Workshops aim to teach traditional Emirati crafts to next generation

Craftswoman will be on-hand at Abu Dhabi event to teach weaving, braiding and embroidery.

A series of traditional crafts workshops will transfer the skills and expertise of Emirati artisans to new generations. Courtesy TCA Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI // Workshops will be organised later this month to promote traditional Emirati skills of weaving, braiding and embroidery as part of efforts to keep age-old crafts alive.

Emirati craftswomen will pass their know-how to the next generation in a series of classes organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) from July 26 until August 20 at the national theatre.

Techniques taught will include intricate “talli” embroidery, which uses bright threads for women’s clothes, and “sadu” weaving, with wool and cotton yarn, to produce fabrics used in Bedouin tents.

Lessons will include creating baskets and mats using the “khos” technique, which is braiding with dried palm frond.

“These workshops will keep the skills of artisans alive by transferring them to new generations, in conjunction with developing new products to help crafts maintain their value,” said Sumayya Al Suwaidi, community events manager of the TCA’s culture sector.

“The traditional handicrafts practised by UAE women throughout history are innovative, pay much attention to minute artistic details and require highly technical skills to retain the piece’s aesthetic elements.”

Sadu was recently added to Unesco’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Craft products from the workshops will be displayed at an exhibition as part of the National Traditional Handicrafts Festival scheduled to be held in October at the Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain.

Accredited craftswomen receive the TCA’s support, giving them the opportunity to participate in cultural and heritage-related events and competitions in the country and overseas with the aim of creating traditional craft that can be adapted for use in today’s world.

The workshops are open to all and cost Dh50 per person.

Registrations will be accepted on the day and workshops will be held on Sunday and Tuesday from 10am to noon between July 26 and August 20.