The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council has completed a decade since its inception in 2015, marking ten years of promoting traditional Emirati crafts and enabling economic participation for women artisans. Established under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Council has evolved into a regional leader in sustainable creative industries.
As part of its tenth anniversary, Irthi has rolled out a calendar of international showcases, strategic partnerships, and heritage-led product launches aimed at reinforcing the UAE’s position on the global crafts map.
Global Footprint Grows to 13 Countries
Over the last ten years, Irthi has scaled its operations to 13 countries, engaging 840 artisans across South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Through collaborations with luxury brands including Bulgari, Cartier, Asprey, and Design Miami, the Council has taken Emirati craftsmanship to design capitals such as Paris, Milan, London, Shanghai, and São Paulo.
The Council has played a key role in Sharjah’s 2019 designation as a UNESCO Creative City in Crafts and Folk Arts, helping elevate crafts like Talli and Safeefa into internationally recognised design narratives.
Craft Sector Positioned as Socioeconomic Pillar
Commenting on the milestone, Reem BinKaram, Director-General of Irthi, said the organisation has helped redefine the craft sector as a viable economic platform, particularly for women.
“Supporting traditional crafts is key to the UAE’s cultural project. Sharjah has turned the sector into an economic and social pillar reflecting community identity,” BinKaram said. “Irthi’s journey has championed a global renewal of heritage while strengthening the local creative economy.”
In 2024, Irthi conducted more than 60 workshops, drawing nearly 1,400 participants, and produced publications such as Palm Fibre, Crafting Natural Dyes, Perfume, and Architecture of Culture. The aim has been to preserve intangible heritage through research and design innovation.
Anniversary Plan Includes London, Basel, Moscow Events
To commemorate the decade, Irthi is hosting over seven events across Sharjah, London, Basel, and Moscow. The programme includes curated exhibitions, design workshops, and panel discussions focused on craft futures and sustainability.
Five new international partnerships are also on the anvil, and the Council is set to unveil a series of collections blending heritage techniques with contemporary aesthetics.
Crafts Meet Sustainability and Innovation
Irthi’s new phase focuses on digitisation, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and positioning crafts within the broader sustainability agenda. With the global design industry increasingly embracing ethical production and women-led economies, the Council is tapping into emerging demand for culturally grounded, socially responsible luxury.
“With every new initiative, Irthi reaffirms its commitment to revitalising traditional crafts within contemporary life,” said BinKaram. “This is about ensuring that Emirati heritage remains a living, evolving narrative — one that empowers artisans and inspires future generations.”
–Input WAM
