Urasenke Tankokai Abu Dhabi Association
Chadō in Abu Dhabi
In October 2008, in honor of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Dr. Genshitsu Sen, 15th-generation Grand Master of Urasenke, a prominent school of Japanese Tradition of Tea, hosted a traditional Japanese Way of Tea Procedure for the first time in Abu Dhabi.
In December 2009, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was presented a traditional Japanese Tea House built in the Emirates Palace by Dr. Sen as a symbol of friendship and goodwill. The teahouse also symbolizes an oasis blessed with green and water, had been given a name “Ryoku-Sui-An.”
His Highness took the brush and ink, wrote “Green Oasis”, and signed in Arabic.
The framed calligraphy is now placed in the front of the teahouse.
Chadō has its roots back to 1521 with Sen Rikyū, the founding father of Chadō, which has four principles; Wa (harmony), Kei (respect), Sei (purity) and Jaku (tranquility).
These four principles aim to withdraw Chadō practitioners away from the busy momentum of life to enjoy another world of stillness and balance.
About Us
‘Ryoku-Sui-An’ 緑水庵 Japanese Tea House
The tea house symbolizes the friendship and respect shared between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Dr. Genshitsu Sen, and is a strong representation of the goodwill and multilateral relations shared between the UAE and Japan. The plaque hanging under the eave gives the Arabic rendering of the name, ‘The Green Oasis’ handwritten by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on its formal inauguration on 6th December 2009. The ‘Ryoku-Sui-An’ was designed and built by architecture experts under the supervision of Dr. Sen, and is wholly composed of materials that were prepared and shipped from Kyoto, Japan. A Japanese tea house known as ‘Chashitsu’, is a place for the enjoyment of ‘Chado - Japanese Tradition of Tea’ for cultural and spiritual refreshment.
Chado Activities 茶道 in Abu Dhabi
The Chadō lessons commenced in Abu Dhabi, 2010. Currently, approximately 40 Emirati and Japanese members participate in the lessons. While devoting ourselves to daily practice, we have welcomed many guests including VIPs at the teahouse. In addition, we have actively introduced Chadō at events in universities and companies, and various collaborations with the Embassy of Japan, ADIHEX (falconry exhibition) etc.
In 2023, we were honored to receive the Japan's Foreign Minister's Commendation for the contribution in spreading the Japanese culture in the UAE, and the promotion of friendly relations between the two countries.
We became an official overseas association of Urasenke on January 8th 2024.
Classes
Regular Classes Thursdays & Sundays
@Emirates Palace or @Japanese School
Beginner Classes, Workshops
Announcements via our Instagram
