Sharjah24: Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, an affiliate of the UAE-based NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA), explored the UAE's intrinsic relationship with the date palm and promoting innovations in heritage crafts at the recently concluded 15th edition of Art Dubai with a showcase of the findings of its advanced palm fibre research and a display of its palm textile prototype that are paving the way for the sustainable development of the textile and fashion industries.

Through its participation at the 2022 edition of Art Dubai from March 11 – 13, Irthi turned the spotlight on how recent research in date palm fibre extractions funded by the entity is creating new sustainable choices for not only the crafts sector but also the fashion industry, and how such local, environment-friendly materials could pave the way for the creation of a circular economy centered on palm waste. 

The advanced palm fibre research led by Irthi was initiated under the guidance and directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of NAMA.

Another key exhibit marking Irthi’s participation at Art Dubai 2022 is a research-led publication, ‘Crafting Natural Dyes’, which is the outcome of a collaborative venture with the Alchemy of Dyeing and which documents natural and sustainable recipes for dyeing palm leaves. The publication includes recipes formulated from the year-long research process that engaged artisans and experts from the region to create recipes based on Irthi’s primary research. The recipes primarily focus on the dyes used to colour date palm fronds.

Commenting on Irthi’s recent participation at Art Dubai, Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA, said: “The date palm is both a symbol of the UAE and an integral part of its cultural history. Exploring the use of sustainable materials made from the date palm opens new possibilities for creativity and innovation in the craft and textile sectors and could be the basis for the textiles of tomorrow. The prototype is also the first step towards a circular economy centred on palm waste while the publication connects emerging designers with organic materials and indigenous recipes, reinforcing Irthi’s role as advocates for sustainability in crafts processes and materials.”