Emirati women: guardians of heritage and craft

August 20, 2025 / 4:15 PM

Sharjah 24: Aisha Obaid Ghabish, Director of Events and Exhibitions at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), stated that the institute's Emirati Crafts Centre is organising the "Women's Heritage in the UAE" programme, which runs from August 20th to 21st at the institute's headquarters. The programme aims to highlight the role of Emirati women.

Women’s role in preserving heritage

Speaking exclusively to Sharjah 24, Aisha Ghabish explained that the programme opens a space for dialogue and knowledge, introducing the public to the memory of Emirati society from a female perspective, through a session. This session will feature Sharjah women who will discuss the nature of heritage and the role of women in preserving and transmitting it within their families and communities.

The first day saw participants discuss past marriage rituals, the stages of moving from the parents' home to the husband's home, and the accompanying social customs and authentic practices that reflect the values of cohesion and solidarity.

Heritage crafts

Ghabish added that the programme includes a live demonstration by a number of female craftswomen demonstrating the crafts of sadu, tali, and farookha weaving, along with an explanation of the traditional tools and methods used. This allows visitors to gain a closer understanding of the craft's details and its economic and aesthetic importance in Emirati heritage.

Engaging women

The Director of the Events and Exhibitions Department emphasised that organising the programme as part of the "Year of Community" aims to enhance community participation and mobilise institutional and civil efforts to preserve elements of intangible heritage. She noted that the institute continues its interactive programmes that engage women's expertise and celebrate their contributions to preserving national identity.