Emirati women learn burqa printing

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

A group of young Emirati women attended a day-long workshop to learn about the making of ‘Burqa’, a traditional face cover for Emirati women.

The workshop entitled ‘The Heritage and Art - Burqa Printmaking’ held at the Youth Hub, Emirates Tower in Dubai was organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC). Over 16 women from different backgrounds attended the workshop led by a prominent Emirati artist Ghaya Al Marar.

The workshop was aimed at promoting the art of designing prints on Burqa.

The Burqa is a traditional accessory used by the elder generation of Emirati women as a face cover.

Sixteen female participants, all above 15, joined the workshop, including students from Zayed University, the American University of Sharjah and homemakers keen on learning  local culture and new art.

Hind Bin Demaithan Al Qemzi, Director of Events at HHC while talking to the Gulf Today said that the material used for making Burqa is environmental friendly.  “Through such events, the Centre is establishing its mission that heritage is still important part of our daily lives and that the revival of this heritage comes through many ways, including the usage of Burqa material, which is still worn by senior citizens,” Al Qemzi further said.

She mentioned that the workshop was part of the series of  workshops that aims to promote the cultural values of the UAE among the locals and expatriate communities by shedding light on the different aspects of the life in this country.  

Emirati artist and graphic designer, Ghaya Al Marar, led the workshop. She commented, I was very excited with the experience of leading the workshop, and I thank the Centre for hosting the event.

“I am passionate about heritage and art in general and have tried for years to introduce heritage materials and components to print drawings and geometric forms. I found a great deal of participation and I look forward to developing and discovering more Emirati artists preserving and promoting our heritage,” Ghaya added.