BEIJING, 30th November, 2024 (WAM) - In celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the People's Republic of China, the Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts Foundation participated in the Emirati-Chinese Friendship Festival held in Beijing, organized by the UAE Embassy. The Foundation’s involvement provided a unique opportunity to showcase authentic Emirati heritage through an exhibition of handcrafted creations.
Al Ghadeer’s participation underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering cultural communication with China. It offered visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of Emirati heritage through a diverse array of handicrafts that seamlessly blend traditional authenticity with contemporary spirit.
The exhibits featured various traditional Emirati handicrafts, including Sadu weaving, Talli embroidery, Khoos (palm frond weaving), and other heritage crafts passed down through generations. This display highlighted not only the richness of the UAE’s craft legacy but also its capacity for innovation and resilience.
The products from Al Ghadeer were met with enthusiastic acclaim from attendees in China, who commended the unique harmony achieved between originality and modernity within these designs. They noted that such cultural exchanges serve to strengthen friendships and foster mutual understanding between both peoples.
Founded in 2006 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Assistant to the Chairman of ERC for Women’s Affairs, the Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts project is a non-profit initiative dedicated to empowering women while promoting economic sustainability within local communities through preserving and developing traditional Emirati crafts.
This project is recognised as one of the most comprehensive initiatives for women's empowerment in the UAE. It has successfully trained over 340 craftswomen, contributing significantly to preserving cultural heritage while enhancing economic independence among its participants.