The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency organised the event under the slogan “Our Heritage is the Origin of the Story,” with activities continuing at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo until October 24. More than 1,000 exhibitors from Egypt and several other countries are taking part, according to figures published by the agency, while Morocco acts as this year’s guest of honour alongside participants from Jordan, Algeria and Latvia. Prime Minister Madbouly, opening the exhibition on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, stated that the annual Turathna exhibition reflects the political leadership’s strong commitment to traditional crafts and heritage industries.
Madbouly toured the UAE pavilion, which is representing the country for the sixth consecutive year through the Saud Bin Saqr Foundation for Youth Enterprise Development and the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The pavilion welcomed the Egyptian leader with a folk arts performance drawn from authentic Emirati heritage, underlining the deep brotherly ties between the nations, the Emirates News Agency reported. Muhammad Musabah Al Nuaimi, who headed the UAE delegation as chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber, briefed the prime minister on the displayed items that blend traditional techniques with contemporary creative expressions.
Yusuf Ismail, chairman of the higher committee at the Saud Bin Saqr Foundation, joined the delegation along with other officials from Ras Al Khaimah’s economic zones during the visit. The UAE participation focuses on supporting youth-led projects in handicrafts, providing a platform for Emirati artisans to connect with regional markets and exchange expertise with Egyptian counterparts. Previous editions of the exhibition have consistently drawn large crowds to the UAE stand, where cultural programming including poetry and live demonstrations highlighted shared Arab heritage values.
The exhibition serves as a marketplace for heritage products while advancing economic opportunities for small producers across the region, according to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency’s assessment of past events. Organisers have coordinated with multiple Egyptian ministries to align the fair with national strategies for preserving crafts and boosting their export potential. For the UAE, the event aligns with broader efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and sustainable entrepreneurship through institutions dedicated to youth enterprise development.
Traditional Emirati crafts on display range from woven textiles and pottery to modern interpretations that incorporate innovative design elements while retaining core heritage features. The Ras Al Khaimah Chamber has facilitated the selection of exhibitors whose work reflects both historical practices and creative adaptations suited to contemporary tastes. Such initiatives have helped elevate the visibility of Gulf craftsmanship within Egypt’s vibrant cultural scene over successive participations.
Egypt Post has also maintained a strong presence at this year’s Turathna, offering logistical support and discounted shipping rates to participating artisans as part of efforts to expand market reach for heritage goods. The combined participation of Arab states underscores a collective interest in safeguarding traditional industries amid growing global interest in authentic cultural products. Data from earlier editions indicate that the fair generates significant commercial activity, with thousands of visitors exploring exhibits that connect historical narratives to present-day creative economies.
