Latest news with #Kandura
Sharjah 24
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SPL celebrates Emirati heritage with interactive children's event
Organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage at Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, the event featured three interactive activities that combined storytelling, traditional crafts, and recreational activities, offering young participants a rich introduction to the UAE's cultural legacy. Eman Bushalibi, Director of SPL, commented, 'The 'Heritage Tales' event underscores the vital role of libraries as centres of knowledge and guardians of cultural heritage. As we celebrate 100 years of Sharjah's libraries, we also honour their legacy in connecting generations, preserving identity, and fostering a sense of belonging through meaningful cultural engagement.' Folktales as a gateway to learning The event opened with a workshop titled "The School of Tales", which explored the role of folktales in children's literature as tools for learning, character development, and cultural awareness. Children engaged with a selection of traditional stories authored by Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, brought to life through storytelling and discussions that introduced key Emirati expressions and cultural concepts. Identity woven into memory The second activity offered an interactive workshop on traditional Emirati clothing, highlighting the deep cultural significance of heritage dress. In the Talli embroidery corner, children explored the intricate art of traditional embellishment used in Emirati garments. The Kandura corner introduced boys to the national attire, emphasising its cultural importance, while girls in the Mokhwar corner had the opportunity to design their traditional dresses, learning about different patterns, styles, and the heritage they represent. Heritage competitions with a playful spirit The final activity featured heritage-themed competitions organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in the entertainment corner. In an engaging and educational setting, children responded to questions about Emirati traditions and cultural identity. The event concluded with a ceremony honouring the winners and celebrating their cultural knowledge. 'Heritage Tales' is part of SPL's year-long centennial programme, which highlights the vital role of libraries in preserving culture, fostering knowledge, and promoting reading. Through a series of talks, tours, and workshops, the programme brings together cultural figures and institutions from across the UAE to celebrate and enrich Sharjah's literary and heritage legacy.
Observer
29-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Tailors, textile shops thrive as demand soars for Eid
MUSCAT, MAR 29 Tailors, textile shops, and ready-made garment stores were bustling with customers on Saturday as people scrambled to find the perfect attire ahead of Eid al Fitr. Dressing in new and elegant outfits is an essential part of Eid celebrations, and the demand for fresh, fragrant, and finely stitched garments has surged. Traditional Omani attire, particularly the Dishdasha, is at the heart of these preparations, keeping tailors across Muscat busier than ever. The Omani Kandura, also known as Thawb, Thobe, or Dishdasha, is an ankle-length tunic worn by Omani men. Rashid Ahmed, a Kashmiri Musar (Omani turban) seller at OK Center, noted that skilled expatriate tailors in Seeb Souq, Muttrah Souq, and OK Center in Ruwi have been working tirelessly for weeks to meet the rising demand. 'These tailors, whether providing full packages (cloth plus tailoring) or just tailoring services, are facing diverse requests. Learning is a constant process in this trade,' he said. "We receive young customers daily with unique preferences — some want different colours, others prefer specific styles, materials, or intricate decorative details," Ahmed added. Under normal circumstances, a tailor typically completes one Kandura per day. However, during the Eid rush, many are tasked with stitching two or more daily, making quality control a challenge. "This is not our routine practice. Maintaining quality under such pressure is difficult, and if the standards drop, you risk losing business permanently," one tailor explained, emphasizing Omanis' keen attention to craftsmanship. To preserve traditional Omani attire, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has enforced strict regulations. Ministerial Decree No (270/2015) prohibits unauthorised alterations to the Kandura, including cutting, sewing, printing slogans or foreign trademarks, or making modifications that go against cultural traditions. The ministry conducts annual inspections to ensure compliance, underscoring the importance of preserving Omani heritage through its distinctive traditional dress.
