Dubai Culture’s ‘Live Our Heritage Festival’ Teaches Visitors About the Thread Weaving ‘Al Talli’ Handicraft

‘Thread Weaving’ or ‘Al Talli’ handicraft is considered a women’s craft and is widespread in the UAE.

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, welcomes visitors to the eighth edition of its ‘Live our Heritage Festival’, which is now in its third week. This week focuses on the art of thread weaving (Al Talli) handicraft, with workshops taking place at the Global Village to educate the public on the craft.

‘Thread Weaving’ or ‘Al Talli’ handicraft is considered a women’s craft and is widespread in the UAE, involving weaving red, white or silver-coloured threads, often using a ‘kajuja’ embroidery tool. During the workshop, craftswomen will show how the threads are woven over a traditional cushion that is held in place by a metal base with two horns and two rings. Workshop attendees will also learn about the concept of the craft, its history, the technical components and the detailed weaving steps, as well as the raw materials and weaving tools used.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, visitors can also enjoy traditional folk dances such as the Al Harbiya, Liwa and Yola, while the Utbah Ibn Ghazwan Centre, one of Dubai’s Heritage Development Centres, is holding activities that are inspired by Emirati heritage. These include an Utbah Centre project focusing on the importance of defending the homeland, the sport of training and taming falcons, and ‘Al Bashtakhta’ — drawings from nature on a phonograph machine. Additionally, there will be workshops on transforming wooden panels into traditional chairs and how to turn old phones into attractive home decorations.  

The ‘Live Our Heritage Festival’ is held in cooperation with the Global Village, the Dubai Association of Folk Art, and Dubai Culture’s Dubai Heritage Development Centres. The festival began on 1^st March and will run until 7^th April 2018 at the Global Village, focusing on educating the public about traditional UAE handicrafts and heritage.

Dubai Culture aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural scene and draw attention to the Emirate’s rich heritage with a variety of initiatives that take place throughout the year. The Authority’s mandate is to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures through enriching initiatives that benefit the Emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors.