The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is organising the Herfati Programme (My Craft Programme) in Al Ain. Visitors will be introduced to traditional handicrafts to acquaint them with Emirati heritage, identity and culture. The programme also reinforces the preservation and continuity of these traditional crafts.

The proposed list of handicrafts and activities in the programme includes: pottery, Al-Sadu, Talli, rope making and the burqa worn by women. There is also a photography studio where visitors can have their pictures taken in traditional Emirati dress.

Pottery
Pottery is one of the oldest traditional industries in the UAE and links Emiratis to their past.

The raw material clay is brought from the mountains or valleys and is softened, sifted and cleaned to remove any debris.

It is then mixed with clean water and left to settle and coalesce before being used to make jars, pots and other products.

Programme Dates:
January 20-29 , 2019
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Al-Sadu
Emirati women have worked in Al-Sadu weaving since ancient times.

The Bedouin population used Al-Sadu for basic needs such as fabrication of bayt al-she’r (‘house of hair’ traditional tents) and the soft furnishings of carpets, cushions and blankets.
Al-Sadu knitting or weaving uses the raw materials of camel’s or goat’s hair, and sheep’s wool.
Al-Sadu was added to UNESCO’s Representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011.

Programme Dates:
February 10-19, 2019
10:00 am to 12:00pm

Rope making
Rope making is an ancient traditional craft practised by our fathers and forefathers.
The rope-maker begins by drying palm fibres and sorting them into lengths. Then, holding one end with their foot, they twirl the fibres between the palms of their hands until they become tightly knit to form a rope.
In UAE heritage, different types of ropes were braided depending on their usage, such as connecting sails to ships, climbing palm trees, building houses from palms and their branches, pulling and lifting objects, or for farming.

Programme Dates: 
March 10-19, 2019
10:00 am to 12:00pm

Talli
Talli is a type of decorative embroidery using coloured thread and beads. It is usually stitched onto the chest and sleeves of traditional Emirati dresses.

Programme Dates:
April 7-16 , 2019
10:00 am to 12:00pmFor more information, call 037118388 or 078118287
Email: mahra.alshamisi@tcaabudhabi.ae