At the Sharjah International Book Fair, young visitors learn the intricate Emirati weaving tradition through hands-on workshops led by artisan Alya Al Ali

Sharjah, November 13, 2025

As part of its mission to preserve and revitalise Emirati heritage crafts, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (Irthi) engaged young visitors at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) in a creative workshop celebrating the art of talli — one of the UAE’s most cherished traditional weaving techniques.

Led by Emirati artisan Alya Al Ali, in collaboration with Majid Magazine, the lively session introduced children to the origins of talli and its role in Emirati culture. Alya demonstrated the sayer yay technique, a rhythmic back-and-forth weaving method that aligns threads into tight, colourful braids, allowing participants to appreciate the precision and artistry required to master the craft.

Children created their own small talli bracelets, experimenting with thread tension, colour harmony, and design balance. “When you work with talli, you begin to understand how much patience and creativity our ancestors invested in every detail,” said Alya. “It teaches focus, appreciation, and love for Emirati heritage.”

The workshop reflected Irthi’s broader mission to bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern expression, empowering new generations to connect with cultural identity through creative exploration.

Visitors can also look forward to two more interactive sessions at Irthi’s pavilion during the fair — a talli keychain-making workshop and a palm frond bookmark-making workshop, both designed to make Emirati crafts accessible, engaging, and relevant for young audiences.

By combining heritage education with hands-on creativity, Irthi continues to inspire curiosity about the UAE’s craft traditions while nurturing respect for the artisans who sustain them.

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