The Handicraft centre at the Genera Women’s Union, close to the Royal Stables is one of the hidden tourist attractions of Abu Dhabi. I had visited it for the first time in July 2016, but was only able to visit the Heritage exhibition as the Handicraft centre was closed during Ramadan, school holidays, statutory holidays and on weekends. The opening hours are Sunday to Thursday 7 am to 4 pm. It is always a good idea to check their Facebook site here before going. Or their website here. Their website is in Arabic, but Google translate does a decent job in translating the events. The entrance fee is 5 Dirhams when the handicraft centre is open and one can see the women and some men working on weaving (Sadoo), palm leave weaving (Khoos), Telli- or Talli-embroidery and sewing of caftans decorated with Telli.

Entrance to the Heritage exhibition hall

Handicraft center pavillions

The heritage exhibition is open throughout the year and by itself is free of charge. A few weeks ago I visited with a friend on a Thursday and we were able to observe weaving, Telli and Khoos-weaving. It was wonderful to interact with the women who speak mostly Arabic. But hand gestures and a friendly smile with a little English will make communication possible.

Sadoo-woven table runners

Traditional colours of Sadoo

A modern turn on Sadoo weaving

Traditional Sadoo weaving on a frame loom and some hand-weaving for key chains were demonstrated in the first pavilion we visited. Red, Black and white are the traditional colours you will see in many Emirati restaurants on their cushions and wall covers. The yellow-green-white-black version shows the traditional pattern, but in a new, more modern colour combination. I didn’t take any photos in the palm-leave weaving room since we were treated to some tasty dates and Arabic coffee while watching the Khoos-weavers.

Telli braiding

Cotton and silver metal braiding

Keychain coin purse in Telli

The Telli-embroidery room was busy with at least 15 women working. Telli is a form of braiding silk thread around a flat silver or gold thread. The finished braid is then used to decorate cuffs and necklines on traditional dresses which makes them look as if they had been embroidered. The heritage hall’s gift shop offers some items made with Telli, Khoos or Sadoo: from Sadoo-woven table runners to Telli-embroidered dresses there was something for everyone. A keychain coin purse caught my eye and went home with me. Decorative and practical at the same time…

Thank you, for reading my blog! Maike