SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
At the heart of the UAE, traditional Emirati crafts preserve cultural identity by passing generations of knowledge and skills to young people.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the 12th Traditional Handicrafts Festival is taking place at Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain until November 11, 2026.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the festival brings together more than 900 artisans, designers and heritage practitioners.
It features interactive workshops, traditional crafts, cultural performances, 55 productive family businesses and 25 youth projects to preserve Emirati heritage and pass traditional skills to future generations.
Mohamed Ali Almadfai, Bait Al Gahwa Section Head, Culture Festivals & Platforms Department, highlighted the festival’s role in preserving Emirati craftsmanship and passing traditional skills to younger generations.
“This year, the festival brings together more than 900 artisans, designers and heritage practitioners, alongside 55 productive family markets and 25 youth projects, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and economic participation.”
He added that the festival encourages young people to explore traditional crafts through workshops and practical demonstrations, while supporting emerging talent and the creative economy.
“In addition, we have trained more than 35 students across different platforms, helping introduce younger audiences to traditional skills and cultural practices.”
These efforts, as he noted, preserve Emirati crafts, support local talent and boost the creative economy.
Almadfai said the festival helps young Emiratis explore traditional craftsmanship as a potential career through hands-on training and modern design opportunities.
“Through the Designers’ Space, young Emirati designers can explore how traditional patterns and techniques can be reinterpreted through modern design, including fashion and architecture.”
Regarding workshops, he added that “Al Sane’a Al Sagheer” workshops introduce children to Emirati coffee-making and hospitality. The“Traditional Fashion Pavilion” offers tailoring, sewing, talli and embroidery workshops.
“Ayyala” training workshops introduce young people to traditional performing arts.
By combining practical learning with contemporary creative opportunities, "these initiatives strengthen young Emiratis’ connection to their heritage while inspiring them to develop traditional skills into future creative and professional opportunities.”
Almadfai said the festival’s new zones and pavilions offer visitors more interactive ways to experience Emirati heritage through live demonstrations and direct engagement with artisans.
As an example, he highlighted Al Maqith Trail, which recreates historic trade routes connecting coastal and oasis communities. “Al Maqith Trail brings this journey to life, showcasing how caravans transported goods from coastal areas to the oases, with boats bringing goods to shore and camels helping carry them inland.”
He added that three dedicated pavilions showcase Emirati coffee-making, traditional fashion and musical instruments, with 29 crafts presented through workshops and demonstrations.
“In addition to traditional performances, falconry experiences, games and family-friendly activities, the festival creates an engaging journey where visitors can move beyond observing heritage to actively experience it.”
Almadfai said long-term efforts to preserve Emirati craftsmanship include the establishment of the Bait Al Gahwa Academy, training programmes and opportunities for artisans to share their expertise.
“Sustaining traditional crafts requires continued investment in the people, skills and knowledge that keep them alive.”
He added that initiatives like The Bait Al Gahwa Academy, training programmes and workshops help preserve traditional crafts beyond the festival.
He added that encouraging young people to learn traditional skills and reinterpret heritage through modern design would help sustain these crafts beyond the festival.
“It celebrates their contribution, creates opportunities for cultural and creative exchange and reinforces the importance of preserving the UAE’s living heritage for future generations.”