LAMEES OBEIDAT (ABU DHABI)
Imagine a time before video games and digital toys, when a simple handcrafted doll could spark a child’s imagination. This is the legacy that Emirati folk doll maker Ameera Al Bloushi is determined to preserve.
Founder of Ateega Doll for handicrafts, Ameera isn’t just creating toys; she’s weaving a bridge between generations. Her dolls, crafted from fabric and bursting with vibrant colours, are more than playthings - they’re miniature ambassadors of Emirati heritage.
“My project aims to revive traditional crafts and introduce them to the public,” Ameera told Aletihad. “These dolls, made by grandmothers for their granddaughters, represent the very essence of Emirati tradition.”
For ten years, Ameera has been passionately dedicated to her craft. She has sharpened her skills, transforming simple fabrics into dolls that capture Emirati culture. Her creations come in two sizes: the larger ones, traditionally made from wood but now crafted from fabric and cotton, and the smaller ones - perfect as keychains or car ornaments.
But Ameera’s dolls are more than just beautiful; they’re educational. Ditching the markers and paints, she lets the rich textures and colors of traditional Emirati fabrics speak for themselves. From the geometric patterns of Bu Teila to the vibrant stripes of Al Mgallam, each doll is a walking history lesson, decorated with textiles that were once commonplace in Emirati households.
Even the male dolls get the royal treatment. Dressed in Kandoura and Ghatra, or Al Mugassar, they embody the dignity and heritage of Emirati masculinity.
Ameera’s passion extends far beyond her workshop. She’s a regular at festivals and universities - and even some Ramadan popular TV shows, sharing her craft with enthusiastic students and audiences. During national celebrations and Ramadan’s Hag Al Laila (a joyous tradition where children receive treats on the 15th day of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar before the holy month of Ramadan), she conducts workshops, ensuring these skills are passed down to future generations.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions, Ameera Al Bloushi’s fabric dolls offer a welcome return to simpler times. They’re a reminder of the beauty and heritage that lie within Emirati traditions, waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation.