Irthi celebrates legacy of Emirati women artisans

Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (IRTHI) marked Emirati Women’s Day with an exquisite celebration of the nation’s living heritage, hosting a private event that highlighted the skilled hands and creative spirit of its female artisans.

The gathering; which took place on both Thursday 28th, and Friday 29th of August, was held in collaboration with Swiss luxury watchmaker ‘Vacheron Constantin’ at their showroom within the Mandarin Oriental in Jumeirah. The event offered a detailed perspective into the crafts that form an integral part of UAE culture.

A showcase of artisanal craft and culture: The heart of the showcase was a series of interactive encounters with Emirati craft, where guests participated in a Safeefah and Talli-inspired weaving workshop, guided by master artisans from IRTHI’s Community Development Programme. This session allowed attendees to appreciate the immense skill, patience, and precision required to master these intricate techniques, which have been passed down through generations of women. Throughout the venue, live craft demonstrations by IRTHI’s Community Development artisans also served as a powerful visual narrative, and their precise techniques and focused artistry turned the space into a living gallery, showcasing the cherished beauty of practices such as palm frond weaving and metallic thread embroidery.

Further engaging the senses, a selection of curated dishes inspired by gastronomy research into Emirati heritage was served, and these modern interpretations of traditional flavours offered a culinary journey that mirrored IRTHI’s mission: honouring the past while innovating for the present.

A vision for heritage and empowerment: Commenting on the event, Reem BinKaram, Director General of IRTHI, connected artisanal craft to the broader narrative of women’s empowerment, saying, “Today, we are not just celebrating women; we are honouring the living heritage they safeguard in their hands. Our collaboration with Vacheron Constantin is also a testament to a shared belief that true luxury is born from human ingenuity, time-honoured knowledge, and timeless beauty.”

“Through the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, we believe that empowering these skilled hands is synonymous with preserving our heritage, and through this activation we provide a global platform for our nation’s treasured crafts and artisans. In recognition of Emirati Women’s Day, and in celebration of our 10-year anniversary, we are not only honouring a legacy but are also recognising women as drivers of a diverse, sustainable economy,” the Director General added.