Ministry of Culture hosts artisans’ gathering at Ajman Cultural Center to launch national artisan initiatives

Participants discussed challenges, explored mentorship schemes and showcased live craft demos. The gathering signals renewed efforts to integrate heritage support with economic empowerment for UAE artisans 

Ajman: The Ministry of Culture at the Ajman Cultural Centre convened the Artisans’ Gathering on July 17, 2025, to present national initiatives designed to support and empower Emirati artisans. A significant number of Emirati craft practitioners attended, representing traditional sectors including jewellery, weaving, pottery and leatherwork. The event aimed to reinforce both heritage preservation and economic opportunity. 

The gathering opened with remarks from Ministry officials, outlining strategic programmes such as the National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity and the ‘Make It in the Emirates’ platform. These initiatives offer funding, mentorship, and access to markets for artisans across the UAE, including grants tailored for citizenship-qualified creators. 

A dot-map display illustrated the geographical spread of the Ministry’s cultural centres—including Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Masafi—emphasizing the nationwide reach of support infrastructure. Attendees were informed about upcoming workshops, capacity-building sessions, and opportunities for participation in national exhibitions and forums. 

Several Emirati jewellery artisans showcased live demonstrations, presenting ongoing projects aligned with Ministry design standards. They highlighted how national programmes help them scale operations, secure supply chains, and gain visibility through exhibitions hosted under ‘Make It in the Emirates’ events. 

Open dialogue sessions allowed artisans to discuss challenges such as material sourcing, inconsistent market access, and gaps in professional training. Ministry representatives committed to refining support mechanisms, including tailored grants and expanded cultural centre services, to address these concerns. Artisans also networked directly with ministry delegates to propose collaboration on future product lines and events. 

The event included short presentation segments on successful case studies. One featured a craft enterprise that collaborated with Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council’s regional network, gaining exhibition placements overseas. Irthi’s global partnerships—spanning brands such as Cartier, Bulgari and Asprey—were noted as examples of how Emirati craftsmanship may be projected internationally. 

Officials emphasised the role of cultural enterprises in both preserving Emirati heritage and contributing to the creative economy. The gathering reinforced the Ministry’s strategic approach of integrating heritage-artisan support alongside commercial empowerment, using mechanisms such as grants, training and national pavilions. 

The event concluded with closing remarks reiterating the Ministry’s long-term commitment to building an enabling environment for artisans. The strategy includes scaling grant schemes, expanding regional centre services, and creating platforms for artisans to connect with industry partners and markets. It confirmed ongoing efforts to elevate Emirati craftsmanship at both local and international levels. 

About : 
Ajman Cultural Center, based in Ajman, UAE, operates under the Ministry of Culture, with one centre in Ajman and six others nationwide; it specialises in hosting cultural events and artisan development. 

Retail Jeweller ME News