Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council celebrates a decade of empowering Emirati craftswomen and elevating traditional crafts globally.
SHARJAH: The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council is marking its tenth anniversary as a global ambassador for Emirati craftsmanship and Sharjah’s designation as a “City of Crafts and Folk Arts” within UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Since its founding, Irthi has played a vital role in preserving traditional crafts, empowering craftswomen, and promoting Sharjah’s identity through creative innovation and global partnerships.
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Council has evolved from a local initiative into a recognised international platform. Through its work, Irthi positions crafts not only as cultural assets but also as drivers of social, economic, and sustainable development. Over the past decade, it has facilitated cross-cultural exchanges, elevated heritage skills, and integrated traditional crafts into contemporary design.
Key initiatives include embroidery training in collaboration with fashion designer Majda Abu Zaghlan, and the Craft Exchange programme with Pakistani and Kuwaiti artisans, where traditional Emirati techniques like Saffifa, Talli, and Sadu were taught in exchange for South Asian embroidery styles. These exchanges have enriched both cultural knowledge and skillsets, building community bonds across borders.
On the global stage, Irthi has collaborated with top design platforms including Dezeen and Design Miami. It has showcased collections like Zenobia, Al Thaya, Adham, Almoi, and Al Nad at prestigious events in Milan, London, Shanghai, and Moscow, merging Emirati crafts with global contemporary design.
At major exhibitions like the London Design Fair, Milan Design Week, Valencia Design Festival, and Moscow Interior Design Week, Irthi has not only promoted Emirati heritage but also advanced sustainable design principles and women’s empowerment. The Council’s participation in global discussions and exhibitions underscores its commitment to preserving intangible heritage while innovating for the future.
Irthi’s work is more than preservation—it is a revival. Its tenth anniversary arrives as a recognition of a decade of creative evolution, bridging heritage with modernity, and giving voice to Emirati craftswomen in a globally connected, design-driven economy.
