Al Talli craft included in UNESCO list
Dubai Culture in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth has applied for the inclusion of Al Talli in the UNESCO list
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Dubai Council Member, has commended the UAE for the successful efforts to include the traditional craft of ‘Al Talli’ in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
The inclusion of Al Talli crafts in the UNESCO List was announced at the meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage which took place in Rabat, Morocco, from 28 November to 2 December 2022.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed said the inscription of Al Talli, a traditional form of Emirati decorative embroidery, on the UNESCO list reflects the UAE’s leadership in promoting intangible cultural heritage as well as Dubai Culture’s efforts to preserve the country’s traditional crafts.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifah affirmed that Dubai continues to strengthen its efforts to promote the country’s traditions. The inclusion of Al Talli in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is an achievement that contributes to the continuity of this traditional craft. “The UAE and Dubai continue to introduce initiatives to protect the country’s tangible and intangible heritage as part of promoting its unique cultural identity and connecting future generations with the cultural roots of the nation.”
Her Highness expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the Dubai Culture team for their efforts in ensuring a comprehensive and convincing submission of Al Talli’s UNESCO nomination application. “The success of Al Tally’s inclusion on the UNESCO list reflects the efforts of the UAE’s cultural institutions to preserve the country’s distinctive heritage. Dubai Culture has launched a number of initiatives to preserve the Emirati heritage, promote the country’s values and create an enabling environment for the sustainability of the heritage industry.”
Al Talli is a traditional embroidery practised almost exclusively by Emirati women, decorating collars, hems and cuffs with cotton or silk threads woven with gold and silver threads. It is characterised by intricate patterns and vibrant colours inspired by local nature. The most famous Al Talli patterns include ‘Sayer Yaay’ (coming and going), ‘Bu Khostain’ – or ‘Bu Futlatayn’ – (double thread) and ‘Bu Khosa’ or ‘Bu Futla’ (single thread).
UNESCO adds ‘Al Talli’ traditional craft to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.https://t.co/vjEpVfya89 pic.twitter.com/xjBJeHxz3y
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 3, 2022
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