The Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) is working to support the preservation of the UAE’s natural heritage with its new partnership with ’Sougha’, a Khalifa Fund initiative. EAD has commissioned the production of a set of unique handmade products that highlight Emirati heritage and which are made of sustainable materials that come from the local environment. This collaboration lies within the framework of the Agency’s commitment to preserve the UAE’s natural heritage.
It is also in line with EAD’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy, which helps ensure the work of the agency has minimal impact on the environment and helps contribute to the emirate’s socio-economic well-being. The set of products Sougha has been commissioned to produce include a prayer mat, bookmark and a Misbaah (rosary beads). All woven parts of the product were made of 100% cotton and camel leather, and were woven using Emirati Bedouin techniques. The prints on the products were inspired from local designs used on traditional Bedouin tents. The products will be distributed to a number of EAD’s stakeholders and partners in environmental protection, throughout the Holy month of Ramadan and the remainder of the year. EAD’s aim is to thank and recognise its stakeholders for their contribution to helping preserve Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage and protect the emirate’s environment for current and future generations. Laila Bin Qassim, Director of the Sougha Initiative, Khalifa Fund, praised EAD for its commitment to the Sougha initiative and the Emirati artisans involved in it.
She commented: "This kind of support will contribute to the sustenance of UAE craftsmanship and reflect positively on Khalifa Fund’s efforts in the area of social development. We call on government agencies and other national companies to promote the efforts that fall under this initiative." Sougha is a programme that has helped revive Emirati heritage through local artisan development.
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