WEAVING AL-SADU TO LIFE
From 1-25 June 2023, the United Arab Emirates will bring its traditional weaving craft Al-Sadu to life through an immersive installation as part of The Global Game: Remapping Collaborations exhibition at London Design Beinnale 2023.
Al-Sadu, which was commonly used by Bedouin women of the UAE to produce tents, soft furnishings and decorative accessories from the wool of sheep, camels and goats, was inscribed by UNESCO on their List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011.
While the practice grew less popular with the progress of a more urban lifestyle, DCT Abu Dhabi has been tasked as part of its mandate with the safeguarding and preservation of the UAE’s cultural heritage including Al-Sadu.
Salama Al Shamsi, director of Qasr Al Hosn, a cultural institution under which this specific practice is being preserved and kept alive, will be present in London to introduce Al-Sadu to a global audience, talk about its cultural significance, and how it can be integrated and part of today’s modern-day design.
The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is the government body that works to regulate, develop and market Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry through a range of activities while also promoting and preserving its distinctive heritage and culture. By working in partnership with the organisations that define Abu Dhabi as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the Emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
Salama Al Shamsi is the director of the historic and cultural landmark Qasr Al Hosn at The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Al Shamsi oversees the management of three interrelated components comprised of Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the National Consultative Council, and the House of Artisans.
Previous to this role, Salama Al Shamsi held the position of senior project manager for the Zayed National Museum project, overseeing the design and build of the project; as well as developing the museum’s collection and building new audiences through an extensive outreach and advocacy program. Al Shamsi serves the field through a number of professional societies, and is a member of several academic boards such as the Museum Journal Committee. Al Shamsi has had numerous participation in conferences, seminars and roundtables, both in the UAE and internationally, on the role and impact of museums on national identity and the importance of investing in culture.
Salama Al Shamsi holds a Masters of Cultural & Creative industries from Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, a BA in Interior Design from Zayed University, and is an alumnus of the Getty Leadership Institute and Alumnus of the Harvard Business School Leadership Program. Al Shamsi is also passionate about the culinary arts, is an entrepreneur and an advocate of empowering women and youth in civil society. Founder of Salama’s restaurant, which is an addition to the Culinary scene in Abu Dhabi, inspired by Salama’s passion of travel and her curiosity to learn different cultures and delve into their cuisines, “A Culinary Journey around the world” is Salama’s restaurant tag line.
Find out more about Al-Sadu HERE
Images courtesy of The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
Al-Sadu, which was commonly used by Bedouin women of the UAE to produce tents, soft furnishings and decorative accessories from the wool of sheep, camels and goats, was inscribed by UNESCO on their List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011.
While the practice grew less popular with the progress of a more urban lifestyle, DCT Abu Dhabi has been tasked as part of its mandate with the safeguarding and preservation of the UAE’s cultural heritage including Al-Sadu.
Salama Al Shamsi, director of Qasr Al Hosn, a cultural institution under which this specific practice is being preserved and kept alive, will be present in London to introduce Al-Sadu to a global audience, talk about its cultural significance, and how it can be integrated and part of today’s modern-day design.
The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is the government body that works to regulate, develop and market Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry through a range of activities while also promoting and preserving its distinctive heritage and culture. By working in partnership with the organisations that define Abu Dhabi as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the Emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
Salama Al Shamsi is the director of the historic and cultural landmark Qasr Al Hosn at The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Al Shamsi oversees the management of three interrelated components comprised of Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the National Consultative Council, and the House of Artisans.
Previous to this role, Salama Al Shamsi held the position of senior project manager for the Zayed National Museum project, overseeing the design and build of the project; as well as developing the museum’s collection and building new audiences through an extensive outreach and advocacy program. Al Shamsi serves the field through a number of professional societies, and is a member of several academic boards such as the Museum Journal Committee. Al Shamsi has had numerous participation in conferences, seminars and roundtables, both in the UAE and internationally, on the role and impact of museums on national identity and the importance of investing in culture.
Salama Al Shamsi holds a Masters of Cultural & Creative industries from Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, a BA in Interior Design from Zayed University, and is an alumnus of the Getty Leadership Institute and Alumnus of the Harvard Business School Leadership Program. Al Shamsi is also passionate about the culinary arts, is an entrepreneur and an advocate of empowering women and youth in civil society. Founder of Salama’s restaurant, which is an addition to the Culinary scene in Abu Dhabi, inspired by Salama’s passion of travel and her curiosity to learn different cultures and delve into their cuisines, “A Culinary Journey around the world” is Salama’s restaurant tag line.
Find out more about Al-Sadu HERE
Images courtesy of The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)