Latest news with #Khoos
Mid East Info
16-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Make it in the Emirates to promote UAE Culture and Heritage through first-ever Handicrafts Exhibition - Middle East Business News and Information
The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, taking place from 19 to 22 May 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, will for the first time feature a dedicated Handicrafts Exhibition, spotlighting the UAE's rich heritage of craftsmanship and its integration into modern manufacturing, sustainability, and global markets. Hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, organised by ADNEC Group, and held in collaboration with strategic partners the Ministry of Culture, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and ADNOC, this year's edition aims to bridge the past with the future by positioning traditional crafts as a vital contributor to the national economy. Spanning more than 1,000 square metres, the Handicrafts Exhibition will bring together over 170 exhibitors including artisans, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and technology pioneers. It will demonstrate how traditional crafts such as Al Sadu weaving, Talli embroidery, Khoos palm frond weaving, pottery, Dallah-making, and perfume blending using natural ingredients, are being elevated through innovation and industrial scalability. As part of the evolving handicrafts sector, artisans are increasingly adopting digital tools to enhance their craft and expand their market reach. Through training and support, they are learning to use CAD software to design intricate patterns with precision and efficiency, while 3D scanners enable the digitisation of handmade prototypes, preserving traditional designs and allowing for scalable production. In addition, artisans can learn how to leverage e-commerce platforms to showcase and sell their creations to global audiences, transforming heritage-based craftsmanship into competitive, export-ready products that align with modern consumer demand. Visitors will enjoy immersive displays and live demonstrations that showcase the evolution of the UAE's handmade sector. From curated handcrafted products to insights into the role of advanced technologies in transforming heritage crafts, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore how this sector is creating new career paths and investment opportunities. A dedicated Networking Hub will act as a matchmaking platform, fostering collaboration between traditional artisans, manufacturers, and investors, and empowering the growth of the UAE's artisan economy. The programme will also include talks by thought leaders and industry experts, focused on the intersection of culture, industry, and sustainability. The introduction of the Handicrafts sector at Make it in the Emirates reflects the nation's broader efforts to preserve its cultural identity while driving sustainable economic development. This initiative supports the UAE's industrial strategy by incorporating heritage into high-value industries, aligning with national objectives for economic diversification and cultural preservation.
Al Etihad
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Crafting the future: Finalists of House of Artisans Design Competition commence intensive training programme
25 Apr 2025 19:07 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Twenty shortlisted participants of the House of Artisans Design Competition have commenced an intensive training programme, where they will be introduced to traditional Emirati craft techniques and acquainted with contemporary House of Artisans, an initiative under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), stands as a commitment to the rich craft heritage of the UAE. Sponsored by Mubadala, the House of Artisans Design Competition is a platform for emerging designers and artists from across the UAE to showcase their creative talents and reimagine traditional craftsmanship, unlocking future opportunities to advance their announcement of the shortlisted participants and the commencement of the training programme came during an event held recently at House of event kickstarted with keynote addresses by Salama Al Shamsi, Director - Culture Sites at DCT Abu Dhabi, and Ashwaq Al Hosani, Head of Art Collection at Mubadala. They welcomed the participants and stressed the need for continuity in culture through innovative were then introduced to hands-on, immersive workshops on traditional Emirati craft techniques, including Sadu, Talli and Khoos. Conducted by local artisans, the workshops brought diverse techniques to life through practical demonstrations and much collaborative learning.A key highlight of the event was the "Design Meets Heritage" show & Tell session, discussing the dynamic dialogue between Emirati craft and contemporary design. The session spotlighted the creative works of designers Hajar Al Tanaji, Roudha Al Shamsi and Abdalla Almulla, offering inspiration and insight into how heritage can influence modern encouraged participants to view traditional craftsmanship through a different lens and begin opening doors to advanced career to Aletihad, Shahad Hamwi, Project Manager at the House of Artisans, said the training programme is an opportunity for both emerging and established designers to further enhance their skills.'We launched the open call in January and received over 60 applications. From those, 20 were selected to join a three-month concept development programme, where they're given studio space, mentorship, access to artisans, materials and facilities,' Hamwi the end of the programme, the House of Artisans will hold an exhibition and a final gala to showcase the participants' works. A jury panel will select 10 winners based on a set of criteria, she for the application categories, they featured product design and furniture. 'We ended up with five product concepts and 15 furniture ones, which is interesting,' she also noted that they chose to keep the age range open.'A lot of residencies are youth-focused, but we wanted that intergenerational mix, especially because they're working directly with artisans. This is more than a competition. It's like a residency — participants are being mentored, they attend workshops and they grow their practice,' she said that the mentors are experienced designers, who work closely with participants in a collaborative setting, guiding their development and fostering creativity across diverse backgrounds and noted that the competition reflects DCT Abu Dhabi's vision of preserving Emirati craft.'Whether through workshops, educational programmes, or museum installations, it is all about enhancing the UAE's arts and culture scene.'Also speaking to Aletihad, Khulood Alawadi, a mentor at the House of Artisans Design Competition and Lecturer at NYU Abu Dhabi, expressed enthusiasm to guide participants in developing their concepts and creating final prototypes. "One of the things that I look forward to as a mentor is pushing ideas further, developing the narrative behind the concepts, and helping participants challenge the materials, the concept and the narrative to end up with a much deeper outcome," she said."I'm looking forward to learning from the participants, many of whom are already amazing designers."She values the diverse group of participants from various nationalities who are united in exploring Emirati heritage. "It is a wonderful space for intercultural and interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing us to connect with Emirati heritage in a modern way," Alawadi said.
