Latest news with #BinKaram
Gulf Today
26-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
IRTHI champions artisanal excellence of UAE in Russia
Bridging Emirati heritage with global design innovation, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (IRTHI) proved to be a pillar of cultural dialogue and artisanal excellence at the Moscow Interior and Design Week 2025 (MIDW), which was held from May 22 to 25, 2025. Within the renowned Manezh Central Exhibition Hall in Moscow, IRTHI's participation underscored its mission to preserve tradition while championing sustainability and women's empowerment, positioning Sharjah's craft legacy at the heart of contemporary design conversations. Commenting on their participation, Reem BinKaram, General Director of IRTHI stated, 'Guided by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Chairperson of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, we practice and promote craft as a tool for social development, cultural diplomacy, and innovation; all of which are evident in the collections we have brought to Moscow.' 'We have been deeply moved by the overwhelmingly warm reception from the Russian people, whose enthusiasm to engage with our heritage-driven initiatives reflects a shared passion for cultural dialogue and artisanal excellence. It is an honour for Irthi to be among the very first entities to lead with such a prominent presence at this gathering, positioning our platform as a focal point of the event. We view designers as collaborators and creators in equal measure, and they serve as the link between ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression,' BinKaram reflected. As an attraction to the thousands of attendees to the 4-day event, and the only pavilion from the MENASA region, IRTHI's curated booth captivated visitors and design professionals with immaculate Emirati craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. The display featured collections from the council's cross-cultural collaborations between local and regional artisans and global designers, including pieces that reimagine palm frond weaving (sa'af), intricate embroidery (talli), and sustainable materials like recycled metals and natural dyes. The pavilion's emphasis on sustainability and tradition resonated deeply, and visitors explored how centuries-old practices, such as resource-efficient dyeing and zero-waste palm weaving, align with modern eco-conscious values. By framing these crafts as premium design solutions, IRTHI challenged perceptions, proving that tradition holds timeless relevance in luxury interiors. IRTHI's thought leadership was also highlighted through their participation in two insightful panel discussions. The first, 'Reinvesting in Heritage,' featured BinKaram, alongside Russian heritage experts and designers. BinKaram highlighted IRTHI's initiatives to revive endangered crafts through vocational training and global partnerships, saying 'At Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, we believe restoring heritage crafts is about creating living, evolving traditions; not just preserving relics of the past,' she asserted, citing collaborations that empower women artisans to reinterpret traditions for international markets. BinKaram also emphasised IRTHI's success in creating economic opportunities for over 1,000 women across the MENASEA and Central Asia regions. 'By linking our local artisans with designers from London to Milan and beyond, IRTHI fosters a creative exchange where ancestral skills meet contemporary demand.' This approach, she noted, ensures crafts 'thrive as notable contributors to global design economies.' In the second panel, 'Nature is Within Four Walls,' IRTHI's Head of Marketing, Aisha Al Harmoodi, joined sustainability leaders and manufacturers to explore design's ecological role. Al Harmoodi detailed how IRTHI's use of locally sourced materials; including palm fibers, camel wool, and natural pigments; embodies a profound connection to the UAE's landscapes and historic culture. 'Our crafts are realised through an intimate dialogue with nature,' she explained. 'They teach us that sustainability is far more than a trend and represents an important legacy we can all appreciate and respect.' She reflected through the example of IRTHI's Bidwa project, where Bedouin weaving techniques inspire modern home textiles, reducing environmental impact while preserving cultural identity. Al Harmoodi's insights aligned with global shifts toward biophilic design, positioning IRTHI as a leader in culturally rooted sustainability. IRTHI's participation at MIDW 2025 reaffirms its role as a champion for cultural preservation and female empowerment; and demonstrates that cultural heritage, when nurtured innovatively, can shape sustainable, inclusive futures.
