IHAB AL RIFAI (AL DHAFRA)

With the aim of highlighting historical sites, the Department of Culture and Tourism organises the Winter at Al Dhafra Fort event, coinciding with the official opening of the permanent exhibition of Al Dhafra Fort.

The event, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Al Dhafra region’s people and their past, continues until the end of December.

Al Dhafra Fort, the iconic and historical landmark, serves as the main gateway to the Al Dhafra region, one of the largest areas in Abu Dhabi that is home to several important cultural sites in the emirate.

The current Al Dhafra Fort was built in 2017, following the architectural style for which historical forts in Abu Dhabi are renowned. It is located near the historical site of Al Sura Fort, 30 kilometres east of Zayed City.

Mouza Matar Al Marzouqi, Head of Al Dhafra Fort and Liwa Castles Unit, explained that Winter at Al Dhafra Fort aims to highlight the heritage and culture of the people of Al Dhafra region. This is achieved through the permanent exhibition of Al Dhafra Fort, which serves as an informative window into the lives of the region’s people.

Al Marzouqi added that the activities presented at Al Dhafra Fort vary between cultural and entertainment, showcasing traditional crafts such as weaving, fishing net making, henna application, spinning, and live cooking of popular dishes. This provides visitors with a first-hand experience of these crafts, complemented by entertainment workshops suitable for all ages.

Al Marzouqi emphasised the Department of Culture and Tourism’s commitment to developing and improving historical sites in the region.

“The department seeks to highlight these sites to preserve our heritage and culture, and we invite the public to visit these sites and participate in various events to have an unforgettable cultural experience,” he said.

Visitors to the fort have the opportunity to tour the exhibition that tells the story of Al Dhafra region, its customs, and the lifestyle created by the desert nature of the land, along with the values that its people still hold to this day.

The exhibition also addresses the efforts made by Al Dhafra region, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the UAE in general to combat climate change and mitigate its impact.

The exhibition showcases forts and other observation towers in the region that distinguish Al Dhafra region and its prominent landmarks. The events include various activities, including artistic workshops such as pottery painting and canvas bag workshops, as well as bracelet-making and embroidery workshops.

Visitors can also enjoy traditional arts, including Al Ayyala dance, Al Rababah music, and Al Taghrooda singing. Falconry arts are presented by professional falconers, along with handicrafts including weaving, fishing net making, and spinning, created by Emirati hands that are keen to pass on the authentic Emirati heritage from ancestors to the new generations eager to learn these arts.