Ajman Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Media strengthens the presence of Emirati handicrafts | News
The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, is participating in the second edition of the Artisans Pavilion at the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” Forum; a participation that reflects the ministry’s commitment to promote Emirati handicrafts and ensure their sustainability, in line with the Ajman Vision 2030 “Ajman for People”, which places people and cultural identity at the center of the emirate’s development priorities.
This participation underlines the department’s crucial role in highlighting cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national identity, by showcasing “jewelry crafts” and their traditional practices, including kohl (Ithmid) production, burqa mask making and henna artistry, all of which reflect the depth of Emirati heritage and its enduring presence across generations.
The Ministry of Culture platform will organize a rich cultural program with two panel discussions exploring the social and economic dimensions of craftsmanship. The first session, titled ‘The Story of a Craft… How the Family Shapes the Nation’s Identity’, focuses on the role of the Emirati family in transmitting craft knowledge and strengthening its values. The second session, ‘Emirati Crafts: From a Family Experience to Sustainable Economic Value’, explores avenues for developing traditional crafts and transforming them into productive enterprises within the creative economy ecosystem.
In a statement, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media, affirmed that this participation is an extension of a comprehensive strategic vision aimed at establishing culture as an impactful pillar of development. He noted that Emirati crafts have developed beyond their status as traditional heritage and become an active force in building a sustainable creative economy.
His Excellency stated: “Our participation in the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum stems from our commitment to supporting the objectives of Ajman Vision 2030 ‘Ajman for People’, which places the preservation of national identity and human empowerment at the heart of the emirate’s development journey. We believe that Emirati handicrafts represent a cultural capital that can generate distinctive economic opportunities, increase the competitiveness of local products and bridge the past with the present within a integrated development framework.”
He added: “We are working to empower artisans and craftswomen by providing professional exhibition platforms, developing their skills and opening new horizons for them to access markets that guarantee the sustainability of these crafts and transform them into innovative enterprises that actively contribute to supporting the national economy and strengthening the country’s position as a hub for creative industries.”
His Excellency further affirmed that the Ministry continues to build effective partnerships with federal and local entities, strengthening the presence of Emirati crafts on national and international platforms and ensuring that this legacy is passed on to future generations through a contemporary approach that preserves its authenticity while keeping pace with the demands of modern times.
This participation reflects the department’s vision to make culture a living part of everyday life and a source of inspiration for new generations contributing to sustainable development, rooted in people and identity.
