Latest news with #Khous
Mid East Info
21-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
New Heritage Sector takes the spotlight at Make it in the Emirates - Middle East Business News and Information
Artisans, organisations, and innovators unite to preserve skills passed down for generations at Make it in the Emirates Traditional Emirati crafts reimagined for today's market and tomorrow's makers From daggers to handbags, heritage products find new life in the creative economy Abu Dhabi – May, 2025 – For the first time, Make it in the Emirates features a dedicated Handcrafts sector, spotlighting the UAE's artisanal heritage and its role in today's creative economy. Around 50 craftspeople and heritage-based businesses take part daily, with workshops, cultural talks, and live sessions. Organised by ADNEC Group and hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and held alongside strategic partners the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and ADNOC, this fourth and largest edition to date of Make it in the Emirates gathers industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, offering a global hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing. It runs from May 19 to 22, 2025 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. At Make it in the Emirates, the Ministry of Culture signed a series of MoUs with national partners to establish a unified National Registry for Craftspeople. The agreements will help promote local craft products, encourage artisan registration, provide accurate data and market insights, and foster a supportive ecosystem for sustainable growth across the sector. The agreements included the following entities: Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts Project, under the Emirates Red Crescent signed with the Ministry of Culture. Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment, under Fujairah Charity Association signed with the Ministry of Culture. Department of Antiquities and Museums – Ras Al Khaimah Among the exhibitors in the Heritage Sector is Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts, a non-profit that trains women—many of whom have no prior skills—in the art of handcrafting goods using techniques like Talli, Khous, Sadu, and pottery. Al Ghadeer's work transforms ancient techniques into products such as handbags and home décor items, blending traditional design with modern functionality. The organisation has already trained over 470 women, and their creations, alongside live demonstrations, have travelled to international exhibitions in the UK, Italy, China, and beyond. Also on show is Khunair, the heritage brand of Beit Al Khunair, which produces handcrafted Emirati daggers, coffee pots, and other heritage items, preserving the UAE's legacy while creating items of enduring social and national value. One such item is a ceremonial sword crafted for H.E. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his visit to Italy, reflecting the deep cultural and symbolic value of traditional Emirati craftsmanship. The team of artisans, including goldsmiths and metalsmiths, continues to handcraft Emirati symbols using traditional methods passed down through generations. Khunair is at Make it in the Emirates to revive interest in traditional Emirati craftsmanship and encourage greater local appreciation for heritage products. They see the event as a chance to showcase handmade items like the Khanyar dagger and ceremonial artefacts to a wider audience, connect with new customers, and highlight the cultural value of UAE-made goods in a market where many still look abroad for such pieces. Their goal is to position heritage crafts not only as symbols of identity but also as commercially viable products that deserve recognition and support. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority joins the Handcrafts sector to raise awareness about the value of traditional crafts and the need to keep them alive in everyday life, having been passed down through generations, but are now at risk of fading due to fast-paced, modern lifestyles. Their participation focuses on showing younger generations not only how these crafts are made, but also the meaning, time, and cultural identity behind them. Even within the same craft, such as palm weaving, techniques and colour choices can vary widely between families and regions, reflecting the diverse interpretations of a shared heritage. By blending traditional methods with modern design, like turning woven patterns into contemporary handbags or home décor, they hope to make these crafts more relevant and appreciated today. Meanwhile, Al Khaznah Leathers, a sustainable tannery based in Abu Dhabi, bridges heritage and innovation. Founded in 2003 as a vision of Sheikh Zayed, the company specialises in chrome-free, camel leather tanning using eco-conscious methods. From handbags to aviation upholstery, Al Khaznah's goods span multiple industries while remaining rooted in traditional leatherwork. Through its in-house studio and training initiatives, the company is helping to reimagine Emirati craftsmanship in a global, sustainable context. Together, these exhibitors represent a powerful narrative: that handcrafts are not just relics of the past, but a path forward, one that fosters cultural continuity, supports livelihoods, and champions UAE-made excellence on the world stage.
Hi Dubai
17-04-2025
- Hi Dubai
Emirati Craftsmanship Shines at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai with Live Heritage Workshops
The United Arab Emirates Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai is drawing visitors into the heart of Emirati heritage through live workshops showcasing traditional crafts, led by elite artisans from Bait Al Harifeen (House of Artisans). Now in its fourth day, the pavilion has come alive with hands-on sessions in Al Sadu weaving—focusing on the intricate Maghzal (spindle) technique—alongside Talli (braiding) and Khous (palm frond weaving). Visitors not only witness these time-honored practices but also create their own craft-inspired souvenirs, including Talli medals, miniature spindles, and Khous bookmarks. These workshops, guided by revered Emirati craftswomen known as the Mothers of the Emirates, offer an authentic experience rooted in the desert's cultural legacy. Their presence is more than a demonstration—it's a living bridge between past and future, preserving artisanal skills passed down through generations. The pavilion also features striking heritage-inspired installations crafted by Bait Al Harifeen , such as a large Al Sadu piece integrated into the Healthcare section, and a symbolic rocket model in the space exploration zone. Both works exemplify the fusion of tradition and innovation. The live heritage workshops will continue until April 19, reflecting the UAE's commitment to sharing its cultural identity in ways that are interactive, immersive, and forward-looking. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Emirates 24/7
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates 24/7
UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka features intricate details crafted by Emirati women artisans
The United Arab Emirates Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai continues to highlight the rich Emirati heritage by showcasing authentic handicrafts during the fourth day's events, which included live workshops presented by "Bait Al Harifeen" (House of Artisans) with the participation of a selection of elite Emirati craftswomen. These live workshops include interactive experiences in the art of Al Sadu, a traditional form of weaving, focusing on the "Maghzal" (spindle) which is one of its basic steps, in addition to Talli (braiding) and Khous (palm frond weaving). The workshops allow pavilion visitors to create their own souvenirs from each craft individually and provide them with the opportunity to learn the crafts in the quintessential Emirati way under the supervision of Mothers of the Emirates, who represent a living memory of these arts rooted in the desert environment. The workshops organised by the pavilion are characterised by their interactive aspect, offering small souvenirs inspired by the original craft, such as Talli medals, miniature spindle replicas, and Khous bookmarks, allowing visitors to keep a part of this cultural experience. It is worth noting that prominent pieces displayed in the pavilion, executed by the hands of Bait Al Harifeen, such as the "Al Sadu" piece that features large display screens in the "Healthcare" section and took about two months to complete, as well as the rocket model in the space exploration section as a symbol of heritage-inspired creativity, were designed and showcased. This live participation embodies the presence of the Emirati desert with its authentic spirit and values derived from generosity and skill, through the hands of the craftswomen who transmit these crafts from generation to generation. The presence of Emirati craftswomen in the UAE pavilion continues until April 19th, as part of the UAE pavilion's efforts to introduce the country's cultural and human heritage in a style that keeps pace with the present and anticipates the future. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
