Henna Painting

Henna is a plant dye that has been used throughout Arabia for centuries. The dye comes from the leaves of the henna tree, which are dried and ground. Water is then added to form a paste. Traditionally used on women's hands, feet and hair, and as make-up for bridal parties, Arabic henna features large, floral patterns, with these ‘tattoos’ being painless and washing off within a week.

Henna artists are eager to demonstrate the intricacies of their art and the history of a tradition that dates back thousands of years, having emerged as a way to celebrate festive occasions. Travellers visiting Abu Dhabi can get beautiful henna patterns while visiting the emirate’s heritage villages, or while embarking on exciting desert safaris, organised by one of Abu Dhabi’s tour operators.