New Maldives Polytechnic Cultural Centre to Revive Traditional Feyli Weaving Craft

A new Cultural Centre at Maldives Polytechnic is set to open this November, serving as a dedicated hub to preserve and revive the traditional art of feyli weaving. The Business Center Corporation (BCC) announced the facility's upcoming launch during a recent meeting of the Parliament's Committee on National Development and Heritage. BCC Managing Director Ibrahim Ziyau informed the committee that the centre will address the recent decline in feyli weaving by collaborating with industry experts and stakeholders. The initiative aims to develop structured programs that ensure the survival of the craft, integrating it into the educational framework of the Polytechnic. Beyond the capital, the government is expanding its cultural preservation efforts to the islands. Cultural Centres in Thulhaadhoo, Baa Atoll, and Gahdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, are scheduled to open in July next year. These regional facilities will be equipped with specialized feyli weaving machines and will offer training programs designed to transfer ancestral knowledge and technical skills to younger generations. Addressing the economic hurdles of traditional craftsmanship, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Transport, and Trade Aish Mohamed highlighted that low income and limited market access have pushed many weavers out of the trade. She emphasized that the new Cultural Centres will implement a structured teaching system to professionalize the craft and create more sustainable opportunities for artisans. These efforts are part of a wider national strategy under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's administration to safeguard the Maldives' intangible cultural heritage. The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Heritage continues to support these initiatives, ensuring that traditional practices are not only remembered but actively practiced. By combining technical training with market development, the government hopes to transform feyli weaving from a fading tradition into a viable contemporary industry. The development of these centers follows a Cabinet decision made on December 30, signaling a high-level commitment to maintaining the nation's cultural identity in a modern economy.