Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts hosts a workshop in which Emirati craftswomen teach the beautiful and ancient art of Sadu weaving taught to them by their ancestors.

Sadu is a form of geometric embroidery using handwoven wool which is traditionally used to make Bedouin tents, carpets, pillows and cushions. Popular Sadu patterns include Al-Dal’a (camel’s rib), Al-‘Ain (the eye), Al-‘Uwerjan and Al-Shajara (the tree), considered to be the most difficult pattern to master.

The rapid growth of the UAE and dramatic changes in lifestyle have resulted in a decline in the practice of Sadu, and in 2011 it was added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Today, Sadu is made using wool or natural cotton to create contemporary products such as tote bags and bookmarks. Al Ghadeer strives to preserve the craft by supporting and empowering the women who practice it, whilst also encouraging others to learn it.

Recommended for ages 16+

Fees: 120 AED

Limited spaces. Register at [email protected]

About Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts
Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts is the most comprehensive organization in the UAE to empower underprivileged women through Emirati crafts.

Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Emirates Red Crescent President’s Assistant for Women’s Affairs, founded Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts in 2006. The aim of the initiative was to sustain traditional crafts, create culturally inspired products, and provide women with training, designs, raw materials, and marketing services to assist them in earning a dignified living. Boasting more than 200 craftswomen from different nationalities and ages, Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts has multiple product lines such as corporate gifts, stationery, home accessories, and fashion.