The 12^th Traditional Crafts Forum, organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) commenced on Tuesday at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.

Under the theme “Sharjah’s Handicrafts,” the two-day forum highlights the work of local craftsmen and artisans, who have created products deeply rooted in the emirate’s cultural fabric and are also known globally.

The first day of the ceremony kicked off with a dance by the National Folks Art group, followed by a tour by HE Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Supreme Committee organizing the forum.

“The annual forum provides a platform for craft communities to highlight the various traditional crafts and everyone involved in creating them to the 21^st century. Through this forum we seek to celebrate the diverse Arab heritage and introduce everyone to our rich customs and traditions that continue to grow,” Al Musallam said.

Several events and heritage activities took place at the forum which witnessed participation of a group of researchers from the UAE and other Gulf countries. The event also included a live display of handmade crafts such as baskets, shoes, straw mats made from palm trees.

Visitors were provided an insight into carpentry and traditional carpenters worked alongside blacksmiths, to create some beautiful works of art. Emirati craftswomen were providing live demonstrations of some popular textile handicrafts, which were handed down to them by their ancestors. From intricate ‘talli,’ embroidery to the ‘sadu’ weaving, using cloth and yarn, the event was a colourful display of these beautiful creations.

An innovation corner, presented several elements used in everyday life before the advent of technology. Some of them included creating an AC using a pot, an earthen pot used for water cooling, a temperature regulated food basket cover to keep food fresh, among several others.

Special workshops for children including one on storytelling was held to effectively communicate about the emirate’s heritage to them.

Sharjah Institute for Heritage organizes this forum as part of its endeavor to preserve the heritage for future generations. The institute also aims to increase community awareness regarding the importance of traditional crafts and hopes to shed light on the role these crafts can play in preserving cultural heritage.