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❝Our traditional crafts are the legacy bequeathed to us by our ancestors. It is our duty to protect and preserve them for the generations to come.❞
Irthi’s world is a space that celebrates traditional crafts as living stories that carry the memory of place and people. Every embroidered or woven piece is more than an object, it is a testament to skills passed down through generations, shaped by the environment, and rooted in Emirati culture. These crafts are not relics of the past, but enduring narratives that continue to inspire and find new life in the present.
These are not simply objects from the past. They are stories waiting to be told. They are the heritage passed down to us by our parents and grandparents, who lived on this land and shaped it through the ages.
Every great achievement begins with an idea, and Irthi is a shining example. Born from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and championed by his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Irthi proudly celebrates the creativity of Emirati women. Today, the Council brings this creativity to the global cultural stage, equipping women with the skills to excel, lead, and carry forward this remarkable legacy.
The spark of creativity began with a beautifully crafted “Talli” embroidered handbag that captured the attention of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. This moment ignited a journey to uncover hidden artisanal talents working quietly behind the scenes. From this inspiring encounter, the Irthi Skills Development Centre for Social Development was founded in 2016, becoming a nurturing home for Talli and Safafah artisans. The Centre empowers craftswomen to refine their skills, elevate their craftsmanship, and expand their horizons globally through partnerships with leading international academies.
The Council’s impact reaches far beyond the United Arab Emirates, spanning the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. Through vocational and technical training, community development initiatives, and skills exchange programmes, it is shaping a new generation aware of its responsibilities and ready to move forward with confidence and determination.
Through these initiatives, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council champions the vital need to spread awareness of cultural identity throughout society. It celebrates the unique character of handcrafted products, positioning itself as a pioneering institution dedicated to shaping the future of traditional crafts and preserving the enduring legacy of the United Arab Emirates for generations to come.
is no longer a mere slogan; it stands as a guiding principle shaping our mission. Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to safeguard this treasured heritage. Traditional crafts are not simply skills for producing tools; they embody the memory of a nation, the roots of our identity, and a bridge linking our present to our past. Preserving them is not an option but a cultural and national duty an ethical commitment to future generations, ensuring they inherit a living legacy rich in authenticity and
Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council leads a comprehensive vision to preserve and develop Emirati heritage through initiatives that combine authenticity with innovation. The Council works to sustain traditional crafts and enhance artisans’ skills, while also conducting specialised research and documentation, both academically and visually, using modern tools and techniques to safeguard knowledge, ensure its transmission to future generations within its cultural and social context, and preserve the identity of Emirati crafts while giving them a contemporary presence.
The Council places great emphasis on knowledge transfer as a bridge connecting generations and cultures, by sharing expertise and providing educational and training environments that enable young craftswomen to learn, develop, and innovate while preserving the authenticity of traditional crafts. It also prioritises empowering craftswomen economically and socially through advanced training programmes that build their capabilities, boost their confidence, and equip them with competitive skills that enable them to actively participate in the creative economy.
In parallel, the Council works to develop craft based projects that provide sustainable income opportunities for craftswomen, support their independence, and strengthen their developmental role within society. By connecting crafts to local and global markets and building strategic partnerships, the Council contributes to ensuring the continuity of Emirati crafts and enhancing their competitive presence on the global stage, while preserving their authenticity and cultural roots.
