The Ministry of Social Development and Family, represented by the Family Empowerment Department, today concluded its year-long "Preserving Cultural Crafts" program. This initiative was a partnership with Qatar Museums Authority (specifically M7, Qatar's hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in fashion, design, and technology) and the Social Development Center (Nama). The program focused on the Sadu weaving craft, emphasizing its preservation and modern development to align with contemporary design trends.

The initiative aimed to expand the community of artisans in Doha, advance the art of Sadu weaving, and encourage designers to incorporate it into their work, ensuring the continuity of this vital cultural practice.

The program began by supporting a new generation of Sadu weaving artisans. The Ministry organized a training program to teach women the fundamentals of the craft. Subsequently, M7 facilitated partnerships between designers and craftswomen to create joint artistic pieces, which are currently showcased and available for purchase at Studio 7.

Ms. Fatima Al-Nuaimi, Director of the Family Empowerment Department at the Ministry, stated that the program aims to train participants, transforming them from consumers into professional artisans. It also empowers those with Sadu weaving skills or those interested in learning, enabling them to establish productive projects through training and empowerment.

She also expressed gratitude to the participating entities for the program's success in achieving its goals. This was accomplished by enabling trainees to establish new, modern production projects that blend Qatari heritage with contemporary design.

The temporary exhibition features creations by talented designers, including Mashaal Al-Naimi (Mahfaza) and the brand (Madd) from Qatar, alongside the hosted designer Abdulqader Al-Taieb, a winner of the Fashion Trust Arabia Award for emerging talent.

The program not only preserved traditional crafts, such as Sadu weaving, but also empowered individuals to master the craft and transition from consumers to artisans, thereby establishing their businesses. The spirit of Sadu weaving traditions harmonizes with the aesthetics of modern design in the designers' creations, forming a dialogue between Qatari heritage and contemporary expression.

Through the "Preserving Cultural Crafts" program, M7 provided an opportunity to connect designers with artisans, creating a rich collection of contemporary designs. This initiative significantly contributed to integrating traditional crafts with modern design, ensuring the flourishing and continuity of Qatari heritage as a cherished value passed down through generations.