On 28–29 January 2026, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai, in collaboration with the Thailand Foundation and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, organised a Roi Malai (Traditional Thai Garland Making) Workshop as part of the Sikka Art & Design Festival 2026 held at the historic Al Shindagha Museum in Dubai.

 

This activity marked a new dimension of cultural cooperation between Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to promote family and community engagement through a creative learning process, in line with the UAE’s national theme “Year of Family” for 2026.

 

The said workshop was organised at the invitation of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and led by Mr. Sakul Intakul, a renowned Thai floral artist and contemporary art creator whose works were inspired by flowers. Along with him at this workshop was Mr. Kritapong Jamchan, his assistant.

 

The workshop was conducted in three sessions per day, welcoming over 120 participants across two days, reflecting strong interest from audiences of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

On 28 January 2026, H.E. Miss Nipa Nirannot, Consul-General of Thailand in Dubai, presided over the opening of a special workshop session for distinguished female guests, including senior female officials from Dubai government entities, female Consuls-General and consular representatives from Germany, Peru and Malaysia, as well as representatives from the Thai community in the UAE. Participants were given the opportunity to closely experience Thai art and handicraft traditions in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

 

Throughout the event, the workshop attracted enthusiastic participation from a wide range of audiences, including UAE nationals, international visitors, men, women and youth. Participants were encouraged to use their creativity and imagination while learning the traditional techniques of Thai garland making and creating their own pieces under the guidance of the instructors. Each individual creation was later assembled into a large-scale collaborative artwork, symbolising cooperation, cultural diversity and the refined elegance of Thai craftsmanship presented in a contemporary and accessible form that truly encourages public participation.

 

This workshop represents another important step in promoting Thailand’s cultural soft power internationally, while strengthening tangible people-to-people and cultural cooperation between Thailand and the United Arab Emirates through art, traditional knowledge, and community engagement. It also marked the first participation of a Thai artist in the Sikka Art & Design Festival.

 

On this occasion, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai extends its sincere appreciation to the Thailand Foundation for its support of Mr. Sakul Intakul’s participation, as well as to the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and all participants who contributed to creating a warm, memorable, and culturally meaningful experience