The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) held a remote seminar under the title: “The Emirati Khannir between the Past and the Present”, presented by Emirati researcher Abdullah Thani Rashid Al Matrouchi, who specializes in studying the history of “Emirati daggers and swords”, to provide an opportunity for community members to get to know the aesthetics The craft of old Emirati daggers industry and its features, and promoting the beautiful values associated with this heritage.
The symposium held through the “Zoom” program discussed three axes that shed light on the Emirati “dagger” (dagger) as a weapon that needs special skills, and an ancient traditional craft that reflects the specificity of Emirati culture and the aesthetic taste of local craftsmen, given its ingenuity and creativity in design turned it into a masterpiece Distinguished among generations, as well as being an artistic piece that distinguished the traditional Emirati costume and national identity, in an effort to enhance the culture of citizens and residents around the Emirati heritage.
Al-Matroushi pointed out in the symposium that "Al-Khunair" was widely used in many Arab countries other than the United Arab Emirates, as its designations differed from one country to another; In Palestine, it was called “Al-Shabria” and in Saudi Arabia “Janabiya”, “Al-Khanjar” in Oman, and “Al-Khanir” in the Emirates, where every Emirati's companion was for the purpose of protection, adornment and sniping, noting that the Emirati “Al-Khanir” is distinguished by a unique design and patterns that differ from Other daggers in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Emirati researcher explained that the "khanir" is a symbol of the national heritage, and was part of the Emirati costume on holidays and occasions, and since its shape did not differ from one occasion to another, only the inscriptions that adorned it, and the skin and silver wicker dominated it, as the number of daggers owned by the person was It indicates the standard of living for him, pointing out that among the last sheikhs who wore "Al-Khenir" was Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al-Nuaimi, may God have mercy on them.
On the technicalities and aesthetics of the Emirati “Al-Khunir” industry, Al-Matroushi mentioned some of the most skilled old Emirati daggers makers, including Rashid bin Muhammad Dalmouk Al-Falasi, Jassim bin Kalban and Muhammad Al-Suwaidi, and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Saqr Al Nahyan who was making wood of the daggers, and the poet Mohammed bin Suqat who specialized in The manufacture of handles (cutter), and Ahmed Bouznjal. He explained about the five parts of the "khennir": the horn called "giraffes" and made of a unicorn horn, blade and made of tenderness, wood (inside the "khennir" or slicer), the hat to protect the "khennir" from breakage, obliteration (belt). Al-Matroushi stressed the necessity of supporting the craft of the daggers industry to preserve the Emirati heritage, which is considered "Al-Khunair" as an indispensable masterpiece.
The Emirati dagger as a weapon needs special skills, which is an ancient craft that reflects the privacy of Emirati culture.
"Al-Khunair" is a symbol of the national heritage, and was part of the Emirati dress code for holidays and events.
Al-Khunair was part of the Emirati dress during holidays and occasions.