Business & Money | Wednesday 9 November, 2016 3:27 am |

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, received His Royal Highness, Prince Charles of Wales in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at Al Badee Palace.

 

During their reception, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi discussed with Prince Charles the extremely strong relationship that the UK and the UAE enjoys, with the meeting fondly recalling the numerous bilateral events and activities that have cemented the highest level of mutual understanding and genuine friendship between the two countries.

 

Following the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi accompanied Prince Charles and Camilla on a tour of University City of Sharjah, highlighting its scientific, academic, cultural, training and research centres. His Highness also talked about Sharjah’s key landmarks and monuments, explaining the significance of their designs that combine Emirati, Arab and Islamic culture.

 

Afterwards, their Royal Highnesses visited the ATHAR (Architectural and Archaeological Tangible Heritage in the Arab Region) Regional Conservation Centre at the Sharjah Institute of Heritage building. The Royal guests were informed about the operations of the centre, which was established by the Government of Sharjah in collaboration with ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property). It was explained that the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre is a continuation of the ICCROM-ATHAR programme, which has dedicated its activities since its inception in 2004 to the protection of cultural heritage in the Arab region and to broadening access, appreciation and understanding of its rich history.

 

The ICCROM-ATHAR management team highlighted to Prince Charles and Camilla that the centre seeks to enhance the capacity of official heritage institutions in its member countries to manage heritage sites, historic monuments and museum collections on a sustainable basis, in conjunction with its philosophy, goals and activities that are based on its wide knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage.

 

Also during the tour at Sharjah Institute of Heritage, Prince Charles visited the booth of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (Irthi) and was introduced to the work and role of the council, which is an initiative under NAMA that operates locally and internationally to preserve and modernise the region’s traditional crafts. It does this by seeking opportunities for women who practice heritage crafts across the MENASEA and Central Asia regions and empowering them economically so that they can provide for their families.

 

At Irthi’s booth, the council’s representatives gave a short brief to Prince Charles and Camilla about its array of projects and initiatives, including its Bidwa Social Development Programme (Bidwa). Included among Bidwa’s schemes is the introduction of traditional ‘Talli’ Emirati embroidery into modern designs through partnerships with international fashion entities. In April and July this year, ‘Talli’ hand-braided designs were incorporated in garments displayed at the Academia Italian Fashion Shows held in Rome and Florence, Italy. Talli was also featured in the Bidwa ‘One Stitch at a Time’ collection of exquisite handbags in collaboration with British luxury brand Asprey, with the exclusive range launched in London.

 

In addition to outlining Irthi’s revival of traditional crafts, Irthi’s representatives also highlighted to their Royal Highnesses Irthi’s Azyami programme, which has a more contemporary focus on modern fashion. Under the scheme, selected designers from the UAE have embarked on a 12-month programme of mentorship and tutorials conducted in partnership with the world-renowned London College of Fashion. After listening intently to Irthi’s various campaigns and initiatives, Prince Charles called for further collaboration between Irthi and British crafts institutions.