21-05-2025
UAE Showcases Handcrafts Sector as Cultural and Economic Driver at Make it in the Emirates
For the first time, Make it in the Emirates is spotlighting the UAE's rich handcrafts heritage, positioning traditional artistry as a vital pillar of the nation's creative economy and industrial future.
Held from 19 to 22 May at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the fourth and largest edition of the event brings together policymakers, investors and industry leaders. This year's highlight: a dedicated handcrafts sector featuring around 50 craftspeople and heritage-based businesses delivering workshops, live demonstrations and cultural talks daily.
Organised by ADNEC Group and hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the initiative reinforces the UAE's commitment to preserving cultural identity while driving economic diversification.
In a major step forward, the Ministry of Culture signed a series of memoranda of understanding with national partners to establish a unified National Registry for Craftspeople. The move aims to promote artisan registration, improve data collection and foster a stronger ecosystem for traditional industries.
Participants include Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts, which has trained over 470 women in heritage techniques such as Talli, Sadu and pottery, transforming them into contemporary products showcased globally. Also exhibiting is Khunair, the heritage brand of Beit Al Khunair, known for producing Emirati daggers and ceremonial artefacts using time-honoured methods.
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is showcasing the regional diversity of crafts like palm weaving, while Al Khaznah Leathers, a sustainable tannery founded in 2003, is blending traditional leatherwork with eco-conscious innovation.
The event underscores how handcrafts can bridge the past and future—sustaining cultural legacy, empowering local talent and positioning the UAE's artisanal excellence on the global stage.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
