Hello. I am Hein, the maker and creator of Sul Clay

Sul Clay began with a simple passion: finding the perfect piece to complement my food photography. What started as a weekend hobby in Cape Town gradually became a second career in the UAE. And now, it’s time for the next chapter.

In October 2026 I’m relocating Sul Clay from Abu Dhabi to Olhão, a fishing port on Portugal’s Algarve coast, where I’ll be setting up my new studio.

My ceramics journey over the past few years in Abu Dhabi has taken me further than I ever imagined. From creating a 48-piece handmade set for Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, to making bespoke pieces for Orfali Bros in Dubai, ranked No. 1 in the Middle East and No. 36 in the world on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Along the way, Sul Clay has also found its way into the homes of countless collectors and pottery lovers across the UAE and beyond.

There won’t be any new pieces available for a few months while I settle the clay, tools and kiln into a new creative space. But I promise it will be worth the wait.

The work will remain true to Sul Clay but shaped by the new landscape and guided by the light, the sea, and the rhythm of a different coastline.

Thank you for following along, supporting my work, and being part of Sul Clay’s story so far. I’ll be sharing the move, the studio build, and the first new pieces here and on Instagram.

Stay close. The next moon is rising.