Expo 2020: How to get your unique UAE craft souvenir

Dubai: Have you ever come across the traditional Emirati craft of 'Safifa' or palm-leaf weaving? It has notable similarities with other weaving crafts around the world such as bamboo weaving in Southwest China.

This is what Expo 2020’s Design and Crafts Programme aims to do – bring together Emirati and international crafts onto a collaborative platform to advance mutual artistries and knowledge.

The programme is part of the fair’s wider canopy of initiatives under the Arts and Culture Programme to empower and highlight the thriving arts scene in the nation.

Two local and global designer collections

The Design and Crafts Programme, headed by programme director Samer Yamani, will present two collections for the visitor:

Designed in the Emirates – a collection of designs from UAE-based brands and emerging local talents that will highlight Emirati design excellence.

Designed for the Emirates – a range exclusively designed for the programme by international designers from all over the world.

UAE Designer Fund

Proceeds from the sale of the exclusive design collections exhibited on site will pour into the support fund for future designers of the Emirates.

Beneficiaries of the Designer Fund include local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as the local design scene in general.

Where can I buy these souvenirs?

With the synergy of global and local creatives, the programme offers handmade, high-tech, traditional and contemporary crafts for sale.

Visitors can purchase their own memorabilia at the two Expo parks: Al Forsan Park and Jubilee Park.

On the one hand, Al Forsan Park will showcase UAE craft stories through local crafts and work by local designers and organisations.

Jubilee Park, on the other hand, will present the works of both local designers and well-known international designers in a first-of-its-kind design gallery.  

- The writer is an intern with Gulf News.