In a corner of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, the arts and handicrafts sector pulses with an ageless spirit, whispering tales from the desert sands where ancestors lived and traditions manifested in daily life details. Here, not only paintings, artifacts, and commercial products are displayed, but also a memory woven from simplicity into beauty and authenticity into glory.

Technology was not alien to this sector; rather, it came as a soft light highlighting beauty, enhancing handicrafts without erasing their features. From the blend of contemporary technologies with traditional crafts, paintings preserving yesterday’s heritage were produced and presented to future generations as priceless gifts.

During a visit to the “Immersive Arts Experience” studio, an example of the sector, Sheikha Hamad Magawer Al Ali, General Manager of “Magawer Art Studio,” said: “The Immersive Arts Experience is not just an art project but a rich journey to explore Emirati identity through creativity. It was launched in cooperation with the Presidential Court, where Magawer Art Studio released a collection of hand-painted artworks with love and dedication, then added a touch of artificial intelligence to simulate movement and give them a vibrant spirit that speaks of heritage.”

Al Ali explained that artificial intelligence does not replace art but complements its beauty, as the paintings are programmed after being drawn to move in a style that mimics heritage scenes such as Al Razfa, hunting, and equestrianism, breaking out of their static frames to reach the audience with a powerful visual message.

She added that this message represents that Emirati heritage is not just a preserved past but a living present narrated through the latest means. These paintings show how traditions can meet technology in an elegant artistic harmony that amazes the world with our beautiful roots.

Exclusive Collection

The Erthi Council for Contemporary Crafts participates in the exhibition events, offering a comprehensive experience coinciding with the council’s celebration of its 10th anniversary, reflecting its mission to empower craftsmen and craftswomen and highlight traditional Emirati crafts with a contemporary spirit.

The “Erthi” pavilion witnessed the launch of an exclusive collection in collaboration with the international Lebanese designer Nada Debs, embodying an artistic blend between authentic Emirati craftsmanship and contemporary design arts. The collection drew inspiration from the “Talli” craft, where traditional lines and decorations appeared in an elegant geometric style on contemporary wooden pieces.

The “Erthi” pavilion also includes a variety of handcrafted products signed by its craftsmen and craftswomen members, reflecting the diversity of programs and initiatives launched by the council over its ten years. It presents a model of the ability of Emirati crafts to evolve and innovate while preserving their authenticity as part of the cultural identity.

Inspiration Sources for Craftsmen

Reem Bin Karam, General Manager of the Erthi Council for Contemporary Crafts, said: “Our first participation in the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition embodies the vision of Her Highness Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairwoman of the Erthi Council, who believes that Emirati crafts can be a bridge linking the past and present innovations. The heritage of hunting and equestrianism, with its symbols and deep meanings in Emirati identity, opens wide spaces for craftsmen and craftswomen to draw creative ideas capable of inventing artistic pieces and contemporary designs reflecting the aesthetics of this rich heritage of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf region.”

She added: “Since Erthi’s launch ten years ago, we have sought to be a platform enabling creatives to develop their skills and preserve their traditional knowledge, while providing opportunities to reach new markets through partnerships and innovative projects.”

Talli and Safifa

The Erthi Council offers live workshops inspired by the “Talli” and “Safifa” crafts in its pavilion, allowing visitors to experience traditional Emirati weaving methods. The pavilion also includes a collection of items such as notebooks and medals designed in the shape of camels, alongside displaying its current collections representing the council’s vision to highlight Emirati crafts with a contemporary spirit and affirm the role of craftsmen and craftswomen in preserving and innovatively presenting this heritage.

Sheikha Al Ali:
Artificial intelligence does not replace art but complements its beauty, as the paintings are programmed after drawing to move in a style that mimics heritage scenes such as Al Razfa, hunting, and equestrianism.