AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
The Heritage Village at Zayed Port takes visitors on a journey through time, acquainting them with the cultural gems of traditional Emirati way of life.
Located in Mina Zayed, the cultural destination features recreations of traditional houses, old mosques, tents and majlis, in accordance with the construction methods used over 70 years ago, in addition to cultural activities that offer an immersive experience in Abu Dhabi's past.
The relationship with nature is an inseparable part of Emirati heritage, where the environment plays a central role in shaping customs and traditions, reflecting the deep connection between the people and their land.
Speaking to Aletihad Ahmed Al Helli, the spokesperson for the Zayed Port Heritage Village, said: "We aim to preserve Emirati heritage and promote cultural elements as key features of national identity, to pass on to future generations and to the world."
He noted that the location of the village provides visitors with a distinctive experience that combines the beauty of heritage with the modernity of the city. "It showcases how the UAE was in the past and how it has evolved into the modernity and rapid development it enjoys today."
"We were keen in the Zayed Port Heritage Village to follow traditional building methods used by both the people of the sea and the people of the desert and to introduce visitors to the 'House of the Emir' and the Bedouin tent, among other cultural aspects," Al Helli said.
Stressing that heritage preservation is a significant aspect of Emirati way of life, Al Helli cited the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's famous saying: "He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn."Al Helli noted that visitors can learn about various traditional handicrafts, such as carpet weaving, sewing, and the tools used by Emiratis in the past.
There are also workshops for children on how to make and weave traditional 'sadu' fabric.
"The Zayed Port Heritage Village serves as an educational platform for new generations to understand the importance of preserving heritage and cultural identity," Al Helli said.