Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (LIWA)
Liwa Village, part of the Liwa International Festival, welcomed the new year with spectacular fireworks, live music and cultural performances, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Liwa Desert.
Running until January 4, the Liwa International Festival highlights the region's heritage and community spirit, featuring motorsport, falconry, horse and camel competitions, live music and family entertainment.
The Souk at Liwa Village offers a glimpse into the traditional Emirati lifestyle, with local crafts, spices, and workshops on traditional skills passed down through generations.
Speaking to Aletihad, local artisans talked about their participation in the festival.
Ashwaq Al Tamimi's stall offers a variety of spices for both cooking and therapeutic purposes, including turmeric, coriander seeds, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper and more."I have a deep passion for heritage festivals, and the Liwa International Festival is truly exceptional. It is essential to educate younger generations about our traditions. I hope to see more heritage workshops in the future, as many people, particularly expatriates, are eager to learn about the rich cultural history of the UAE," Al Tamimi said.
Fatima Al Ali's booth introduces visitors, especially expatriates, to the world of henna, its preparation and diverse decorative forms."Henna paste made from the leaves of the henna tree. We dry the leaves in the sun, then grind them into a powder. After that, we mix it with boiled dried lemon to enhance its colour. This natural henna mixture, combined with boiled dried lemon, has many cosmetic and therapeutic benefits for the hair, such as thickening and lengthening. It also acts as a cooling agent for the head, making it perfect for all occasions. Henna has always been a woman's adornment," Al Ali said.
Ateejah Al Muhairbi is demonstrating the art of Al Khous or palm fronds weaving. The date palm tree holds a vital role in Emirati daily life, providing sustenance with its fruits, materials for construction with its trunk and resources for traditional handicrafts with its fronds, leaves and fibres.The fronds are softened in water to reshape them into tools like khisf, malalah, sama, haseer, yalla, and mazmah, while the pulp is used for surood, mekhrafa, and juffair, she said.
"This festival is unparalleled. Every year, we see more development and progress, and we are grateful for the continuous improvements that make it even more distinct," Al Muhairbi said.
In another section, Umm Khalifa is showcasing the traditional Emirati weaving technique of Al Sadu, which uses camel fur, goat hair, or sheep wool to make blankets, carpets, pillows, and tent decorations.The process begins with cleaning and sorting the material, followed by spinning it into yarn and dyeing it with local plants like henna and saffron.
The yarn is woven on a palm tree loom, with multiple looms used for larger projects like tents or wedding decorations.
"I am here to raise awareness about one of the UAE's traditional crafts to ensure it does not disappear. What makes this craft special is its Bedouin origins, and what makes this festival unique is its celebration of the UAE's heritage, including popular Emirati foods and traditional crafts," she said.
Talli, a traditional textile craft known for its bright colours and intricate designs, is also showcased at the event. It adorns various women's clothing, from wedding gowns to everyday wear, by twisting and braiding threads into long, narrow strips with fine patterns, Ateejah Al Mansouri said.
"Traditionally, Talli braids used real silver thread for the intricate patterns, combined with colorful cotton threads along the borders. However, today, synthetic materials like plastic are commonly used as substitutes," she added.
