nature and shows that there are a lot of conservation efforts going on in the UAE.” The throne, a symbol of sustainability, added an enriching dimension to the COP28 experience.
