"Irthi" supports craftswomen in "Make it in the Emirates"

May 21, 2025 / 2:27 PM

Sharjah 24: Sharifa Hassan Al Dhahouri, Manager of Irthi Skills Development Centres, confirmed that this is the first participation of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, affiliated with the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), in the fourth edition of the "Make it in the Emiartes" Forum at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The participation aims to support and empower craftswomen, seek to establish a unified policy that supports them and enhances the sustainability of their projects, and showcase the other side of crafts to the public: the contemporary aspect.

Sustaining traditional crafts

Sharifa Hassan Al Dhahouri expressed her happiness with the participation of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, affiliated with the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), in the fourth edition of the "Make it in the Emiartes", held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The aim is to empower craftswomen and develop a unified policy that contributes to the continuity and sustainability of their traditional handicrafts, linking them to an innovative, contemporary aspect.

Innovative touch

Al Dhahouri noted that the Council participates in a wide range of institutions that support crafts of all kinds in the United Arab Emirates, with several specialised departments. She added that the Council is working to develop traditional crafts by integrating them with other materials to produce pieces with a new and innovative touch. Leather has been combined with palm fronds in the "Saffafa" craft, leather and pearls in the "Talli" craft, and leather has also been incorporated into the "Farokha" craft. The purpose of including leather in these three crafts is to ensure their sustainability.

Al Dhahouri noted that a game called "Hiraf," is available on the Apple Store, to encourage children to learn about the "Talli" and "Saffafa" crafts. The Council is also participating in the virtual museum, which was created in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the pieces electronically.

Al Dhahouri explained that a number of pieces, including "Nada Debs," was designed with "talli" wood inlay, and pieces of gold and silver prayer beads. "We also have the "Alia Bin Omair" collection, which is a gold collection created using the "saffafa" craft, in addition to the Cartier basket, which was designed in collaboration with the House of Cartier and is made of palm fronds and in a colour that reflects the brand's identity."