Overview
Herfah at Al Khater House
The Herfah Program is a Qatar Foundation initiative focused on reviving and promoting traditional crafts deeply rooted in Qatari and Islamic culture. Held at Al Khater House, the program is delivered in collaboration with The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, renowned for its excellence in teaching and preserving heritage crafts. Through its annual program and weekly workshops, Herfah invites participants to engage in practical experiences that merge timeless traditions with creative expression.
Herfah at Al Khater House Year-Long Program
Herfah returns to Al Khater House for a third year of immersive, hands-on learning in traditional Qatari and Islamic crafts.
Launched in 2024, the program welcomed participants from diverse backgrounds to explore heritage crafts in a setting that honors both tradition and craftsmanship. Held in collaboration with The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, Herfah aims to preserve and celebrate timeless practices while deepening cultural understanding and creative skills.
The upcoming program runs from September to May, with classes held daily from Sunday to Thursday, 9am–2pm.
For any questions or assistance, please contact us at herfah@qf.org.qa.
Click here to learn more about the one-year program and register.Foundational Modules
This introductory geometry class familiarizes students with the principles and language of traditional geometry, beginning with nature’s creative principles and exploring how they inform traditional arts across cultures.
Geometry 1
This course teaches students to recognize and develop the stylized floral and plant forms prevalent in the art of biomorphic design. Students also learn the principles of composition and how to apply these designs in the various craft contexts taught at Al Khater House.
Biomorphic Design
This class introduces students to observational and analytical drawing skills. Students learn to stylize and refine drawn elements to reveal universal principles that are present within the particularities of our observed surroundings.
Drawing for Designers
This course introduces the processes of refinement and preparation. Learning to transform the raw materials of earth, stones, plants, and resins into paint gives artists a profound respect for the nature of their materials.
Methods and Materials of Painting
The second level of the geometry courses develops the students’ drawing skills and understanding of pattern construction and composition. Students extend their investigations into symmetry families derived from octagonal and hexagonal proportions, as well as the basic Golden Mean grids.
Geometry 2
This course incorporates the visual vocabulary and skills introduced in Nabati Ornamentation: Motifs, introducing students to principles of compositional design as applied in various craft contexts.
Nabati Ornamentation: Composition
This course supports students in adapting both geometric and biomorphic designs to various craft contexts, including painting, woodworking, gypsum work, textiles, and ceramics.
Design Project
Craft Modules
A range of traditional skills is covered in this module, including Contextual Design, Gilding, and Egg Tempera Painting, along with various traditional painting techniques found in the region and its neighboring areas.
Decorative Painting
Ceramics is an art form that can be decorative, utilitarian, or architectural, requiring students to thoughtfully integrate design and craft skills to achieve successful outcomes. Students will explore painted vessels, geometric tiles, and other ceramic skills.
Ceramics
The field of textiles is one of the earliest art forms practiced by humans. This module closely integrates an understanding of materials given to us by the natural world with practical craft skills and careful handiwork.
Textiles
There are many ways of engaging with the warm, living material of wood. This module offers students the opportunity to explore both geometric and biomorphic designs in wood, drawing on a variety of traditional techniques.
Woodwork
Gypsum is a traditional material that is widely used as a decorative element in the interiors and exteriors of many historic buildings. This module will teach students how to correctly mix and pour gypsum, as well as carve geometric and biomorphic patterns into its surface. The course may also include colored glazing and stained glass.
Gypsum
Frequently Asked Questions
Herfah at Al Khater House is a program focused on reviving and promoting traditional crafts that are deeply rooted in Qatari and Islamic culture. This One-year immersive experience is designed to build foundational skills in traditional Islamic crafts, with participants engaging in both Foundational Modules and Craft Modules, guided by expert tutors. Held at Al Khater House, the program is delivered by The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, which brings expertise in teaching and preserving these heritage crafts.
The one-year program is open to residents of Qatar with a passion for traditional crafts. Prior experience and a commitment to attending the full program are required.
The program fee is QAR 15,000 and includes all Foundational and Craft Modules, along with materials provided throughout the year. Flexible payment options are available, including monthly installments. A full scholarship is also available, subject to approval.
The program runs from September 2026 to May 2027, with classes held daily from Sunday to Thursday, 9am–2pm.
The program is divided into Foundational Modules, which introduce the core principles and techniques of traditional Islamic and Qatari crafts through Geometry, Drawing, Biomorphic Design, and Natural Pigments and Dyes. The program also includes Craft Modules in Ceramics, Decorative Painting, Marquetry and Woodcarving, Textiles, and Gypsum Carving.
Participants will receive guidance from experienced tutors, access to workshop facilities, and all necessary materials for the courses. You can reach out to herfah@qf.org.qa for any support or questions.
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