Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is organising a series of specialised Emirati traditional handicrafts workshops focusing on transferring the skills and expertise of Emirati artisans to new generations.

Supervised by TCA Abu Dhabi-accredited Emirati craftswomen, the workshops will feature three crafts adroitly mastered by Emirati women over the years including Talli embroidery, Khos palm frond strand braiding and Sadu weaving, and will be organised at Abu Dhabi National Theatre from 26th July to 20th August, 2015.

The workshops artistic production will then be displayed at an exhibition that will accompany the second National Traditional Handicrafts Festival, which is set to return to Al Ains Souq Al Qattara in October 2015.

Participants will learn the intricate techniques of Talli using Zari bright threads to decorate womens clothes and Sadu wool and cotton yarn weaving to make colourful, decorated fabric used in Bedouin tents. The workshops will also feature Khos dried palm frond braiding to make baskets, mats and various other items.

Aligning with our commitment to preserve the UAEs heritage and culture, the workshop series complements the authoritys support of expressive arts and cultural events that contribute to promoting Abu Dhabis heritage, balancing deep-rooted tradition with the creation of modern customs that can make our ancestors proud, said Sumayya Al Suwaidi, Community Events Manager at the Culture Sector of TCA Abu Dhabi.

The traditional handicrafts practiced by UAE women throughout history are characteristically innovative, pay much attention to minute artistic details and require highly technical skills to retain the pieces aesthetic elements, particularly the Sadu which has recently been inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming a world heritage component. 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 and position as important elements of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and for all humanity, added Al Suwaidi.

Accredited craftswomen receive TCA Abu Dhabis support with the aim of protecting traditional artisanship by giving women the chance to participate in cultural and heritage-related events, heritage competitions and productive families programmes inside and outside the UAE, thereby developing traditional products with modern day use.

The return of the National Traditional Handicrafts Festival follows a successful inaugural 2014/15 season, and the introduction of the new exhibition will cast a modern light on traditional products and arts in an effort to further develop handicrafts and inspire art from them.
The workshops which are open to both genders of all ages and nationalities cost AED 50 per person and take place every Sunday and Tuesday from 10:00am 12:00pm between July 26th and August 20th, with workshop registration taking place on the day.