Sharjah 24
25-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
IRTHI champions Emirati excellence during MIDW
Commenting on their participation, Her Excellency Reem BinKaram, General Director of IRTHI stated, 'Guided by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Chairperson of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, we practice and promote craft as a tool for social development, cultural diplomacy, and innovation; all of which are evident in the collections we have brought to Moscow.' 'We have been deeply moved by the overwhelmingly warm reception from the Russian people, whose enthusiasm to engage with our heritage-driven initiatives reflects a shared passion for cultural dialogue and artisanal excellence. It is an honour for Irthi to be among the very first entities to lead with such a prominent presence at this gathering, positioning our platform as a focal point of the event. We view designers as collaborators and creators in equal measure, and they serve as the link between ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression,' BinKaram reflected. Displaying Emirati heritage on the global stage As an attraction to the thousands of attendees to the 4-day event, and the only pavilion from the MENASA region, IRTHI's curated booth captivated visitors and design professionals with immaculate Emirati craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. The display featured collections from the council's cross-cultural collaborations between local and regional artisans and global designers, including pieces that reimagine palm frond weaving (sa'af), intricate embroidery (talli), and sustainable materials like recycled metals and natural dyes. The pavilion's emphasis on sustainability and tradition resonated deeply, and visitors explored how centuries-old practices, such as resource-efficient dyeing and zero-waste palm weaving, align with modern eco-conscious values. By framing these crafts as premium design solutions, IRTHI challenged perceptions, proving that tradition holds timeless relevance in luxury interiors. A vision for empowerment and sustainability IRTHI's thought leadership was also highlighted through their participation in two insightful panel discussions. The first, 'Reinvesting in Heritage,' featured Her Excellency Reem BinKaram, IRTHI's General Director, alongside Russian heritage experts and designers. BinKaram highlighted IRTHI's initiatives to revive endangered crafts through vocational training and global partnerships, saying 'At Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, we believe restoring heritage crafts is about creating living, evolving traditions; not just preserving relics of the past,' she asserted, citing collaborations that empower women artisans to reinterpret traditions for international markets. BinKaram also emphasised IRTHI's success in creating economic opportunities for over 1,000 women across the MENASEA and Central Asia regions. 'By linking our local artisans with designers from London to Milan and beyond, IRTHI fosters a creative exchange where ancestral skills meet contemporary demand.' This approach, she noted, ensures crafts 'thrive as notable contributors to global design economies.' In the second panel, 'Nature is Within Four Walls,' IRTHI's Head of Marketing, Aisha Al Harmoodi, joined sustainability leaders and manufacturers to explore design's ecological role. Al Harmoodi detailed how IRTHI's use of locally sourced materials; including palm fibers, camel wool, and natural pigments; embodies a profound connection to the UAE's landscapes and historic culture. 'Our crafts are realised through an intimate dialogue with nature,' she explained. 'They teach us that sustainability is far more than a trend and represents an important legacy we can all appreciate and respect.' She reflected through the example of IRTHI's Bidwa project, where Bedouin weaving techniques inspire modern home textiles, reducing environmental impact while preserving cultural identity. Al Harmoodi's insights aligned with global shifts toward biophilic design, positioning IRTHI as a leader in culturally rooted sustainability. IRTHI's participation at MIDW 2025 reaffirms its role as a champion for cultural preservation and female empowerment; and demonstrates that cultural heritage, when nurtured innovatively, can shape sustainable, inclusive futures.
Sharjah 24
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Reem BinKaram: ‘Precious Heart' inspired by Emirati 'Talli'
Craft and Heritage BinKaram stated that all the pieces unveiled today are crafted from high-purity royal jade and inspired by Emirati heritage, inspired by the Emirati craft of Talli. The collection features rings, necklaces, earrings, and pendants, embellished with gold, diamonds, and natural pearls. Supporting Global Projects In her statement to "Sharjah24", BinKaram added that the proceeds from the collection will go toward supporting The Big Heart Foundation's projects around the world. The market value of the collection exceeds £9.7 million. Message of Impact The 'Precious Heart' collection reflects the message of Sharjah and the UAE, blending modernity with tradition, beauty with creativity, and a human-driven will to bring meaningful change to the lives of millions worldwide.
