Weavers in the northern Indian city of Jaipur were going about their work as usual in their workshop when an unexpected visitor walked in—Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi of Sharjah.

The Sharjah royal, who visited India, shared glimpses from her stop at the workshop, where she spent time with local artisans and observed their work up close. She sat with the workers as they wove intricate fabrics and carried out detailed stitching, following each stage of the process with interest.

During her visit, Sheikha Bodour did not merely observe the artisans at work; she actively took part in the craft herself, trying her hand at an ancient Indian weaving and stitching techniques known as Shibori and Bandhani.

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'Expression of patience, care'

On her Instagram account, Sheikha Bodour praised the women's dedication and skill in a world increasingly driven by fast-paced production, saying that their craftsmanship delivers more than just a finished product. She said it reflects patience and a deep sense of tradition. Read her comment:

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi of SharjahIn a world driven by the relentless pace of production, true craftsmanship endures as an expression of patience and care. In Jaipur, I met women who carry forward time-honoured traditions of trying and dyeing, weaving into every piece a part of their time, their skill, and their memory.

Sheikha Bodour also referred to Inanna Reborn, her mythic luxury fashion house, saying that this spirit of dedication and love for the craft is embodied in its work. The fashion line, which was launched earlier this year, is rich with Arabic and traditional motifs and inspired by queens of Arabia like Zenobia, Queen of Sheba and Samsi and by her book "Let Them Know She Is Here".

Place that speaks directly to the soul

This is not the first time Sheikha Bodour has shown interest in intricate craftsmanship in the capital of Rajasthan. Earlier, she collaborated with Jaipur Rugs to design a collection that is inspired by the landscapes in Sharjah's Mleiha and Faya, capturing "the poetry of a land where history, nature, and humanity intertwine," as the Indian company puts it. Pieces from the collection featured desert-inspired motifs, with some rendered in shades of beige to reflect the surrounding atmosphere. The designs were given evocative names such as “Cry of the Sands” and “Oasis of the Ancestors.”

She hailed the Indian city, calling it "a place that speaks directly to the soul". Listen to the voice message Sheikha Bodour shared following the visit here:

Swipe right to view more photos from the royal visit shared by Sheikha Bodour:

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