Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Culture has unveiled the UAE Traditional Crafts Award - Make it in the Emirates, in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. This initiative aims to enhance Emirati crafts and solidify their role as a vital component of the national identity and the cultural and creative sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the award is part of a broader effort to protect intangible heritage and adapt it to contemporary contexts, with the goal of transforming traditional crafts into a sustainable and competitive economic sector both locally and globally.
Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, highlighted the award as a practical step towards evolving Emirati crafts from a cultural legacy into a sustainable sector that boosts the UAE's cultural economy. He emphasized the crafts' reflection of national identity and societal values and the aim to assist artisans in product development and market expansion.
Al Nakhi further noted that the award seeks to create new partnership opportunities with the private sector and promote innovative models that incorporate Emirati crafts into modern industries, while maintaining authenticity and enhancing competitiveness.
The award's objective is to foster a sustainable crafts ecosystem by empowering Emirati artisans both economically and professionally, encouraging private sector investment, and supporting innovative business models that incorporate traditional crafts into high-quality products with added cultural value.
It also aims to ensure the transfer of traditional knowledge to future generations, supporting the continuity and evolution of Emirati crafts in accordance with contemporary demands.
The award is divided into two categories. The first recognizes individuals and artisans who excel in practicing and preserving Emirati crafts and contribute to their development and transmission. The second targets private sector entities, including companies, factories, and studios, that have effectively integrated Emirati crafts into their products while achieving economic impact.
Submissions will be assessed based on criteria such as authenticity, innovation, product quality, craftsmanship, sustainability, economic impact, and contribution to knowledge transfer. Entries will be reviewed by a specialized committee of heritage and creative industry experts.
Applications are open until April 1, 2026, with winners to be announced in May.
The Ministry of Culture has invited Emirati artisans, entrepreneurs, companies, and relevant entities to participate in the initiative to enhance the visibility of Emirati crafts and support the development of a sustainable cultural economy.
The previous edition of the Make it in the Emirates initiative last year featured the first heritage pavilion dedicated to Emirati artisans. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, it spanned 1,000 square meters and showcased over 200 artisans alongside entrepreneurs and industry experts, with live demonstrations of more than 40 traditional crafts across 10 zones, complemented by performances and workshops in collaboration with local partners.
