Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
From January 25 to February 9, 2025, the Al Hosn Festival returns to Qasr Al Hosn, the historic heart of Abu Dhabi, offering a curated blend of the emirate's rich heritage.
The festival, in its ninth edition, offers a chance to experience Emirati culture through performances, workshops, food, and art – celebrating both heritage and the evolution of Abu Dhabi's cultural landscape.
One of the new highlights of the festival is "The Story of 'Bu Dhabi' Island" exhibition, which spotlights the island's rich historical heritage and cultural symbols, like the gazelle, representing the region's past.
Another notable feature is Al Teeb by House of Artisans, a tribute to the tradition of Emirati perfume-making, offering live demonstrations and interactive experiences for visitors.
The main show "Al Tcholeeb", presented by Abu Dhabi Police Cavalry, is an enthralling performance that blends drama, poetry, and shadow play, is bringing to life the ancient stories and cultural customs.
"The Majlis Experience" offers a chance to step back in time, dress in historic attire, and participate in the traditional gatherings that once defined social life in the UAE.
The festival also includes "Sanad Al Sanaa", a play about community life set in the Abu Dhabi freej (traditional neighborhood). "Chef's Table" by Amina, where Emirati chefs share their traditional family recipes. It also features, "A Hunter's Journey", a gaming experience blending heritage with modern technology.
Heritage Comics merges local culture with modern comic art, offering live demonstrations and workshops.
All things considered, "Al Freej" offers a chance to engage with traditional crafts, while Souk Al Sough showcases local goods.
"The Fort Zone" hosts camel rides, falconry, and saluki races, providing a vibrant experience of Emirati culture.
The "Al Teeb Boutique", curated by the Abu Dhabi Business Women Council, presents local perfumes and artisanal products.
The "Al Teeb Coffee Shop" offers a space to reflect on the UAE's aromatic traditions, while the "Gahwa Championships" celebrate the art of Arabic coffee.
"Artisans in Training", where young generations learn from master artisans, and "Traditional Performing Arts", featuring performances like "Al Ayyala Bahri", "Al Razfa", as well as "Al Aazi."
Poetry enthusiasts can experience "Al Shallah Performances", while "Harbiya Stars" draws attention to the traditional Emirati music.
Families will appreciate "Heritage Adventures", an interactive programme by the "Abu Dhabi Children's Library", where kids engage with cultural stories through playful challenges.
The festival also offers vibrant cultural displays such as the "Makers Spaces", showcasing traditional and modern Emirati craftsmanship.
"Al Badiya Living" highlights desert and oasis life, while "Al Wadi" offers a peaceful retreat to explore native plants.
Interactive workshops centres on celestial navigation, camel care, and local design.
Visitors can explore the "Farmers Market" for local produce and shop at the "Bazaar", which features local entrepreneurs.
"The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial" demonstrates large-scale installations blending art with culture, including pieces by Mohamed Al Astad and Ayesha Hadhir.
"The Festival Volunteer Programme" offers opportunities for hands-on experience, enriching the community and fostering lasting connections.
The festival goes beyond celebrating heritage – it is also fostering community connections and sustainability.
In a statement to Aletihad, Randa Bin Haidar, Director of Culture Festivals and Platforms at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), stressed the importance of partnerships in creating a strong sense of community at the festival.
"As a visitor, you feel the connection – everyone knows each other inside the fort," she explained.
These partnerships help promote local businesses and the exchange of ideas, from sustainable farming practices to the preservation of traditional crafts.
Sustainability, a core value deeply embedded in the culture of the UAE, is reflected in the design of the festival's exhibits, many of which are built to be reused in future editions.
"Sustainability was a lifestyle in the past. Today, we try to design our displays in ways that allow us to reuse them," Bin Haidar added.
"Through the festival, we promote that heritage is alive. It is present, and people celebrate it. The heritage of the Emirates will always remain a part of us," she concluded.
