Reviving Emarati Craft and Heritage

Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council’s Bidwa artisans will be introducing UAE’s traditional crafts to the public during the 15th edition of Sharjah Heritage Days across various locations.

To maintain and build on the UAE’s deep-rooted heritage and traditions, the Bidwa Social Development Programme, part of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, is showcasing the region’s craft making skills to communities across Sharjah through a variety of workshops and Heritage Week activities.

The council aims to introduce both children and adults to their cultural legacy and illustrate the crafts within a modern context and its potential as a viable business sector.

The Bidwa Social Development Programme employs 40 craftswomen in Dibba Al Hisn, and provides vocational training to empower women economically professionally and socially by promoting the revival and modernisation of traditional crafts. It also helps women, who work in the industry to find new markets for their skills.

Reem Bin Karam, Director of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, the organisation which oversees Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, believes traditional skills and modern practices can work in perfect harmony.

“Presenting these skills, particularly to young people, enables us to showcase many of the exciting projects and products the Bidwa craftswomen have worked on and how there is strong demand globally for their skills. It also highlights how the continued practice of the heritage crafts can create a dignified, respected and sustainable way of life.”

The participation at events across Sharjah includes the 15th edition of Sharjah Heritage Days running from 8-12 April with demonstrations of ‘Talli’, a traditional type of Emirati woven braid and Safeefah palm weaving alongside a display of products featuring skills of the Bidwa craftswomen.

At Dibba Al Hisn’s Heritage Week, Bidwa is holding fun crafts and weaving activities for children, in addition, Bidwa craftswomen are holding “My Craft My Future” workshops targeting girls aged 12-16 at the Sajaya Young Ladies of Khorfakkan and Kalba.

BinKaram said, “Whenever the Bidwa craftswomen or the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council participate at an event, people express their admiration of their work and skills. While many Emiratis are aware of their heritage, it is different when they witness it first-hand, and grasp its complexity, and the fact that it has a renewed relevance in today’s society.”