Al-Sadu is a traditional weaving technique of the United Arab Emirates and is central to Bedouin culture. In the resource-scarce lands of the Arabian Peninsula, the craft emerged from Bedouin ingenuity and resourcefulness. A traditional technique of weaving camel fur, goat hair or sheep wool into material for blankets, carpets, pillows, tents and the decoration of camel saddles and belts, Al-Sadu has been practised by Emirati women since ancient times.
Al-Sadu is an important element in United Arab Emirates culture and heritage and holds a place of honour in Emirati society, recognised for its essential role in Bedouin life and as an example of adaptation and creativity. The craft was also one of the most valuable economic contributions made by women and played a central role in the life of the community.
Because of Al-Sadu’s significance, it was inscribed in 2011 on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
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Family & Education Resources
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UNESCO
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Al Ain Oases
Al Ain Oasis reflects what agriculture in this region has been like for millennia
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Bida Bint Saud
The area was an important stop on a possible caravan route extending from Al Ain to the north of the United Arab Emirates
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Hafit Tombs
This ancient caravan site features Bronze Age tombs and a rare Iron Age mud-brick building and irrigation system
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Hili sites
An elaborate falaj system and one of the country’s earliest mosques make this an important historic site
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Al-Ayyala
Al-Ayyala is an embodiment of United Arab Emirates culture and Emirati values and heritage
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Al-Azi
Al-Azi is inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding
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Majlis
a cultural and social space
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Al-Razfa
a traditional performing art of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates
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Al-Sadu
traditional weaving skills in the United Arab Emirates
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Al-Taghrooda
traditional Bedouin chanted poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman
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Falconry
a living human heritage
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Gahwa (Arabic coffee)
a symbol of generosity
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Heritage Register
- The game of Al Karabi
- Girls’ Doll-making Game
- The game of hatha bayt mennou
- The game of Maryahanat al badw
- The game of Al Dahrouj
- The game of Al Suwair
- The game of es es see
- The game of Gol tabat
- The game of Haqallah
- The game of Humarat Al Qaylah
- The game of meen darabak
- The game of Motor Bou Ajal
- The game of Tug of War
- Wrestling Match, The Wrestler
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Cultural Calendar
- Fantasia Ballet: Celebration of Dance
- Abu Dhabi Classics 2022
- Abu Dhabi Music Program 2022
- Bait Al Oud Graduation Concert Vocal
- Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra
- Umsiyat
- A Journey from Abu Dhabi along the Silk Road by Caracalla Dance Theatre
- Bait Al Oud: Arab Choir Concert
- Bait Al Oud Concert With Dr. Saber Abdel Sattar and Bait Al Oud Musicians
- Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit
- Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott
- Al Qattara Murals
- Al Mujamma
- Artistic Development Exhibition Program
- Curatorial Development Exhibition Program
- Emotions! The New Art Adventure
- Experience Mars
- Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2022
- Arabic Manuscripts Conference
- Building With The Earth Exhibition
- Khaleejiness Exhibition
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2021 Richard Mille Art Prize
- The Spirit of the Place
- Weekend at the Oasis
- Al Qattara Murals 2023
- Alwaha Cinema
- Alzain at Qasr Al Muwaiji
- Before Suhoor
- Eid At Al Ain Cultural sites
- Hag Al Laila at Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa
- Hereesat Ramadan
- Outdoor Painting
- Qasr Al Qaseed
- Qat' Wasl - A Play
- Ramadan at the Oasis
- Ramadan Talks
- Saturday Market at Al Ain Oasis
- Tales from Al Ain
- $name
- Al Qattara Cinema
- My Heritage My Responsibility
- National Consultative Council Archival Film
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- The game of Al Karabi
- Girls’ Doll-making Game
- The game of hatha bayt mennou
- The game of Maryahanat al badw
- The game of Al Dahrouj
- The game of Al Suwair
- The game of es es see
- The game of Gol tabat
- The game of Haqallah
- The game of Humarat Al Qaylah
- The game of meen darabak
- The game of Motor Bou Ajal
- The game of Tug of War
- Wrestling Match, The Wrestler
-
-
- Fantasia Ballet: Celebration of Dance
- Abu Dhabi Classics 2022
- Abu Dhabi Music Program 2022
- Bait Al Oud Graduation Concert Vocal
- Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra
- Umsiyat
- A Journey from Abu Dhabi along the Silk Road by Caracalla Dance Theatre
- Bait Al Oud: Arab Choir Concert
- Bait Al Oud Concert With Dr. Saber Abdel Sattar and Bait Al Oud Musicians
- Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit
- Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott
-
- Al Qattara Murals
- Al Mujamma
- Artistic Development Exhibition Program
- Curatorial Development Exhibition Program
- Emotions! The New Art Adventure
- Experience Mars
- Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2022
- Arabic Manuscripts Conference
- Building With The Earth Exhibition
- Khaleejiness Exhibition
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2021 Richard Mille Art Prize
- The Spirit of the Place
-
- Weekend at the Oasis
- Al Qattara Murals 2023
- Alwaha Cinema
- Alzain at Qasr Al Muwaiji
- Before Suhoor
- Eid At Al Ain Cultural sites
- Hag Al Laila at Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa
- Hereesat Ramadan
- Outdoor Painting
- Qasr Al Qaseed
- Qat' Wasl - A Play
- Ramadan at the Oasis
- Ramadan Talks
- Saturday Market at Al Ain Oasis
- Tales from Al Ain
- $name
- Al Qattara Cinema
- My Heritage My Responsibility
- National Consultative Council Archival Film
-