Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Emirati arts and crafts are in the spotlight at this year’s ADIHEX, with artists showcasing traditional boats, visual art, and handmade puppets, offering visitors a closer look at the UAE’s rich cultural identity.
Participating in the event for a second consecutive year gives Ahmad Obaid Wooden Ships Manufacturing LLC the chance to showcase traditional Emirati wooden boats. According to Ahmad Obaid Al Falasi, traditional models and intricate wooden boats are on display in the family's heritage-focused studio.
"This year, we are presenting the many phases of the construction of the Al Boom boat. We are doing the same with the Jalboot and the Sanbook."
The show also provides a platform for artists to use modern artwork to delve into the history of the UAE. It covers the era from His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, that Mouza Al Kaabi is presenting.
The relationship between the nation's founding fathers and current leadership under His Highness President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is reflected in her artwork which combines "two portraits into a unified artistic concept".
Another artist, Hanadi Bado, uses a novel puppet theatre concept to bring Emirati heritage to life. This year, she made her debut at ADIHEX with a puppet that represents Emirati women dressed traditionally and a puppet that was inspired by Emirati singer Mehad Hamad.
Sustainability is also incorporated into her work; for example, the theatre was made from repurposed furniture from her father's room. She claimed that the idea enabled her to integrate innovation, legacy, and reuse into a single artistic endeavour.
To introduce younger audiences to Emirati culture through entertaining and interactive art, she has also developed a manually operated puppet that performs traditional Emirati dances.
