Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Visitors to this year's Lawal Celebration described the event as a meaningful opportunity to engage with Emirati heritage in a way that felt both accessible and authentic. Families, locals and tourists gathered in Abu Dhabi's Emirates Heritage Village from December 18-23 for the second edition of the festival, which transformed tradition into a shared, lived experience.
Rooted in the meaning of lawal - "to return" or "to go back" - the Lawal Celebration is a cultural festival that invites participants to reconnect with the authentic traditions of the UAE. It offers a versatile programme consisting of immersive storytelling, live performances, authentic food and hands-on workshops.
For regular visitors like Mariam Al Ali, the occasion served as a poignant reminder of cultural continuity.
"The Lawal Celebration enables us to re-establish a connection with our roots in a way that feels natural and engaging," she told Aletihad.
"The enthusiastic participation of families and young people demonstrates how our heritage can be preserved by making it accessible and enjoyable."
Warm Emirati hospitality was evident as visitors passed through areas where entertainers told tales that connected the past and present and craftspeople showcased traditional methods.
Traditional games, Emirati cuisine, music, Sadu weaving demonstrations, and re-enactments of local customs gave guests the opportunity to engage with cultural practices often known only through family memory or classroom instruction.
Inspired by the idea that history flourishes when it is experienced together rather than observed from a distance, the celebration was structured to appeal across all age groups - from children to adults.
Reham Abrahim, another local guest, said that he really appreciated this strong sense of community.
"What struck me was how people from different backgrounds came together," Abrahim told Aletihad.
"The events capture the genuine essence of Emirati culture - cooperation, hospitality, and pride in our customs." Everyone felt like they belonged there.
The experience was remarkable and enriching for guests from other countries as well.
Emily Carte, who is currently visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time, said that the event offered a lesser-known glimpse into the Emirati cultural heritage.
"This was more than a festival," she told Aletihad.
"It was like entering the UAE's living history. The culture felt warm and real, not contrived, thanks to the storytelling, workshops, and interpersonal encounters."
From its welcoming atmosphere to a programme that makes Emirati traditions fun and engaging to contemporary audiences, the Lawal Celebration has quickly grown into one of the city's most anticipated cultural events. With its second edition now complete, the event continues to grow as a platform that keeps the UAE's cultural story alive for future generations.
