Young Emiratis learn traditional and contemporary crafts at five-day summer camp

Sharjah's Hirfati Summer Camp aims to encourage a new generation of artists to keep their traditions alive

The camp is an extension of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council's commitment to preserving Emirati heritage and crafts. Photo: Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council

A new summer camp in Sharjah has just kicked off, giving young Emirati girls and teenagers a chance to immerse themselves in traditional and contemporary crafts.

Organised by the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, the Hirfati Summer Camp will train 50 members of the Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, aged between 8 and 18, in the traditional Emirati art of talli — a form of textile handicraft characterised by bright colours and striking designs.

The youth will refine their embroidery and weaving skills, practising on bags, which will later be displayed as part of an open exhibition.

Taught by artisan Shaikha Ali Al Naqbi, the camp aims to encourage youth to gain hands-on practice with an array of activities, merging Emirati traditions with modern methods.

Hosted at Al Heera Children Centre, the camp is an extension of Irthi's commitment to preserving Emirati heritage and crafts, by developing the next generation of designers and artists.

Members of the Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah will study the history of Emirati weaving and embroidery. Photo: Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council

Amal Bin Khatim, senior executive at Irthi, said: "Traditional crafts are a great way to nurture the interests of the young generation in the artistic heritage of the nation and enhance their creativity and talents as artists. The Hirfati Summer Camp also inspires participants to transform old objects or materials into beautiful pieces of art that are infused with traditional elements in a bid to raise their awareness of vital environmental issues such as sustainability and conservation practices.”

Hirfati Youth Programme fulfils Irthi's vision of protecting and preserving the crafts heritage of the UAE and ensuring their sustainability by enabling young generations to learn and develop these crafts with innovative ideas and original designs.

With headquarters in Sharjah, Irthi is dedicated to preserving Emirati hand-weaving techniques. An affiliate of the Nama Women Advancement Establishment, it aims to protect Middle Eastern heritage, and traditional handicrafts passed down from one generation to the next.

Members of the public can view an exhibit of the camp's work on August 13 from 5pm-9pm at Sharjah's Al Heera Children Centre.

Scroll through Irthi Contemporary Craft Council's luxury product line below

Jewellery designed by Alia bin Omair. The artisans of Irthi's Bidwa Social Develpoment Programme executed the designs using Emirati Safeefah weaving techniques to achieve the texture on the piece. Courtesy Irthi

These hand-made vessels designed by Adi Toch are made using traditional silversmithing techniques. The wide opening of the incense burners help disperse the scent of burning Oud. Courtesy Irthi

A combination of Emirati clay and Murano glass, this collection of vases has been developed by Fatima Al Zaabi and Matteo Silverio. Courtesy Irthi

A contemporary twist to prayer beads or 'misbah', created by The Lel Collection, a studio in Pakistan. The beads are lapis lazuli, while the threads are woven gold and silver threads. Courtesy Irthi

Made with a combination of materials such as water, sand, concerete and clay, these chairs have been designed by Nada Taryam, Faisal Tabbarah and Khawla Al Hashimi. The woven covers are made from camel leather. Courtesy Irthi

Dima Srouji worked with Palestinian glassblowers to produce these unique perfume and Oud oil bottles. Courtesy Irthi

The Safeefah x Clay collection stackable furniture made of clay and woven palm fronts. Designed by Abdallah Al Mulla from the UAE and Pepa Reverter from Spain. Courtesy Irthi

Tapestries by artists Patricia Swannell and Kazuhito Takadoi from UK's Jaggedart Gallery. These wall tapestries reflect the landscapes of Sharjah and are made from both Emirati palm fronds and Japanese grass. Courtesy Irthi

A camel leather bag by American craft artist Jennifer Zurick, designed using a combination of weaving practices from the UAE and the US. Courtesy Irthi

Made from palm fronds and inspired by traditional 'areesh' houses, this chair collection is a collaboration between Laura Blasco, Juanmi Juarez and Alex Estevez from Mermelada Estudio and Emirati designer Ghaya Bin Mesmar. Courtesy Irthi