Latest news with #ReemBinKaram
Emirates 24/7
29-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
The United Arab Emirates' booth attracted special attention from guests at the Moscow Interior & Design Week
Moscow hosted the sixth Moscow Interior & Design Week, one of the industry's largest events, from May 22nd to 25th. The exhibition was dedicated to exploring the theme of nature in interior design and brought together over 1,100 companies, including businesses from 15 countries. This season, China and the UAE participated with their national stands, where leading manufacturers from the countries presented their unique interior design products. The United Arab Emirates' booth attracted special attention from visitors with its unique exhibition, which featured handmade crafts by Arab women artisans, as well as lamps and vases made of clay and Murano glass, powder-coated steel chairs, vegetable-tanned leather fruit baskets, and other goods. The concept of the booth was dedicated to a modern reinterpretation of the region's rich craft heritage through contemporary design solutions. You can view these products and other works presented at the exhibition on the project's website. The UAE booth was prepared with the support of one of the country's most renowned organizations, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council. The Council is headed by Her Excellency Reem Bin Karam, who is among the world's leading experts in cultural entrepreneurship and women's leadership. "Our participation in Moscow Interior & Design Week is an important step in expanding the global reach of Irthi's crafts and creating new collaborative projects. We strive to present a unique design approach to our diverse audience that combines Emirati traditions with modern aesthetics. By exploring opportunities to unite Eastern and Russian cultures, we see immense potential. For example, Emirati Talli is inspired by the sea and landscapes of the UAE, and it resonates with the natural elements present in Russian crafts. Our future projects are likely to be based on these common sources of inspiration, incorporating elements of both cultures in our designs. This exhibition marks the beginning of a journey towards intercultural exchange in design, where we can combine the rich traditions of the UAE and Russia, creating unique, progressive products that reflect our shared love of natural materials and craftsmanship," said Her Excellency Reem Bin Karam. Under the leadership of Her Excellency Reem bin Karam, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council has achieved significant success in transforming traditional UAE crafts into modern, profitable businesses. Thanks to her innovative approach, which combines age-old traditions, contemporary design, and a social mission, the work of women entrepreneurs has gained recognition at prestigious international events such as Design Miami, the London Design Festival, and Milan Design Week. "At the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, our mission is rooted in the belief that traditional crafts, especially those passed down through generations, hold immense cultural and social value. In today's technologically advanced world, there is a growing need to preserve and adapt these traditional crafts to ensure they remain relevant. The Council focuses on empowering women artisans, particularly in marginalized communities across the Middle East, North Africa, South and Central Asia. By providing them with vocational training, skill development, and access to new markets, we are building a women-driven artisan economy. We firmly believe in the transformative power of craft, as it not only preserves cultural heritage but also uplifts communities economically and socially," emphasized Her Excellency Reem Bin Karam. It is worth noting that Reem Bin Karam was one of the headliners of the Moscow Interior & Design Week and a key speaker at the session "Reinvestment in Heritage." The session was dedicated to creating in-demand products at the intersection of traditions and modern trends. The Moscow Interior & Design Week also hosted a special international session attended by 50 export-oriented Russian enterprises, as well as over 10 foreign importing companies from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco. The event facilitated the establishment of trade relations with international partners, the conclusion of profitable export contracts, and the implementation of joint large-scale projects. Moscow companies are interested in entering the international arena and expanding the range of products already supplied. Among the companies ready to establish foreign economic activity are manufacturers of innovative heated towel rails, designer tables and chairs, and other interior items. The exhibition takes place twice a year and has already become a platform for introducing Muscovites and visitors to the capital to a large number of domestic companies from all over the country. In addition, the independent selection of participants by the exhibition's expert council allows for the selection of the most interesting products and provides access to a wide audience and market even for the youngest and smallest brands. In addition to domestic brands, visitors could explore the products and solutions of 45 foreign companies and designers from 15 countries. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
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.
