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Traditional Weaving Workshop

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Dubai, UAE

An Emirati artisan guiding a young weaver at the loom

An Emirati artisan guiding a guest on a hand loom

An Emirati artisan introducing Sadu to a group

Weaving a pattern in mustard and red wool

Wool and hand looms ready for the workshop

Duration

3 hours

Max People

Location

Dubai, UAE

Pickup location

Not applicable

Overview

Learn the traditional weaving of Emirati Bedouin women, with an Emirati artisan. Sit at the loom, choose your colours and pattern, and weave your own piece to take home. Along the way, hear how the patterns got their names from the desert around them and what they say about the women who wove them.

In 2011 UNESCO inscribed Al Sadu on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Every workshop helps keep the craft in the hands of the women who carry it on.

Good to know

No experience needed.
Held in Dubai; we share the exact location when you enquire.
Runs all year, at times arranged with each group. Available for families, schools and company team days.

Know more about Sadu: read Umm Hamad and Al Sadu: A Lifetime Passion, the story of one of the Emirati artisans who host this workshop.

Tour Highlights

Learn traditional weaving from an Emirati artisan
Weave your own piece on a hand loom, in the colours and pattern you choose
Discover the names and stories behind the patterns
Learn how Sadu was traditionally woven on the ground loom, and how its colours came from plants such as saffron and henna
Take your handwoven piece home

Accessibilities

Tour Plan

Arabic coffee and dates with your host.

The loom, the wool, the colours and the names of the patterns.

Set up and weave your own piece, with the artisan guiding you.

Tie off your piece and take it home.

Included/Excluded

Emirati Sadu artisan
Wool and loom
Your woven piece
Water, Arabic coffee and dates

Transportation
Insurance (participants are solely responsible for arranging their own insurance)

Tour Map

Additional information

You can receive a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the scheduled start time of the experience. However, if you cancel within 48 hours of the start time or fail to attend, no refund will be issued. Modifications to bookings within 48 hours of the experience are not permitted. Please be aware that cancellation deadlines are determined by the local time of the experience.
All experiences are weather dependent, you will be offered another experience, date, or full refund in the case of any changes.

Your safety is our utmost priority as you embark on new experiences with us. We understand the mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with exploring unfamiliar territories, which is why we ensure every precaution is taken to safeguard your well-being throughout your journey. From carefully selected accommodations to expertly guided tours, safety is paramount at every stage. Our commitment includes regularly trained guides proficient in first aid, as well as maintaining contact with local health authorities in all our destinations. With rigorous safety protocols, up-to-date knowledge of local conditions, and comprehensive information provided, you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of travel with peace of mind, whether you’re discovering distant lands or revisiting familiar favorites.

Please let us know if you have any allergies or medical conditions that require special attention during the tour. We want to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the experience. Additionally, don’t forget to bring any necessary personal items such as medication, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour. Your well-being is our top priority, and we vow to a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Each experience will be offset in association with our many official partners. The offset options that we offer are reforestation, support of small, women-led businesses that give back to their environment, and agritourism in partnership with farmers. Please reach out if you would like more information about our offset program.

Traditional Weaving Workshop