Irthi and Apple team up for Al Sadu workshop at 1 Billion Followers Summit

Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council partners with Apple for a photography workshop at the Museum of the Future, blending traditional Al Sadu weaving with modern digital storytelling.

Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council has partnered with Apple to host the Irthi Apple Al Sadu workshop UAE, a specialised session focused on the traditional Emirati craft of Al Sadu. According to a press release from Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, the session took place at the Museum of the Future as part of the 4th edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit.

The collaboration highlights a growing intersection between heritage and technology in the UAE. While Abu Dhabi currently hosts the World Future Energy Summit, Dubai is focusing on the creator economy, bringing traditional craftsmanship into the digital age through modern storytelling techniques.

Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council partners with Apple for a specialised workshop
Event takes place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai
Focuses on capturing traditional Al Sadu craft using iPhone photography
Part of the 4th edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit
Aims to bridge Emirati heritage with digital storytelling

What to Expect: Emirati Crafts Digital Storytelling with Apple

The Irthi Apple Al Sadu workshop is designed to show content creators how to use modern tools to capture the intricate details of Al Sadu, a traditional weaving technique. Participants used iPhone photography to explore the textures, colours, and patterns of the craft, translating physical heritage into digital content.

This initiative aligns with the broader push for Apple's creative tools in the region, demonstrating how camera hardware can help preserve cultural narratives. The programme included structured sessions on documenting the Al Sadu-making process, allowing creators to interact directly with craftswomen.

Collaboration: Irthi Apple Al Sadu workshop UAE

The partnership aims to make traditional crafts relevant to younger generations and the digital audience. By positioning Al Sadu within a modern visual framework, the council hopes to expand its reach on social platforms.

"Irthi is committed to expanding opportunities for community engagement with Emirati crafts and presenting them through contemporary frameworks that reflect their cultural and aesthetic value," said Her Excellency Reem BinKaram, Director General of Irthi.

She added that this event marks the council's first experience using Al Sadu for direct community interaction, following an immersive learning programme with Beit Al Sadu.

Dates and Location: 1 Billion Followers Summit & Irthi Apple Workshop

The workshop was held as part of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, which runs over three days. While the summit is hosted at Emirates Towers, this specific workshop took place at the Museum of the Future.

The event is part of a larger effort to connect heritage with the massive reach of digital creators. This innovative Irthi Apple Al Sadu workshop UAE highlights a trend of tech giants deepening their local footprint, similar to the growth of Apple's ecosystem in the region over the last year.

Event Info: Irthi Apple Al Sadu Workshop Details

Event: Al Sadu Craft Workshop (Irthi x Apple)
Dates: January 2026 (During 1 Billion Followers Summit)
Location: Museum of the Future, Dubai
Host: Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council & Apple
Admission: Part of Summit programming

FAQs

What was the Irthi and Apple workshop about?

The workshop focused on translating Al Sadu craft into modern digital formats using iPhone photography. It taught creators how to capture the fine details and textures of traditional weaving to tell cultural stories on digital platforms.

Where was the workshop held?

The workshop took place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai. It was part of the wider 1 Billion Followers Summit, which is hosted at Emirates Towers.

What is Al Sadu craft?

Al Sadu is a traditional Emirati weaving technique known for its distinctive textures, colours, and geometric patterns. It is a key part of the UAE's intangible cultural heritage.

Who organized the event?

The workshop was a collaboration between the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council and Apple, organized under the umbrella of the UAE Government Media Office's 1 Billion Followers Summit.