Abu Dhabi Week chats to Emirati extraordinaire Sumayyah Al Suwaidi to learn more about the special National Day exhibition she is curating. A Touch of Heritage will be on display for two months at the Qattara Arts Center in Al Ain from 2nd December, from 10am to 10pm. From 4th December onwards, the exhibition will be open from 9am to 8pm everyday except Friday and Saturday. For more information visit: www.sumayyahalsuwaidi.com
What type of art will be featured?
To inaugurate the opening of the souq next to the Qattara Arts Center, which will feature Emirati handicrafts, I thought of an exhibition that will complement Emirati traditions and heritage, which helped in the development of the country.
Artists were asked to feature traditional handicrafts in their works of art. Can
you tell us more about some of the handicrafts featured?
Some of the handicrafts indigenous to the UAE include khoos (the weaving of palm fronds), saddoo (weaving untreated wool), and telli (embroidery). Telli is a form of embroidery using twisted coloured threads, commonly used to adorn the bodice and sleeves of Emirati traditional dress, and is found exclusively in the UAE and Oman.
The exhibition is open to all nationalities. How does that help emphasise the diversity of the UAE?
Its vital to keep celebrating our culture and traditions and its important to have expats celebrate with us. They too have a feel of our heritage and represent our diverse nation. I’d love for various nationalities from different backgrounds to come together under one roof. I hope as a result this will bring us closer to each other.
Why do you think it is important to keep culture and heritage in the public eye?
It reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It’s important so we do not forget our identity and our unique heritage that separates us from others.
Sawaiba Khan
