Irthi widens global reach of traditional Emirati crafts

Committed to empowering women artisans and promoting indigenous craft heritage, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council marked its second year of participation at the “Make It in the Emirates” in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.

Weaving traditional crafts into the nation’s production ecosystem as an integral thread, the organisation modernises heritage crafts to reach new markets while empowering artisan communities.

Highlighting the region’s rich handicraft culture as a key contributor to the creative economy, Reem BinKaram (Director General of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council) said, “The exhibition presents a unique opportunity to reinforce the position of traditional crafts and their vital role in supporting the creative industries.”

With this participation, Irthi continues to redefine traditional crafts through a contemporary lens, aligning them with evolving market expectations while expanding their reach to a broader audience of stakeholders, decision-makers, and investors.

Serving as a crucial platform to spotlight the inimitable craftsmanship and inherited skills of women artisans, Irthi navigates the creative journey, transforming traditional crafts into design-led creations that are both culturally rooted and of immense economic value. Since its establishment in 2015, Irthi has built a dynamic network of more than 840 craftswomen from over 12 countries, supported through specialised training programmes and cross-cultural exchange initiatives. These efforts have played an important role in sustaining traditional crafts while enhancing their cultural and economic aspect on a global scale.

Irthi’s creative space at the exhibition remains abuzz with interactive workshops designed to engage the audience directly in unique craft processes.

At ADNEC from 4th to 7th May 2026, Irthi presents a curated selection of handcrafted pieces developed by advanced training programmes.

Focusing on storytelling, the organisation has elevated creative experiences by blending authentic Emirati crafts, such as Talli and Safeefah, with contemporary design perspectives created in collaboration with international designers.

This strategic approach has enhanced their appeal across local and global markets, reflecting Irthi’s philosophy of furthering craftsmanship into scalable, market-ready products. Irthi’s creative initiatives and collections have already reached prestigious international platforms in global art hubs such as Paris, Milan, and Shanghai, demonstrating the global competitiveness of Emirati crafts within the creative industries.

Speaking of their participation, Reem BinKaram reiterated, “Our participation at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ Artisans Pavillion reflects the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, to empower craftswomen and transform crafts into a sustainable economic contributor. We go beyond showcasing products, we position crafts as a promising sector that contributes to national economic growth through skill development, strategic partnerships, and access to new markets. Through more than 60 workshops conducted in 2024, benefiting approximately 1,400 participants, we continue to expand impact and connect them to younger generations and long-term economic opportunities.”

Adding further, she said, “The Make It in the Emirates platform presents us with a great opportunity to reinforce the global positioning of traditional crafts and their vital role in supporting the creative industries. This exposure fuels the expansion of a partnership network with key stakeholders, mapping newer markets and widening the reach of handcrafted products to discerning audiences.”

Making it an immersive experience for visitors and stakeholders, Irthi’s creative space at the exhibition remains abuzz with interactive workshops designed to engage the audience directly in unique craft processes. With live demonstrations of the making of Faroukha keychains, Talli bracelets, and leather accessories, these hands-on experiences offer visitors the opportunity to explore Emirati craft techniques up close and create their own pieces.

By fostering a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and building a meaningful connection between the public and these living, evolving practices, Irthi intends to highlight the deep history and evolution of Emirati crafts and associated values.

The meticulously crafted contemporary products, coupled with immersive workshops, have already attracted significant attention from visitors and industry professionals.

Irthi’s participation reflects their commitment to bridging heritage craftsmanship with modern designs and creative markets, in alignment with Make It in the Emirates’ broader vision to support and advance Emirati craft heritage as a promising cultural and economic pillar.

Established in 2015 in Sharjah, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council was founded under the able leadership of Sheikha Jawaher to preserve and safeguard Emirati crafts from disappearing.