Irthi Council Marks 10 Years of Craft and Cultural Impact

The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council has completed ten successful years of empowering Emirati women and preserving traditional crafts. Its journey has helped Sharjah gain recognition as a “City of Crafts and Folk Arts” in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The council continues to promote Emirati craftsmanship while creating global connections through culture and design.

Founded under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Irthi began as a local effort to revive traditional Emirati crafts. Over the past decade, it has grown into a leading international platform that promotes crafts as tools for cultural, social, and economic development.

To strengthen the skills of Emirati craftswomen, Irthi launched a training programme in Palestinian and Jordanian embroidery with designer Majda Abu Zaghlan. This initiative introduced Emirati women to new stitching techniques, enriching their creative and technical abilities.

Irthi also launched a “Craft Exchange” programme that allowed Pakistani craftswomen trained under designer Rizwan Beyg to teach embroidery in the UAE. In return, Emirati craftswomen shared traditional crafts such as “Saffifa” and “Talli.” These exchanges encouraged cultural understanding and artistic growth.

To expand internationally, Irthi partnered with design platforms such as Dezeen and Design Miami. At Design Miami Shanghai in 2021, Irthi presented the “Zenobia” and “Al Thaya” collections that highlighted Gulf craftsmanship. It also released three new collections — Adham, Almoi, and Zenobia — created in collaboration with international designers.

Irthi showcased Emirati artistry at major design events including the 2019 London Design Fair and Milan Design Week 2022 and 2023. The council also participated in the 2024 Valencia Design Festival and represented the UAE at Moscow Interior Design Week 2025, highlighting Emirati heritage, sustainability, and women’s empowerment.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Irthi stands as a symbol of innovation rooted in tradition. Its continuous work ensures that Emirati crafts remain alive and relevant. Through exhibitions, training, and partnerships, Irthi continues to empower women, preserve heritage, and connect the UAE’s culture with the world.