Page 87 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/21/25, 3:56 PM Home | Emirates News Agency
The Ministry of Culture signed a series of memoranda of understanding with national partners to establish a

unified National Registry for Craftspeople. These agreements aim to promote local crafts, encourage

artisan registration, provide accurate data and market insights, and foster a supportive ecosystem for
sustainable growth.

The agreements involved entities including the General Women’s Union, Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts under

the Emirates Red Crescent, Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment under Fujairah Charity Association, and
the Department of Antiquities and Museums – Ras Al Khaimah.

Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts, a non-profit that trains women in handcrafting using techniques like Talli, Khous,

Sadu and pottery, is among the exhibitors. The organisation has trained over 470 women, transforming

traditional crafts into contemporary products such as handbags and home décor. Their work has been

showcased at international exhibitions in the UK, Italy, China and beyond.
Also exhibiting is Khunair, the heritage brand of Beit Al Khunair, which produces handcrafted Emirati

daggers, coffee pots and ceremonial artefacts using traditional methods passed down through generations.

The brand seeks to revitalise interest in heritage crafts and position them as valuable, commercially viable
products.

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is also participating to raise awareness about the value of traditional crafts

and their relevance in modern life. Their exhibit highlights how techniques like palm weaving vary by region

and family, reflecting the diversity within Emirati heritage. By incorporating traditional patterns into modern
designs, they aim to connect younger generations with cultural identity.

Meanwhile, Al Khaznah Leathers, a sustainable tannery based in Abu Dhabi, bridges tradition and

innovation. Founded in 2003 as a vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al

Nahyan, the company produces chrome-free camel leather using eco-conscious methods. Its products
range from handbags to aviation upholstery, and its training initiatives support the revival of traditional

leatherwork in a sustainable, global context.

Together, these exhibitors present a compelling vision of handcrafts as a bridge between heritage and
innovation—sustaining culture, supporting livelihoods, and showcasing UAE-made excellence on the world

stage.

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