Al ain: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is organising the Al Ain Heritage Festival from January 31 to February 9 at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain, under the theme “Tales from Our Heritage”. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that the festival aligns with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasizing the importance of preserving Emirati heritage as a national priority.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival is a testament to Al Ain Region’s reputation as a cradle of Emirati heritage and a cultural and tourism destination. It aims to attract visitors from both within the UAE and abroad through a series of events that highlight the historical and cultural richness of the area. The festival supports artisans and small business owners by providing a platform to showcase their products, thus contributing to the sustainability and economic development of traditional crafts.
The festival will feature a variety of heritage events and programmes, including the Date Festival, which underscores the significance of the date palm in Emirati and global heritage. Visitors can engage in knowledge sharing, tasting, and cultural exchange at the Date Market, which will host 50 outlets. Furthermore, eight competitions for various date varieties will be held.
Highlighting the shared heritage of the Arab region, the festival provides a platform for Gulf and Arab countries to present their traditional arts, cuisine, and handicrafts. This initiative reflects the richness of Arab cultural heritage, with participation from GCC states and several Arab nations.
Visitors can explore an integrated heritage village designed to replicate the traditional neighbourhoods of Al Ain, offering an immersive experience of daily life as it once was. The Visual Journey through History will guide attendees along a timeline of Emirati development, enhanced by interactive light and sound experiences.
The festival will also feature the Honey Village, showcasing the heritage of beekeeping, along with local and Gulf honey varieties. Visitors can participate in tasting experiences and educational workshops. Various handicrafts such as Sadu weaving, Talli embroidery, and Dallah making will be on display, offering interaction between artisans and visitors.
The Outdoor Performance Arena will host traditional performances, including falconry displays and Arabian Saluki shows. Traditional cooking activities will present Emirati and Gulf cuisine through live demonstrations and competitions. The festival’s main stage will feature a daily programme of folk performances, artistic and poetry evenings, and heritage cinema screenings, fostering artistic expression inspired by Emirati and Arab heritage.
Interactive and educational programmes for children and families, such as the Heritage Visitor Passport and virtual reality experiences, will also be part of the festival, aimed at engaging younger generations in heritage preservation.
Source: Emirates News Agency