The Women’s Handicraft Centre is among the best art museums in Abu Dhabi. Through handicrafts, it showcases Emirati women’s talents and tells the story of UAE culture and heritage.
From handmade bags and shoes to exquisite embroidered shawls, this centre displays many treasures of the Emirates. With its exclusive museum shop, visitors can also buy souvenirs on their way back. Now, let’s discuss in detail what else this interesting centre has to offer!
- Overview
- History
- Location
- Things to Do
- Entry Fee
- Facilities
- Timings
- Contact Details
- Other Art Museums in Abu Dhabi
- FAQs
Overview of Women’s Handicraft Center
The Women’s Handicraft Centre is a government-backed initiative dedicated to preserving Emirati heritage. It features a museum showcasing local handicraft techniques, a store selling handmade items and a workshop where local artisans create unique pieces.
The Abu Dhabi Women’s Association runs the centre, providing visitors with a glimpse into Emirati artistry. The centre offers visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the work of skilled local artisans.
History
Abu Dhabi’s Handicraft Centre is a prime example of the city’s commitment to protecting and promoting its cultural heritage, since 1975. Over forty women, often illiterate, widowed or divorced, are engaged in creating and selling their handicrafts.
These handicrafts are then sold to locals and tourists. The centre showcases their work, including:
- Tailoring clothes
- Creating intricate beaded patterns
- Sewing extravagant kandoras and jellabiyas
- Weaving carpets
Some women also use date palm tree branches to make baskets, pads for eating on the ground and modern iPad sleeves.
Location
One of the best museums in Abu Dhabi, Women’s Handicraft Centre, is located at:
General Women’s Union, Al Mushrif, W46 01, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Things to Do
Women’s Handicraft Centre offers some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi, such as:
1. Experience Emirati Heritage
You can experience Emirati culture at the Handicraft Centre through its amazing artefacts and handicrafts. All female artisans put their best into creating innovative objects that show the UAE’s rich culture and artistic heritage.
2. Visit the Exhibits
The Women’s Handicraft Centre encourages women’s talent by displaying unique handicrafts and art. The centre also celebrates the economic contributions by women, promoting women empowerment.
You can witness artisans creating items, including:
- Distinctive Arabian Oils
- Handmade Souvenirs
- Fragrances
- Local Dress
- Beautiful Baskets
- Pottery
- Silver Thread Work
- Weaving
3. Walk in the Garden
To visit this unique art museum, you will pass through an extensive lush green garden. This attractive garden is perfect for a refreshing walk and for children to play around. The museum’s green space enhances its beauty.
4. Visit the Museum Shop
After the art museum tour, visit its exclusive gallery shop and buy souvenirs. Here, you can purchase local handicrafts at the best prices, showcasing the UAE’s rich culture. Some of the top-selling items are:
- Shawls
- Slippers
- Bags
- Carpets
- Trays
- Baskets
5. Attend Workshops
The round buildings around the centre arrange the most interactive workshops for everyone. Here you can learn about various handicraft techniques. Along with that, there are several activities for the visitors, such as lessons on:
- Talli Work
- Traditional Saddu Weaving
- Sewing Techniques
Timings
Monday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 12:00 pm
Entry Fee
You can visit this museum for free. Due to its free entry and incredible artefacts, the Women’s Handicraft Centre is among the top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
Facilities
The facilities provided at the Handicraft Centre are:
- Coffee Shop
- Museum Shop
- Free Parking
- Exhibition Hall
- Workshops
- Garden
- Restrooms
Timings
The opening hours of the Women’s Handicraft Centre are:
- Monday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 03:00 pm
- Friday to Sunday: Closed
Contact Details
For more information, you can directly contact the museum at +971-2-447-6645
Other Art Museums in Abu Dhabi
You can also explore some other museums and art galleries in Abu Dhabi nearby. These include:
- Etihad Modern Art Gallery: 12 minutes drive away
- Cultural Foundation: 13 minutes drive away
- Abu Dhabi History Museum and Aquarium: 14 minutes drive away
- The Art Gallery at NYU Abu Dhabi: 18 minutes drive away
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: 19 minutes drive away
- Bassam Freiha Art Foundation: 19 minutes drive away
FAQs
Yes, you can buy things from the museum shop in this centre. From shawls to embroidered bags, you can purchase anything you want.
You can visit the museum only on weekdays, from Monday to Thursday. The opening hours are 09:00 am to 03:00 pm.
Yes, it is based on the theme Museum depicting the UAE’s culture through women’s handicrafts.
Women’s Handicraft Centre, the UAE’s incredible art museum, showcases the Emirati culture through handicrafts. The exhibits here include various hand-made clothes, embroidered bags and shoes, as well as the traditional weaving machines.
For more on the top museums in the UAE, check out the Property Finder Blog!
