In Pictures: How Sharjah preserves Emirati heritage

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi with artisans from Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales met with women artisans from Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council and attended a demonstration of the traditional Emirati ‘Talli’.

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher lauded the efforts of Sharjah entities who have put in tremendous efforts to raise the emirate’s cultural and socioeconomic profile, saying the fruition of these efforts can be seen in several global recognitions over the past years. This year the emirate also celebrates its World Book Capital 2019 recognition by UNESCO. “I take this opportunity to thank Irthi’s artisans and staff who work dedicatedly to achieve the council’s vision, hoping that naming Sharjah among UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network will be an incentive for more constructive work,” Sheikha Jawaher concluded.

Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council artisans showcase the specialised craft Talli.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, said that UNESCO's selection of Sharjah as a ‘crafts and folk art’ city for the Creative Cities Network is a global endorsement of the emirate’s decades-long emphasis on bringing generations closer to their heritage and national identity, and carefully nurturing its human capital with skills that will enable them to take Sharjah’s and the UAE’s past well into the future.

Irthi launched its first product line at London Design Fair 2019, handmade by Emirati women artisans in collaboration with local and international Designers.

The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council was launched in 2016 - and since then it has come a long way.

Safeefah chair, one of Irthi’s newly launched products.

Misbah (prayer bead) with Lapis Lazuli, Amazonite and Marble, one of Irthi’s newly launched products.