Location

Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

Three Emirati women making traditional handicrafts at House of Artisans

House of Artisans

If the world of culture and craft intrigues you, stop at the House of Artisans, a charming centre tucked within Qasr Al Hosn. Here, you will encounter the Emirates' intangible heritage, carefully preserved and brought back to life.

Spend quality time attending a training course, an educational workshop or visiting one of many public events to immerse yourself in traditional Emirati crafts of the past. You can witness local artisans bringing beautiful artworks to life and purchase them as souvenirs to take back home with you.

The heritage and refined works showcased here caught the attention of Comité Colbert, the French luxury association made up of prestigious brands, including Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and more. In 2019, they collaborated with the centre's local artisans to promote cross-cultural dialogue between France and the UAE.

With a craft passed down from generation to generation, a partnership like this only further solidifies the Emirati identity.

Emirati woman's hand weaving traditional Bedouin Sadu

Ancient crafts

Al-Sadu is a traditional form of weaving practised by Bedouin women (nomadic Arabs) using sheep, camel and goat wool to create distinctive designs. Up close, these designs are rich in geometric patterns that reflect their social identity and surrounding environment. Back in the day, Al-Sadu was used to create bait al-shaar (tents), tent dividers, ataad (camel accessories), saddles, straps and more. Sadu was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011.

Khoos sees male and female artists using date palm leaves to weave or braid functional objects.

A traditional form of decorative embroidery practised by Emirati women is Talli. This is a beautiful amalgamation of cotton or silk threads intertwined with gold and silver threads to decorate collars, sleeves and hems of the kandoora and thawb (traditional women's robes). Creating this beautiful embroidery is a time-consuming and complex process that requires patience and concentration.

Sculpture of a hand with bent fingers at the Cultural Foundation in Qasr Al Hosn

The Cultural Foundation

The Cultural Foundation, located near Qasr Al Hosn, is the heart of Abu Dhabi's fine art community.

Inside, you can find a series of regular programmes that celebrate local and regional culture, showcase a variety of art forms and encourage cross-cultural exchanges. Not only will you come across dedicated studio spaces, but there is even a renovated 900-seat theatre! The venue has gained local and international acclaim, and the building has become a modern heritage landmark.

For bookworms and knowledge seekers, step into the 5,250 square metre Abu Dhabi Children's Library, and you will experience a moment of awe. Spread across three floors and designed as a life-size pop-up book with immersive spaces, children will love spending time here! They can lay on soft faux dunes, slowly turning pages of their favourite book or get lost in the oasis inspired-landscape with a falaj water channel (ancient irrigation system) flowing with books.

Emirati man's hand pouring traditional Arabic coffee at Qasr Al Hosn

Bait Al Gahwa

Bait Al Gahwa preserves and shares the heritage of Emirati Gahwa, where each cup tells a story of hospitality, generosity, and tradition. Guests are invited to experience the ceremonial preparation and serving of Emirati Gahwa, enjoyed with dates, reflecting centuries of cultural practice in the UAE.

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Frequently asked questions about Qasr Al Hosn

Qasr Al Hosn was initially built as a home for the ruling family of the UAE.

In the early days, Qasr Al Hosn housed the National Consultative Council and today it is a museum acting as a national archive, showcasing traditional Emirati crafts.

Qasr Al Hosn is said to be built under the reign of Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa in 1761 and converted into a fort by his son Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab.
Qasr Al Hosn not only functions as a national archive but also consists of the House of Artisans, where you can participate in training courses, educational workshops and other public events relating to the heritage of the UAE.

Entry to House of Artisans and landscape is complimentary, excluding Qasr Al Hosn, special workshops and events. The ticket price is AED 30 per person.

Qasr Al Hosn closes at 10 PM, seven days a week.