Khaleej Times
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Emirati writer channels folklore and faith in debut fictional novel
In the sandy ruins of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, in Ras Al Khaimah, unfolds the gripping coming of age story of an Emirati young man Badr. Blending reality and fantasy in a tale, where jinns, angels and dark magic help Badr in his quest for love, the abandoned pearling village, comes alive in the pages of the book – The Red Island: The Gatekeeper -- written by Emirati entrepreneur and author Dr Adil Alzarooni. One of the few novels written in English by an Emirati, the story references local traditions, popular hangouts and spirituality, while providing an insider's view of a nation in transition in the 1990s and early 2000. For Alzarooni, the impetus for writing The Red Island came from a deep desire to showcase the cultural nuances of his country to a wider audience. 'Literature is a window into the soul of a place and its people. Whenever I travel somewhere new, the first thing I do is to hunt down a local bookshop and grab a novel by a native author. It is like getting a secret insider's guide to the culture. That is how I was inspired to write The Red Island,' says Alzarooni. 'While the story revolves around universal themes of love, loss and identity, its setting in the UAE introduces readers to various aspects of Emirati life.' Writing in English was a conscious decision for the author, who says, it took him nearly 10 years to perfect the draft. 'By writing in English I wanted to share an authentic Emirati perspective to both local and international readers. Many expats based in the UAE have lived here for decades without having had any interaction or understanding of our culture. With this book I hope to change that,' he shares. The story begins in the year 2001 with Badr seeking refuge in the eerie remains of Al Jazira Al Hamra. Amidst the cracked bronze walls of the abandoned homes, he encounters Abdulaziz, the doomed lover who lived in the village with jinns. Readers get to dive into the local landscape as the author writes about Sidr trees, regional Emirati delicacies such as baith tamat, khameer bread with date syrup, about traditional Khoos coasters, clay pots and Ra'i Al Jaseef, men who preserve salted fish. Growing up in Sharjah, Alzarooni had visited the mystical Al Jazirah and found it to be an ideal setting for his novel. Said to be the last pearling village in the Gulf, the premises comprise of a fort, watchtowers, mosque and dilapidated houses. 'Whatever time of the day you visit the village it will leave an impression on your mind. In daylight, it's fantastical and at night, quite scary,' points out the author, who reveals that the character of Abdulaziz, was based on the life of a distant cousin who had lived the life of a recluse when his lover's father had refused her hand in marriage. Some instances from the life of the main protagonist also mirror aspects of the author's own personal journey. Just as Badr aspired to become a pilot and study in the US, so did Alzarooni. And like Badr, the author's family had also resisted his decision to study abroad, eventually making him forgo his most cherished desire. 'Family ties are very strong among Emiratis. Back then, parents were worried about their children's safety, the influence of Western culture and intermarriage,' says the author, as his novel captures a society in transition where generational differences were cropping up among families. 'It was a period of rapid modernisation and globalisation. While traditional Bedouin values were still present, Emiratis were being increasingly challenged by new influences,' he reveals. A significant juncture in the novel takes place at a picnic in Badr's uncle's farm in Khor Fakkan, where he first sets his eyes on his lady love. This scene, involving the extended family and friends in a traditional matchmaking setup, is similar to several other cultures. Badr's family's disapproval of a girl of mixed heritage as his future bride reflects a conservative and tight-knit community. 'Such match-making rituals were always common in Emirati society. But today there is greater acceptance of personal choice and love marriages. While family involvement and approval remains important, Emiratis are now increasingly open to cross culture relationships,' says Alzarooni. While representing several integral aspects of Emirati life, the book also pays ode to Islamic teachings. Each chapter of the novel begins with a Quranic verse. The practice of ruqyah (spiritual Islamic healing), folklore around jinns and instances of black magic add a supernatural element to this romantic Arabian story. The Quran is rich with stories, says Alzarooni, who wanted to include the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs in his culture in his writings. 'For us, Jinns are the unseen and they co-exist with humans. And of course, there are also stories surrounding Al Jazira Al Hamra, being haunted that partly inspired the narrative,' he explains. Along with the spiritual elements, one of history's most explosive terrorist attacks of 9/11 also steer the story forward. How had the horrific suicide attacks by Al Qaeda impacted Alzarooni? 'There was so much shock and uncertainty. I remember how the event had a profound impact on UAE as well. It prompted discussions about identity and perceptions of Arabs in the global context and the importance of promoting understanding between cultures.' Packed with several twists and turns, the novel was re-written several times, says Alzarooni, who credits his group of writer friends for oft-needed encouragement and advice. Although The Red Island is Alzarooni's debut fictional novel in English, he is not new to writing books. His first two non-fiction books, Economic Zones: The Essentials and Sustaining Family Businesses: The Essentials, include his own experience in economic zone development and in operating family offices in the UAE. When not writing Alzarooni keeps a busy schedule running family businesses – the Al Zarooni Emirates Investments, Al Bidayer Holding and CapiZona Ventures. In 2022, he founded Citizens School in Dubai that focuses on helping children build entrepreneurial skills from a young age. In spite of being an experienced entrepreneur and writer publishing his first fiction The Red Island had been an arduous journey, shares the author, who was forced to take the self-publishing route when he found no support from local literary agents and writing communities in the UAE. Brimming with ideas about his second novel, Alzarooni hopes more doors will open the second time. 'I firmly believe that cultural storytelling is our soft diplomacy. By sharing authentic narratives, we can challenge misconceptions and create genuine cross-cultural understanding. I hope that in future Emirati stories will be globally recognised, where our traditions are respected, and our cultural heritage is appreciated.'
