5 days ago
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- Qatar Tribune
QF's Herfah launches 2nd year of celebratingtraditional Qatari and Islamic craftsmanship
Hanane Djoua
Doha
After a successful inaugural year of celebrating, promoting, and immersing the community in the richness of Qatari artistry and Islamic crafts, Herfah – a programme delivered through a partnership by Qatar Foundation and The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts – has announced the launch of its second year.
The programme – based within Al Khater House, a historic landmark in Education City – will continue to offer its core programming, including the year-long traditional crafts programme, short-term courses, and Ramadan workshops, all of which will be open to the public.
As the first year of Herfah came to a close, the creative works of the graduates of its intensive programme were showcased at an event at Al Khater House, which was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.
'Our intention with Herfah was not only to preserve traditional skills, but to create a space where craft becomes a form of education, one that helps restore a deeper sense of value,' said Sheikha Hind. 'The more time we spend working with our hands, the more reverence we develop for what is well made. And in doing so, we come to see the world differently.'
Herfah's second-year programme will begin in September, with registration opening in July and selected participants notified by the end of August. Applicants must be aged 18 years or older and have prior experience in crafts, and can enrol at and via Education City and Qatar Foundation social media channels.
In addition to the year-long core programmes, a variety of short-term courses will be announced later in the year.
In its inaugural year, Herfah engaged over 200 participants in hands-on learning experiences and creative exploration. Among them was Sana Arooj, who said she found the opportunity to explore traditional crafts an enriching experience while gaining a deeper understanding of Qatari culture, especially because of the thoughtful structure and delivery of each module.
'The dedication and effort of everyone involved in teaching the skills were remarkable, and their passion made the learning process more enjoyable and inspiring,' she said. 'Through my sessions, I gained not only technical skills, but also a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage and artistic mode. Most importantly, I learned to respect the process.
'Traditional crafts aren't about the final piece. It's about discipline, mindfulness and the journey of creation. It has inspired me to look at my surroundings with a more artistic lens, and to appreciate the beauty in heritage and craftsmanship.'
Najiba Haqdost, another participant in Year 1 of the programme, said that being part of Herfah gave her the chance to learn and practise traditional craft skills – things she only had the chance to read about before.
'I spent time working on different projects – from painting using natural pigments to gilding using gold leaves,' she explained. 'I was guided by skilled artists who emphasised not only on the techniques of doing the craft but also on the history and philosophy behind it, which deepened my respect of heritage arts, and inspired me to keep these traditions alive in my own creative journey.'
According to Kholoud M. Al Ali, executive director Community Engagement and Programming at Qatar Foundation, Herfah aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of Qatari and Islamic cultural heritage, while positioning Al Khater House as a dynamic hub for the preservation of tradition, innovation, and a space of learning, discovery, and cultural appreciation.
'The Herfah programme has made significant progress toward realising a vision where history is honoured, knowledge is exchanged, and creativity thrives, and we are excited to continue expanding its impact in the years to come,' Al Ali said.
'Through such initiatives, partnerships and educational programmes, Qatar Foundation plays a vital role in cultural preservation, safeguarding and promoting the rich heritage of Qatar and the broader Gulf region. As Qatar Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary, these efforts further strengthen the connection between the community and its cultural identity, ensuring that these traditions are celebrated and passed down for future generations,' Al Ali added.
Hussein Al Elayan, mental health specialist, told Qatar Tribune: 'I joined the Herfah programme because it is one of the first initiatives of its kind to run for a full year, combining a wide variety of traditional crafts with a culturally rich approach. What particularly drew me in was the programme's focus on art forms rooted in our Arab identity, along with the regular inclusion of international experts.
'The first skill I acquired was the foundational understanding of geometric art—learning how to extract patterns and apply them in cultural and artistic contexts. With a professional background in mental health, I found that the art of carving resonated with me profoundly. It aligns closely with concepts of emotional well-being and can be used as a tool to foster mindfulness and psychological balance.
'What truly distinguishes Herfah is its holistic and sustained nature. It is not just a collection of workshops, but a year-long educational journey delivered through a structured and thoughtful methodology.'
Neila Essid, graphic designer, said: 'Honestly, the first time I came across the Herfah programme was on Instagram—they had made a post, and I felt an immediate connection. All of us in the programme explored everything—we tried marquetry, carving, painting, and working with gypsum. Then, toward the end of the program, each participant selected one craft to focus on. It's truly a new kind of programme in Doha. A full-year program? This is the first of its kind. With the certificate, new opportunities can open up. You could start participating in exhibitions or even launch your own project—something that's entirely your own.'
Laila Noor, visitor experience concierge at Qatar Museums, told Qatar Tribune: 'For my individual project, I chose to work with gypsum carving and gilding, creating a mihrab (prayer niche) for the prayer room in Bayt Al-Khater. I also worked on a group project carving a wooden door panel with sadu symbols. Every subject was enjoyable—ceramics, natural dyes, textiles…
'My greatest passion, though, was for geometry. The classes opened my eyes to the depth and precision behind traditional geometric patterns. I honestly wished it was even longer. Each day, we spent over five hours in class, but not once did I feel bored. It was a release—a chance to recharge and contribute something meaningful.'
Khadijetou Moussa, architect at Qatar Foundation, said: 'As an architect, we study modern design but not traditional crafts. Herfah offered a chance to connect with sacred geometry and its philosophical roots. My project was a wall frieze—a traditional decorative border. I used Qatari geometric inspirations and techniques like egg tempera and wood carving.''
