Commissioned by the Embassy of Vietnam in the UAE, this project held profound symbolic significance—serving as a visual ambassador for decades of friendship, economic ties, and cultural understanding between two nations. For CDA, it was not just a design challenge, but a deep honor.
For a project as diplomatically significant as this, the brief extended far beyond aesthetics. The logo was intended to function as a cultural bridge—capturing both national identities while embodying the spirit of partnership. CDA approached the commission with thoughtful sensitivity, crafting a design language that was both elegant and representative.
At the heart of the logo are two figures: women from Vietnam and the UAE, each dressed in their respective traditional garments—the áo dài and the abaya. The figures are stylized in a form that emphasizes grace, poise, and mutual respect. Framing them are two native botanical symbols: the rice plant of Vietnam and the Ghaf tree of the UAE. The rice plant, a symbol of nourishment and prosperity, pairs with the hardy Ghaf, emblematic of resilience and deep-rooted heritage.
This pairing is not merely decorative; it represents the diplomatic balance the nations have achieved—soft power and strength, tradition and forward-looking collaboration. The design also maintains modernity and clarity, making it suitable for use across ceremonial platforms, printed materials, and digital environments.
The year 2023 marked a pivotal milestone in Vietnam–UAE relations. Since the official establishment of diplomatic ties in 1993, the two countries have witnessed steady cooperation across trade, energy, investment, education, and culture. Vietnam stands as one of the UAE’s top trading partners in ASEAN, while the UAE is Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.
To commemorate three decades of growing friendship, the Embassy of Vietnam in the UAE hosted a high-level event at the National Theatre of Abu Dhabi on September 21. The ceremony welcomed dignitaries from both countries, including senior UAE officials, leaders of major corporations, and representatives from the Vietnamese expatriate community. The logo designed by CDA took center stage throughout the event, featured prominently in venue décor, publications, and media coverage.
In his remarks, Ambassador Nguyễn Mạnh Tuấn expressed his appreciation for the visual identity crafted by CDA, noting that it “blends the cultural essence of both nations into a single, memorable mark.” He emphasized how the logo served not only as an event motif but as a lasting symbol of goodwill and diplomatic spirit.
For Collective Design Agency, the opportunity to design for such a historic occasion aligns with the studio’s deeper mission: crafting intentional narratives and systems that connect across cultures. The project illustrates the power of visual identity in shaping international perception and capturing the nuance of state-level collaboration.
The logo now stands as a lasting artifact in the ongoing story of Vietnam–UAE diplomacy—a small design with significant meaning.