The Ministry of Social Development and Family, represented by the Family Empowerment Department, participated in the launch of “Moqaad Al Naar” the lightning of the fire pit - in the courtyard of Al Samriya Hotel. The event featured three entrepreneurs from the “From the homeland” program, all specializing in traditional Qatari handicrafts that reflect the country’s authentic heritage and cultural identity. 

 This participation aims to empower national productive projects to support the state’s economy and promote sustainable development, to introduce national heritage crafts, As part of its ongoing efforts, the ministry continues to integrate “From the homeland” entrepreneurs into various exhibitions and state-led events and exhibitions to help promote their work, enhance their competitiveness, expand their market reach and stimulate economic growth. In addition to encouraging local production and self-employment among Qatari families, with a focus on the role of women in strengthening the local economy.

The participation of the “From the homeland” home-based businesses in the opening was showcased through three traditional handicrafts that embody Qatar’s heritage and cultural identity: Al-Sadu weaving, Naqda embroidery, and palm-frond braiding (Saff Al-Khous).

Regarding the craft of making palm fronds weaving , the owner of the Thobalnshl - project One of the national project owners participating in the opening of the 'Fire Pit' in the courtyard of the Samaria Hotel told us: "My project revolves around heritage through making dolls in addition to making palm fronds by using palm fronds. I started this project a long time ago because of my love for heritage, my pride in the past of my ancestors, and my quest to preserve this cultural heritage, which constitutes an important part of the identity of the State of Qatar."

She added: In the past, our ancestors relied a lot on palm fronds to manufacture household needs, including, but not limited to: the "qaffa", which was used to store household items, in addition to the "sammat", the round dining table, the "muhfa" which resembles a fan, the "jufair", and other various products used in homes.

The owner of Thobalnshl emphasized that heritage is not limited to a single aspect, as it encompasses a wide and diverse field. She added, “If you love the work you do as a project and receive support from government bodies and private institutions, this encourages you to continue with dedication and passion.” She expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Social Development and Family for supporting national productive project owners.

She added that it is a meaningful and unique participation, aiming to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to the traditional handicrafts of Qatar, such as the art of making saaf from palm fronds, while supporting them as owners of national productive projects.

The owner of Thobalnshl offered advice to those wishing to start a new project, emphasizing the importance of loving the craft or field on which the project is based. She stressed the need for continuous learning, product development, and commitment to values of collaboration, creativity, and dedication in work.

Meanwhile, Ms. Saada Mohsen Abu Salha, owner of the “Qatar Heritage” project – Qatar_18q – explained that her project specializes in sadu weaving, which represents authentic Qatari heritage and identity. Her products vary and are made from sheep and camel wool, while the tools used in this traditional craft include artificial silk and natural wool, whether from sheep or camels.

She added that she started this project 35 years ago, at the age of 20, learning the craft of sadu weaving from her late mother and grandmother, initially using sheep and camel wool.

Regarding the challenges she faced, Ms. Saada explained that weaving the “sadu” is particularly difficult, as it takes around eight years to complete. Marketing her products also presented a significant challenge.

Concerning the project’s milestones, Ms. Saada highlighted that a turning point came when she was asked to conduct training courses in sadu weaving. She provided workshops at various institutions, centers, schools, and private projects. For example, she trained students for three months at the Audio education complex for Girls as well as she trained staff at shops in Souq Waqif and Al Wakrah upon request. Her participation in the “Darb Al-Saai” event also had a significant impact on her project.

Ms. Aida Haddad, owner of the “Beautiful Woman Tailor” project – beautifulwoman_tailor – which specializes in the traditional naqda craft, mentioned that she learned this craft from a young age under the guidance of her late mother and from their neighbors. She also offered advice to the beginners in the world of projects, recommending patience and caution in decision-making. She emphasized fairness in pricing, avoiding overcharging, and encouraged persistence in the face of initial losses without giving up.

‏In this regard, Ms. Fatima Al Nuaimi, Director of the Family Empowerment Department at the Ministry, said: "We are proud to participate in the lighting of the fire pit in the courtyard of Al Samriya Hotel, representing authentic Qatari heritage and expressing the identity of this generous homeland. Such participation is considered an opportunity to market the products of national production project owners, and the Ministry is making every effort to remove obstacles facing the owners of ‘From the Homeland' production projects and to provide all means and ways to support them."

Based on this, the Ministry of Social Development and Family is committed to supporting the owners of productive projects within the ‘From the homeland’ initiative and encouraging them to achieve self-sufficiency, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. 

The ministry also aims to provide permanent marketing channels for the owners of these national productive projects to ensure sustainable dignified income and enable them to contribute to the comprehensive development of society.

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