Weaving is a centuries-old tradition in Abu Dhabi with, Emirati women using palm leaves, fronds, animal skins and rudimentary textiles for everything from tents, clothing as well as date and water containers.
The Sougha initiative, a Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development programme – is aimed at reviving this art of among people living in Abu Dhabi and the emirate’s rural areas.
Sougha – meaning a traveller’s gift in Arabic, lets UAE national women, and their buyers, reconnect with a significant part of the emirate’s heritage with local women actively preserving their culture, while making a living from skills passed down through generations.
The result is a colourful, hand-woven collection of treasures – pillows, table runners, palm leave beach bags, traditional embroidered bracelets - that are perfect for the modern home or as souvenirs or gifts.
Visitors seeking authentic souvenirs can now visit Sougha’s shop in Abu Dhabi’s
Central Market souk