The United Arab Emirates is a nation that seamlessly blends a futuristic skyline with a deep-rooted cultural heritage. While the world often looks to the UAE for its architectural marvels and technological innovations, a closer look reveals an artistic soul in it.

From the intricate geometric patterns of Al Sadu weaving, a UNESCO-recognised craft that tells stories in wool, to the delicate silver threads of Talli embroidery adorning garments, each craft is a window into the nation's history. The traditional crafts prove the ingenuity and aesthetic sense of the Emirati nation, strongly connected to their Bedouin past and desert lifestyle.

As the UAE continues to evolve, there is a growing appreciation for these heritage arts, with a concerted effort to preserve and promote them for future generations.

If you are an art enthusiast, you might be wondering where to learn traditional crafts in the UAE.

Fortunately, across the Emirates, numerous cultural institutions, community centres, and workshops actively work to keep these traditions alive.

With The Sandy Times, let's explore some of the best places to learn and experience traditional crafts in the UAE.

Cradled in the heart of Jumeirah, The Workshop Dubai is far more than just a creative arena. Founded by architect and art collector Ghada Kunash, this unique establishment brings a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists, artisans and designers.

The Workshop Dubai is an ideal destination to immerse in the world of traditional and contemporary crafts. Its commitment to support the development of young artists and designers from the region is evident in its multiple educational initiatives and art workshops. Visitors can engage in a variety of practical experiences, from a stimulating perfume workshop to exploring other creative endeavours.

Beyond its workshops, The Workshop Dubai gives you a multi-faceted experience. The Fann À Porter gallery showcases a curated selection of regional and international contemporary art, while The Workshop Warehouse presents a treasure trove of antique furniture and collectables.

If you prefer sustainable and community-driven products, the BSAT Initiative gift shop features remarkable items from over 80 artisans, many of whom are part of projects that support women's empowerment and commercial self-dependency. To relax, you can visit the serene, pet-friendly Café At The Back, enjoy food and coffee amidst a charming garden setting.

Divine Arts Handicrafts, located in Oud Metha, Dubai, yields an exceptional approach to traditional crafting by championing the art of upcycling. In this studio, you can convert everyday objects into unique pieces of art, a practice that aligns with both artistic expression and environmental consciousness.

Divine Arts specialises in decoupage, a versatile technique that involves applying paper cutouts to various surfaces like wood, glass, and canvas to create elegant decor.

The studio presents a variety of workshops tailored for different audiences. Beginners can take a personalised one-on-one session to learn the fundamentals of decoupage and create their masterpiece to take home. The convenience of online classes is also available.

For your fun group activity, Divine Arts hosts workshops for special occasions like birthday parties and team-building events, offering a refreshing and creative way to connect with friends or colleagues.

Divine Arts Handicrafts also gives live drawing classes for children aged 5 to 13, covering everything from pencil basics to acrylic and watercolour painting. The step-by-step teaching ensures that young artists develop their skills from the ground up.

In addition to classes, Divine Arts delivers bespoke services, including personalised and corporate gifting solutions and furniture transformation.

Located in the historic setting of Al Ain, near the Al Qattara Oasis, the Al Qattara Arts Centre is a beacon of culture and creativity. Since 2011, the institute has fostered a thriving community where individuals actively study, practice, and develop their artistic skills. Blending a modern arts facility with the traditional architecture of the former Bin Ati Al Darmaki House, the centre offers a truly inspiring environment.

Al Qattara Arts Centre is a paradise for anyone interested in traditional Emirati crafts and fine arts. It is home to specialised studios dedicated to various disciplines. In the Calligraphy Studio, you can delve into the impressive art of Arabic script, a cornerstone of Islamic and Emirati heritage. The Pottery Studio provides hands-on experience with clay, allowing you to learn this ancient craft from skilled instructors. The centre also features a Dry Studio for music and handicrafts and a Wet Studio for drawing and painting, catering to a wide range of artistic interests.

Further, the centre does good for culture, with a gallery that showcases the work of talented Emirati artists. The Qattara Archaeological Basement also displays significant local findings, adding a layer of historical context to the artistic experience. With classes available for all ages, including children from six years and up, Al Qattara Arts Centre is an excellent destination for you and your family to get inspired and learn traditional crafts in the UAE.

Run by the Abu Dhabi Women's Association, this institute is where female artisans not only keep traditional Emirati crafts alive but also build financial independence.

The Women's Handicraft Centre is a living extension of the mission of the General Women's Union, established in 1975 under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, to advance women's roles and contributions across the UAE.

A visit to the centre feels like a journey through time and tradition. Set within a series of charming, round huts, the workshops give an intimate look at the dedication and skill of the artisans. Inside, you can watch women quietly at work, mastering techniques that have been passed down for generations.

The air hums with creativity as they practice Al Sadu weaving, a UNESCO-listed craft, and Talli work, an intricate embroidery using silver and gold threads. You will also find them creating distinctive Arabian oils, handmade souvenirs and traditional local clothing.

The centre confers interactive experiences, including the option to get a simple henna design painted on your hand. There is also a shop where you can purchase handcrafted items, knowing that your support directly contributes to the livelihoods of these talented women.

Located within the historic grounds of Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, this institution actively preserves and showcases the creative relationship between the people of the UAE and their natural environment. The House of Artisans highlights how artisans have ingeniously used local resources from the desert, oases and coast to meet both functional needs and artistic expressions.

The House of Artisans is a dynamic space where you can witness skilled artisans at work, providing an educational experience. Here, you can observe and learn about some of the most iconic Emirati crafts:

Al Sadu: Watch as Bedouin women weave intricate geometric patterns using wool from sheep, camels, and goats. This craft is an art form rich with social and environmental meaning.

Khoos: Discover the versatility of the date palm as artisans weave its fronds into a variety of beautiful and functional items like mats and baskets.

Talli: Marvel at the patience and precision required for this traditional embroidery, where women interlace silk or cotton threads with gold and silver to embellish traditional robes.

Sea Crafts: Explore the heritage of the UAE’s coastal communities, from traditional boat building to the creation of fishing nets and traps.

In addition to the live demonstrations, the House of Artisans offers a variety of workshops and activities, such as creating a Sadu-inspired bookmark, allowing you to get a direct approach to these time-honoured techniques. With its blend of traditional artistry and modern technology, the House of Artisans is a true treasure trove for anyone looking to learn traditional crafts in the UAE.