Irthi champions artisanal excellence of UAE in Russia

Bridging Emirati heritage with global design innovation, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (Irthi) proved to be a pillar of cultural dialogue and artisanal excellence at the Moscow Interior and Design Week 2025 (MIDW), which was held from May 22 to 25, 2025.

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Within the renowned Manezh Central Exhibition Hall in Moscow, Irthi’s participation underscored its mission to preserve tradition while championing sustainability and women’s empowerment, positioning Sharjah’s craft legacy at the heart of contemporary design conversations.

Commenting on their participation, Reem BinKaram, General Director of IRTHI stated, “Guided by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Chairperson of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, we practise and promote craft as a tool for social development, cultural diplomacy, and innovation, all of which are evident in the collections we have brought to Moscow.”

“We have been deeply moved by the overwhelmingly warm reception from the Russian people, whose enthusiasm to engage with our heritage-driven initiatives reflects a shared passion for cultural dialogue and artisanal excellence. It is an honour for Irthi to be among the very first entities to lead with such a prominent presence at this gathering, positioning our platform as a focal point of the event. We view designers as collaborators and creators in equal measure, and they serve as the link between ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression,” BinKaram reflected.