Gulf Today
09-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Irthi empowers women in creative industries
Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council presents an Emirati model with regional and global perspectives on empowering women in the heritage and advanced crafts sector as vital industries for achieving empowerment, equality, and social and economic leadership for women. Since its establishment in 2018, the Council has offered a qualitative vision to enhance women's participation in creative industries, combining economic and social empowerment with cultural identity promotion. Although it started in the UAE, the council has succeeded in providing a global experience that enables women and girls to enter the artisan and craftsmanship laboUr market with advanced skills. Reem BinKaram, Director-General of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, emphasises that Irthi women have made significant strides in skilled crafts, blending heritage and history with modernity and innovation. This has made 'Irthi,' with its vision and mission, an inspiring model for women and women's institutions in all communities. BinKaram stated, 'At Irthi, we strive to achieve equality and equal opportunities in sectors at the heart of global sustainable development goals, particularly in promoting economic growth, preserving tangible and cultural heritage, and ensuring women's roles and participation in supporting the growth of creative industries. We also focus on safeguarding the rights of all artisans in all stages of production, which is one of the most important forms of equality that creators should enjoy in their fields.' 'Irthi' has successfully established its position internationally through a wide network of collaborations among designers and artisans from several countries, including Jordan, Italy, and Pakistan. These partnerships have facilitated the exchange of expertise, knowledge transfer, and enhancement of skills in design, manufacturing, management, and marketing. In its prominent international participation, 'Irthi' showcased its work at 'Design Miami - Shanghai,' a global platform specialising in design, where designs embodying Emirati and Arab heritage with a contemporary vision were presented. Representing the UAE, 'Erthi' displayed an exclusive collection of 78 artistic pieces, including jewelry, decor, furniture, bags, and other creative and artistic works at the 'London Design Festival,' one of the largest design exhibitions in the world. It also participated in the 'Milan Design Week 2022' and 'Milan Design Week 2023,' key global events in the arts and design agenda, along with participation in the Doha Design Week, a unique platform for contemporary Arab design.
Sharjah 24
08-03-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Irthi: Empowering women in the creative industries
In this context, the "Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council " presents an Emirati model with regional and global perspectives on empowering women in the heritage and advanced crafts sector as vital industries for achieving empowerment, equality, and social and economic leadership for women. Global efforts for balance Since its establishment in 2018, the "Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council " has offered a qualitative vision to enhance women's participation in creative industries, combining economic and social empowerment with cultural identity promotion. Although it started in the United Arab Emirates, the council has succeeded in providing a global experience that enables women and girls to enter the artisan and craftsmanship labor market with advanced skills. An inspiring model for women worldwide Reem BinKaram, Director General of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council , emphasises that Irthi women have made significant strides in skilled crafts, blending heritage and history with modernity and innovation. This has made "Irthi," with its vision and mission, an inspiring model for women and women's institutions in all communities. BinKaram states: "At Irthi, we strive to achieve equality and equal opportunities in sectors at the heart of global sustainable development goals, particularly in promoting economic growth, preserving tangible and cultural heritage, and ensuring women's roles and participation in supporting the growth of creative industries. We also focus on safeguarding the rights of all artisans in all stages of production, which is one of the most important forms of equality that creators should enjoy in their fields." Global presence and strategic agreements "Irthi" has successfully established its position internationally through a wide network of collaborations among designers and artisans from several countries, including Jordan, Italy, and Pakistan. These partnerships have facilitated the exchange of expertise, knowledge transfer, and enhancement of skills in design, manufacturing, management, and marketing. In its prominent international participation, "Irthi" showcased its work at "Design Miami – Shanghai," a global platform specializing in design, where designs embodying Emirati and Arab heritage with a contemporary vision were presented. Representing the United Arab Emirates, "Erthi" displayed an exclusive collection of 78 artistic pieces, including jewelry, decor, furniture, bags, and other creative and artistic works at the "London Design Festival," one of the largest design exhibitions in the world. It also participated in the "Milan Design Week 2022" and "Milan Design Week 2023," key global events in the arts and design agenda, along with participation in the Doha Design Week, a unique platform for contemporary Arab design. A vision of integration All these achievements and many more in the portfolio of the "Irthi Council for Contemporary Crafts" have opened new avenues, demonstrating that women are a qualitative addition to global efforts. As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated, equality in non-traditional sectors "means not only justice but also a lever for growth and progress. Societies that promote diversity are better able to innovate and adapt to the future."
