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More than a skill: Meet Emirati women who keep traditional handicraft Talli alive
'My mother was my first teacher; my grandmother carried this tradition before her. Eventually, I took up the craft myself,' said one woman
- PUBLISHED: Sat 12 Apr 2025, 1:15 PM
From the age of 12, Maryam Abdullah Al-Yamahi immersed herself in Emirati handicrafts, learning the art of weaving and embroidery from the women in her community. Sitting alongside her mother, grandmothers, and other artisans, she observed the techniques passed down through generations.
"In the afternoons, after finishing housework, women in the neighborhood would gather with their embroidery and weaving projects. As young girls, we would watch our mothers and grandmothers and slowly learn the craft," Al-Yamahi told Khaleej Times.
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She learned a variety of traditional Emirati handicrafts, including Al Badila, a form of embroidery used for women's pants, and Talli, an intricate braiding technique. Over the years, she expanded her expertise to include Safeefah palm-frond weaving. This weaving method involves braiding date palm fronds to create objects such as Sarod (woven table mats), Almakab (woven baskets), and Alhasayr (woven floor mats).
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Over the years, Al-Yamahi has witnessed significant changes in the craft industry, with the increasing demand for handmade Emirati crafts. "Before, the price of a metre of 'Talli' (traditional Emirati embroidery) was just Dh2. Now, depending on the type, it can go up to Dh35 per metre," she noted.
Al-Yamahi has turned her passion for traditional Emirati handicrafts into a thriving business, selling handmade creations through platforms like Instagram. Her expertise spans Talli on handbags and wallets, tailoring each piece to customer preferences. "Each item reflects the client's personality," she says, highlighting her blend of craftsmanship and personalization in preserving the UAE's cultural heritage.
‘Our techniques evolved’
Another Emirati craftswoman, Aisha Suleiman Mohammed's journey into handicrafts started at age 20, inspired by her family's environment. "In the beginning, it was difficult, but with practice, I improved," she recalled. Initially, she worked with traditional materials at home.
She stopped for a while and just did it in her free time because of home responsibilities she had to manage. Still, with the opening of Irthi's Bidwa Social Development Programme, she expanded her handicraft expertise.
"Earlier Emirati women engaged in traditional crafts like Talli with the necessary training fostering both professional growth and social empowerment. We only focused on Talli but later, we incorporated pearls and leatherwork into our designs," Aisha explained.
Over the years, the materials she used evolved significantly. "Before, we only used basic materials like cotton threads and wooden spools. Now, we use high-quality plastic materials and incorporate different techniques that elevate the craftsmanship," she said.
Aisha finds deep personal fulfillment in her handicraft. "Before, we were isolated, rarely socializing outside our homes. But Irthi brought us together, allowing us to connect and learn from one another," she said.
More than a skill
For Sheikha Sarhan Mohammed Al Dhahoori, traditional weaving is more than a skill. It is a heritage passed down through generations. From the age of 15, she immersed herself in the intricate craft of weaving palm fronds and creating traditional Emirati textiles, learning the art from her mother and grandmother.
“I started working from home,” Sheikha recalled. “My mother was my first teacher; my grandmother carried this tradition before her. Eventually, I took up the craft myself.”
The process of creating these traditional pieces is grounded in time-honoured techniques. Every step requires meticulous effort, from gathering palm fronds to dyeing them with natural colours. She said: “If we wanted to change the colours, we used to dye the fronds ourselves. We would boil water, add natural dyes, and immerse the fronds to achieve vibrant blue, green, red, and yellow hues.”
Azza Al Ali is a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community’s voices to life. She’s passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them.