The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media has launched the Artisans Majlis in the Emirate of Ajman, a pioneering initiative aimed at preserving traditional Emirati crafts and ensuring their long-term sustainability as an integral part of the UAE’s national identity and cultural heritage. The initiative provides a dedicated platform to empower artisans, support the sustainability of the craft and creative industries, and reinforce Ajman’s position as a hub for creativity and cultural industries.
The launch of the Majlis aligns with the objectives of Ajman Vision 2030, which places strategic importance on the creative economy, the empowerment of national talents, and the preservation of cultural identity. The initiative focuses on supporting creative industries and enhancing their contribution to sustainable economic and social development.
The Artisans Majlis aims to achieve a number of strategic objectives, including preserving and documenting traditional Emirati crafts, encouraging the development of heritage-inspired handcrafted products through a contemporary approach, and contributing to the growth of the creative economy in Ajman.
The Majlis will also seek to support artisans and entrepreneurs through specialised training and development programmes, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives that showcase local talent. It will enable local and international marketing and promotion of Emirati handcrafted products. In addition, it will strengthen collaboration with cultural, educational, and creative institutions to enhance the competitiveness of these products and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs in the cultural industries sector.
The Majlis is built upon an ambitious vision to become a leading platform for supporting and empowering artisans, preserving traditional Emirati craftsmanship, and enriching its presence locally and internationally through innovation and strategic partnerships. This will contribute to developing the economic and social value of traditional crafts.
The Artisans Majlis targets a wide range of stakeholders, including Emirati artisans, youth interested in traditional crafts, designers, creative sector entrepreneurs, and People of Determination with craftsmanship and creative talents, in addition to cultural and heritage organisations and visitors. The initiative will foster collaboration among various stakeholders to advance the traditional crafts sector and highlight its role as a key contributor to cultural and economic development in the emirate.
The Majlis places particular emphasis on empowering People of Determination by providing opportunities for participation in training programmes, workshops, and exhibitions, while enabling them to showcase their creativity and handcrafted products. This reflects Ajman’s commitment to promoting social inclusion and empowering all members of society to contribute to sustainable development.
His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media, emphasised that the launch of the Artisans Majlis represents a strategic step within the Department’s efforts to preserve Emirati cultural heritage as a key pillar of national identity, while translating the vision of the wise leadership in safeguarding heritage and enhancing its contribution to sustainable development.
His Excellency said:
“We believe that artisans are partners in shaping the future, and that empowering them has a positive impact on the creative economy by transforming traditional crafts into sustainable products that reflect the authenticity of Emirati society and meet the demands of the modern era. The Majlis will work towards building an integrated ecosystem that brings together artisans, designers, entrepreneurs, and cultural institutions to exchange expertise, develop skills, preserve Emirati heritage, present it through innovative approaches, and enhance Ajman’s position as a centre for creativity and cultural industries.”
The launch of the Majlis reflects Ajman’s commitment to investing in cultural identity as a cornerstone of development by empowering national talents, encouraging innovation in craft industries, and enhancing the contribution of the cultural sector to the diversification of the local economy. This further reinforces the emirate’s position as a leading cultural and creative tourism destination.
