Emirati handicrafts spice up festival

Aseelah, Morocco: Emirati traditional handicrafts are taking centre stage at the ongoing 2010 Aseelah Festival in Morocco with visitors from around the world learning more about UAE's heritage.

In a traditional tent launched by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) at Sidi Bo Khobza Gardin in Aseelah, six native Emirati women took their place demonstrating how different types of handicrafts are created.

The women, in traditional attire, drew the attention of visitors who got a chance to experience more about ADACH's endeavours to support the UAE's intangible heritage and traditions with a colourful selection of Emirati handicrafts. Safya Al Qubaisi, handicraft development supervisor at ADACH, said festivals such as Aseelah can help preserve the UAE's culture. "The UAE is doing a lot to preserve its heritage, to develop it and make it available to new generations. We are getting a great deal of official support to do this and to ensure these traditions stay alive," she said.

Archaeological evidence demonstrates that the population of the UAE mastered a number of craft skills as early as 7,000 years ago. The discovery of tools, decorated pottery, jewellery and alabaster objects at archaeological sites such as Umm Al Nar and Hili, in Al Ain, confirm the region's level of artistry in antiquities.

Most of the UAE's handicraft products share great resemblance to those of other neighbouring Gulf countries. There are eight main crafts indigenous to the UAE. They include pottery, khoos (the weaving of palm fronds), sadoo (cotton or wool weaving), spinning, telli (or embroidery), jewellery, leather work and wood work.

Landmark mural: Work of UAE artist

Artist Abdul Rahman Al Maini has painted one of the most visible murals in Aseelah as part of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage's (ADACH) participation in the ongoing Aseelah Festival 2010 in Morocco.

Al Maini said his work was inspired by the unique village on the ocean. "Aseelah's mural is a symbol for the city famous for its beautiful long beaches. So I brought my colours from the UAE to paint Aseelah's waves," he said.

The mural takes pride of place on the wall just off the main Madinah Square and is just one of a range of commemorative events being held throughout the festival including workshops, art exhibitions, lectures and seminars.