MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
Qasr Al Hosn came alive as the beating heart of the community on Eid Al Etihad, as Emirati families gathered in their finest traditional dresses. For expats and tourists stepping onto its grounds, it felt like entering a living museum where history, tradition, and everyday life beautifully converge. Immersed in Emirati culture, they found the perfect way to join the national celebrations.
Emirati heritage shone in every detail at Qasr Al Hosn’s ongoing Heart of Community event—from the meticulously preserved architecture of Abu Dhabi’s oldest standing structure to the intricate patterns of traditional crafts on display, and the distinctive fragrance of locally made perfume.
It was an experience left destination’s visitors in awe, giving them a genuine sense of belonging within the community.
“The Emirati culture is very unique and well preserved,” said Bebs Ortega from the Philippines. “Even in this modern era, we are able to experience it — it’s very heartwarming.”
For many, the experience felt like taking a step back in time as they explored the souk filled with handcrafted goods, witnessed folk dances, and listened to time-honoured rhythms.
Indian visitors Murshid and Munavar highly recommend a trip to Qasr Al Hosn. “Emiratis really protect their culture, and visiting here helps us understand their heritage and traditions.”
At the community event, craftsmen demonstrated age-old techniques in weaving, pottery, and jewellery-making, while women prepared traditional dishes like Asida, sharing stories and skills passed down through generations. Visitors found these fascinated by these traditions, realising that the UAE’s identity is as much about its people as it is about its history.
Russian visitor Romana Kotáčková said she was “enchanted by the beauty of the local people and the strong sense of national pride”. “Everyone should experience this — it cannot be described in words,” she added.
Haifa Al-Khair and Zuhair Taha from Sudan were impressed by the Emirati perfumery and the traditional crafts that stood the test of time. “The atmosphere is filled with vibrant heritage despite all the modern developments,” they said.
The visitors agreed that Qasr Al Hosn is more than a palace or a museum but the heartbeat of Emirati culture, a place where heritage is celebrated, shared, and kept alive for generations to come.