Emirati crafts cultural landscape continues to grow as Irthi strengthens its role in supporting women artisans. Over the past ten years, the Council has shown how skilled craftswomen can drive cultural, social, and economic development. This effort places Emirati crafts cultural landscape at the centre of innovation, empowerment, and identity-based production.
Irthi is celebrating its tenth anniversary with major activities in Sharjah, London, Basel, and Moscow. The Council has formed five new global partnerships and launched new product lines that blend heritage with modern design. It has also organised workshops and discussions led by experts in craft and design culture.
Irthi believes that cultural and creative industries are essential for economic resilience. Traditional crafts combine local skills and community knowledge. This creates cultural and economic value. Through programmes like Palm Fibres, Recipes for the Future, and Culture Engineering, Irthi documents heritage and develops new ideas. More than 60 workshops in 2024 trained around 1,400 people, helping bring crafts into the knowledge and innovation economy.
Her Excellency Reem BinKaram said that Emirati craftwork has the power to support social and economic growth. She explained that Irthi’s mission is to empower women artisans, develop skills, and build strong international partnerships.
Irthi has worked with prestigious names such as Bulgari, Cartier, Design Miami, and Asprey. These partnerships have highlighted Emirati craftsmanship in global events in Paris, London, Dubai, Moscow, Shanghai, Milan, and São Paulo.
Through these efforts, Irthi is shaping a craft-led economy built on talent and creativity. It prepares women artisans to turn heritage into innovation and contribute to a future-ready UAE.
