Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Culture is participating with the Craftsmen Pavilion in the fifth edition of “Made in the UAE” from May 4 to 7, 2026 at the ADNEC Abu Dhabi Center, as part of its strategy aimed at empowering cultural and creative industries and enhancing their contribution to the national economy, as one of the promising sectors based on knowledge and innovation .

A fully interactive experience

The Craftsmen’s Pavilion offers an integrated interactive experience, designed to take the visitor on a journey that begins with the cultural roots of Emirati crafts, passing through the transformation phase that highlights the role of innovation and modern technologies in developing the craft, and reaching its future prospects as a productive sector capable of integrating into industrial and creative value chains .

Partnerships to support artisans

The pavilion features around 200 artisans registered with relevant authorities and institutions, as well as self-employed creators, experts, and specialists in crafts. It is supported by 21 entities and institutions, namely: the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Community Empowerment, the General Women's Union, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Fatima Bint Mohammed Project, ADNOC, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, the Emirates Competitiveness Council (NAFES), the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, the Museum of the Future, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Al Ghadeer for Emirati Crafts, Ghars for Social Empowerment, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Media – Ajman, the Department of Antiquities and Museums – Ras Al Khaimah, and the Department of Tourism and Antiquities – Umm Al Quwain. In addition, 18 creative companies are participating, most notably: Mohammed Hilal Group, Kinana, Al Mandous Royal for Antiques and Gifts, Shar for Heritage Ships, Mira Jewellery, and others.

Live performances and rare pieces

The Craftsmen's Pavilion features a diverse range of events and activities, most notably live demonstrations by artisans offering firsthand experience of traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and woodworking, including the making of chests, traditional musical instruments, and walking sticks. Crafts related to the marine environment and palm trees are also on display. The pavilion also includes platforms showcasing rare heritage artifacts from national museums, documenting the history and evolution of these crafts across generations .

The pavilion also offers visitors the opportunity to view a collection of ancient handicrafts. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is showcasing a selection of artifacts discovered at the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site, dating back to the first millennium BC. These include a necklace composed of 64 beads made of precious and semi-precious stones, a bronze incense burner consisting of a three-legged base and a top plate connected by a solid column, a natural shell necklace, and a disc-shaped button made of shell and decorated with geometric patterns. The Umm Al Quwain Department of Tourism and Antiquities is displaying a selection of pottery and metal pieces, along with jewelry and ornaments discovered at various archaeological sites in the emirate. The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Antiquities and Museums is presenting a collection of artifacts, including a cooking pot made of local pottery and a ceramic coffee pot crafted in the emirate, dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries .

Crafts and the promotion of innovation

As part of its efforts to promote innovation, the pavilion showcases practical models for integrating crafts with technology. This integration utilizes artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and virtual reality technologies, contributing to a contemporary reinterpretation of crafts and highlighting their ability to keep pace with industrial development. The "Innovation Wall" will also feature three technological projects by Emirati innovators supported by the Ministry of Culture through the National Program for Culture and Creativity Grants. Furthermore, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, presents an immersive, interactive virtual reality experience that revives Emirati crafts in an innovative digital format. Visitors embark on a journey that simulates the practices of falconers, learning about their tools, techniques, and the values associated with this ancient craft . The pavilion also includes platforms for displaying contemporary creative products resulting from collaborations between artisans and designers, reflecting the potential for combining heritage and modern design .

Dialogue sessions and interactive workshops

The pavilion also features specialized dialogue sessions discussing the future of crafts and cultural industries and their role in supporting the national economy, with the participation of a select group of experts and creators, in addition to interactive workshops that allow visitors to experience crafts and learn about their development stages and ways to transform them into innovative production projects .

Cooking corner and art performances

The pavilion provides dedicated spaces for holding meetings and exploring partnership opportunities between artisans, investors and supporters, in addition to a cooking corner offering traditional Emirati cuisine in a contemporary style, and performance art shows that reflect the richness and diversity of Emirati cultural heritage .

It is worth noting that the Craftsmen's Pavilion at last year's event witnessed wide participation, showcasing 50 Emirati crafts in diverse styles. More than 200 Emirati artisans participated, supported by 19 entities and institutions, alongside nine creative companies and three technology projects. Four significant agreements were signed, more than 500 national products were displayed, and the pavilion attracted over 20,000 visitors, including approximately 2,800 students. Funding allocated to support artisans exceeded AED 5.5 million .

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