Today's Edition
The ninth Al Ain Traditional Handicrafts Festival will commence from next week to celebrate local artisans and craftsmanship amid the rich culture and heritage of the UAE. The event will be held at Souq Al Qattara from November 1-20.
The festival will allow visitors to get a closer look at long-practiced Emirati crafts such as Arabic coffee-making (Gahwa), Al Sadu weaving, and Talli embroidery through competitions, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops.
Traditional performances will take place throughout the festival, too, with dance showcases such as Al Ayyala and special music concerts from artists including Mohammed Al Menhali, Hazzaa Al Raeesy, Abdel Moneim Al Ameri and Rikia Magha as part of the Memory of the Emirati Song series.
In addition, visitors to the festival will also be able to taste traditional dishes from the region. There will also be plenty of opportunity to shop a wide variety of local products, from Emirati clothing and perfume to spices and jewellery, at the souk during the festival in the Garden City.
Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, undersecretary of Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The festival is a vital platform to showcase our rich Emirati cultural heritage and preserve the integrity of our unique traditions.
“It is also key to DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission to preserve and disseminate our traditional Emirati heritage and ensure that the vast wealth of knowledge and skills possessed by our craftspeople are passed down to younger generations.”