Emirates 24/7
23-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
First-Ever UAE Pavilion Showcased at Moscow Interior and Design Week
The United Arab Emirates is participating with a national pavilion for the first time in the sixth edition of 'Moscow Interior and Design Week', which opened today and will run until 25th May at the Central Exhibition Hall (Manège). The event features the participation of over 1,100 Russian and international companies specialising in furniture and interior design. The UAE pavilion, organised with the support of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, features an exhibition that presents a modern reinterpretation of Emirati craft heritage through contemporary designs. These include handcrafted items made by Emirati craftswomen, as well as lamps, clay and Murano glass vessels, painted steel chairs, and fruit baskets made from treated plant-based leather. Reem BinKaram, Director of the Irthi Council, participated as a keynote speaker in a session titled 'Reinvesting in Heritage', held today. In her speech, she highlights the Council's role in empowering women with technical skills, enabling them to enter global markets, and build sustainable projects based on traditional crafts. She emphasised that the Council has helped transform traditional crafts into successful commercial ventures that have received international recognition at prestigious events such as Design Miami, the London Design Festival, and Milan Design Week. She noted that such participation has elevated the global standing of Emirati crafts. This exhibition features 45 companies and designers from 15 countries, including China and the UAE, both of which are showcasing their work through national pavilions. The exhibits focus on nature-inspired interior products, which is the central theme of this year's event. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Irthi explores strategies to help empower artisans
In a move that underscores the significance of traditional crafts in supporting and developing the creative economy, a panel discussion titled 'Traditional crafts: identity, economy, sustainability', held as part of the "Make it in the Emirates" Forum, brought together leading national institutions and centres dedicated to crafts, heritage and culture to unify visions on the future of traditional crafts as both an economic and cultural force. Organised by Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the discussion hosted Asma Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Creatives Development Sector at the Ministry of Culture; Reem BinKaram, Director General of Irthi; Salama Al Shamsi, Director of Cultural Sites at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi; Hind Al Mehairbi, Director of the AlGhadeer Emirati Crafts Project; Eng. Ghalia Al Manai, Head of Strategic Affairs at the General Women's Union, and Fayez Al Yamahi, Deputy Director General of Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment. The panel discussion served as a platform to explore strategies for empowering artisans both socially and economically, while discussing the role of innovation in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the traditional crafts sector and strengthening its visibility in local and international markets. A national registry for craftspeople Asma Al Hammadi emphasised that traditional crafts bring unique value and appeal to contemporary products, even when incorporated subtly, due to their profound cultural significance. She noted that the Ministry of Economy is actively safeguarding the intellectual property of local heritage products as a vital step to enhance their commercial presence both locally and internationally, through initiatives, including the Geographical Indications programme. The panel discussion under way. Al Hammadi also announced that the Ministry has launched a national registry for artisans to facilitate their access to international markets and integrate them into the creative economy. From traditional heritage to a sustainable economic contributor During the session, Reem BinKaram highlighted the pivotal role of Irthi, chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, in transforming Emirati crafts into significant economic and cultural assets. She explained that this transformation is driven by a contemporary approach that expands local and international marketing opportunities. BinKaram noted that the Council began by supporting a single artisan and has grown to include over 500, supported through specialised training programmes and international partnerships that have positioned Emirati crafts on global platforms. She also highlighted Irthi's holistic commitment to cultural, economic and environmental sustainability, and commended its collaborations with leading brands such as Bvlgari, Asprey and Cartier, which have integrated artisans into the global creative economy and enabled them to build competitive local brands. Women artisans are guardians of heritage On her part, Eng. Ghalia Al Manai stated that the Heritage and Crafts Industries Centre, established in 1978 on the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak and with the support of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is the first national institution dedicated to empowering Emirati women artisans. She noted that the Centre provides a supportive environment through monthly stipends and advanced vocational training across six specialised workshops focused on reviving traditional Emirati crafts, including Sadu weaving, Talli, palm frond weaving, textile production, tailoring and embroidery, and modern arts. Al Manai also highlighted the "Matjari" app, which markets products made by productive families and was recognised with the Government Summit Award in 2015. Marketing remains the biggest challenge During the session, Hend Al Muhairbi explained that since its establishment in 2006, the Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts Project has focused on economically empowering artisans by producing contemporary crafts grounded in traditional practices. She noted that the project extends beyond training and providing raw materials, taking responsibility for marketing the products locally and internationally through exhibitions and retail outlets to secure a sustainable income for its members. Digital potential for artisans Fayez Al Yamahi explained that the Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment, part of the Fujairah Charity Association, is dedicated to developing products by productive families as a means of economic empowerment. Al Yamahi also noted that the centre is preparing to launch a dedicated digital platform to strengthen artisans' online presence and create new opportunities for market growth and engagement. Irthi participated in the Make it in the Emirates Forum at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, which concluded on May 22, through a dedicated pavilion in the "Crafts and Innovation Zone".