Khaleej Times
08-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Caravan covers 10,000km across nation, bringing free art workshops to residents
Have you spotted Kenaz, UAE's first mobile art caravan? On the road since January last year, the travelling art studio makes art accessible to all by offering free classes and workshops in distant and remote locations across the country. Launched by Emirati artist and educator Ghaleya Almansoori, the caravan, equipped with a variety of art and craft supplies, is her personal initiative to give back to the community. From quaint Al Sila, on the border of UAE and Saudi to the historic town of Qidfa in Fujairah, Kenaz has covered over 10,000km in the last one year reaching out to people of all ages, in far flung areas. 'I always wanted to spread the joy of creating art. With Kenaz I have had a remarkable journey witnessing how it became a thriving hub for cultural exchange and artistic expression. Wherever we travelled, be it to schools, colleges, communities, parks and at festivals, people flocked to the van to unravel their creativity,' Almansoori told Khaleej Times about her dream project. Named after a camel on her father's farm in Liwa, Kenaz is a 10-metre-long caravan or trailer stocked with paints, brushes, easels, tables and chairs for children and adults to participate in art lessons outdoors as well as indoors during the hot summer months. 'While working in the community outreach programmes at an art institution in UAE I travelled to distant and rural areas in the UAE. I found that there is a lack of resources and spaces for people who are interested in art. This led me to envision Kenaz,' said Almansoori, who has a Bachelor's degree in visual arts from Zayed University and a Masters in art education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Preserving Emirati culture Growing up in Liwa amidst the vibrant landscape of the sand dunes, her childhood was spent observing her grandmother, weaving the Al Talli, an intricate Emirati embroidery. These memories instilled in her a deep appreciation for crafts and colours. Passionate about preserving Emirati culture, Almansoori tailored a set of workshops around traditional handicrafts and spices from the UAE. Along with painting and clay modelling, she also conducts spice art, Al Talli, Khoos weaving and Mandoos box workshops. 'At Kenaz, I am weaving in elements of Emirati heritage in my workshops to strengthen our national identity in a creative way,' she underscored. Community engagement is at the core of this unique venture. 'I've had overwhelming positive feedback from participants, who expressed a new found confidence in their artistic abilities and felt a renewed sense of creativity,' she added. Influencing people In the past one year Almansoori's interactions with people strengthened her belief about the transformative power of art and the positive impact Kenaz Art Studio has on people. She recalled her first visit to the border town of Al Sila where it was rare to even find a mall. 'At first the people in the town were shy to come forward and approach the caravan. But as I stationed there for five days, they slowly opened up and attended several classes. Kids brought along their parents and elders. In the end they were so excited they wanted me to visit them again soon.' In yet another small town in Fujairah, she shared how a young boy named Humaid came to Kenaz at a time when all the workshops were fully booked. The enthusiastic child, however, was undeterred and offered to volunteer to do any task to gain access to the classes. 'The next day when I shared this experience on social media, Humaid's school principal lauded him for his determination and ingenuity. I can never say no to people when they come for my classes,' said Almansoori. Kenaz fans and supporters Parked outside schools and parks, Kenaz is self-funded and operates with the help of volunteers and support from several government, private, educational, and community organisations. Since its launch, Kenaz has also participated and partnered with several heritage festivals in the UAE. American expat Nicole Walters was at the Al Ain Date Festival recently when she found Kenaz parked outside with kids and adults engrossed in art activities. She and her teenage daughter attended a spice art workshop. 'This was the first time I've ever used turmeric, zafran, coffee and paprika to paint. Being part of this cultural mobile art studio was a memorable experience,' said Walters. Abu Dhabi resident and Emirati Sara Al Marzouqi was walking with a bunch of her friends at the Al Marmoon Film Festival in Dubai when her eyes fell on the unique mobile art studio. 'The whole concept looked very interesting and I ended up doing a tote bag workshop. This was a new experience for me. I never knew I could create art so effortlessly. Now I'm a big fan of Kenaz and I plan to track it and follow it wherever it goes,' she shared.
