In March 2019, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) launched a Traditional Handicrafts Strategy. The Strategy aims to develop the traditional handicraft sector and encourage young people to get involved in it. For this, Dubai Culture works in unison with government and non-government entities, at local and federal levels, in order to effectively transfer knowledge and to further grow and develop the handicraft sector culturally, socially and economically. The programs and initiatives of the Traditional Handicrafts Strategy include:
* Clarifying and defining roles and responsibilities of the handicraft sector.
* Reviewing and updating local legislations governing the traditional handicrafts sector in Dubai.
* Cooperating and collaborating with regional and international organizations in the field of culture and traditional handicraft.
* Developing a database of traditional handicrafts.
* Developing and implementing training programs to build the capacity of the younger generation in the art of handicrafts.
* Raising awareness about traditional handicrafts including through social media.
* Developing a cooperation program for the sale of handicraft items in the market.
* Developing a policy to stimulate the support and contribution of the private sector to develop the traditional handicraft sector.
Below are a few examples of the initiatives of Dubai Culture to develop the handicraft sector:
* Dubai Culture hosted the Safeguarding Emirati Heritage Forum. The panel discussion and workshops focused on topics such as building capabilities and competencies in the handicrafts sector, the role of CSOs in safeguarding handicrafts, institutional frameworks that support sustaining the authenticity and originality of handicrafts, boosting the competitiveness of handicraft products in the market, the role of media and information technology in sustaining handicrafts and promoting knowledge of heritage.
* A comprehensive plan to inventory and document traditional handicrafts in Dubai was developed and implemented. This will serve as a database of crafts and craftspeople.
* Muwareeth, a cultural and educational center that contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional crafts in Dubai and the UAE was announced. The Center's objectives include creating an incubating environment for heritage professionals and craftspeople, coordinating efforts with partners for the transfer of heritage knowledge and implementing initiatives to involve a wide cross section of society in the preservation and continuity of national heritage.
* Dubai Culture worked closely with craftspeople and CSOs for the preparation of the Al-Talli nomination file for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.