Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Al Hosn Festival kicked off at the historic Al Hosn site in Abu Dhabi at the weekend, offering 16 days of immersive cultural activities that unite the community and introduce visitors to the living heritage of the emirate.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the festival transports guests to Abu Dhabi’s past, with evening shows that chronicle the discovery of water in the emirate and the evolution of Qasr Al Hosn from a watchtower in the 18th century to a landmark that was crucial to the community’s growth.
Rauda Mohamed Al Dhaheri, Programmes Development Specialist, told Aletihad that this year’s edition supports the Year of the Family.
“We are showcasing the Emirati persona and the values we follow as a society, and we are focusing on how Emiratis are connected through family and community,” she said.
The Youth Heritage Guardian programme for kids is one of the highlights of the festival. It’s a treasure hunt-style exercise that introduces young participants to UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural elements, including Arabic coffee (kahwa) and Al Sadu weaving.
The Heritage Escape Room, which tests guests’ knowledge of Emirati customs, is another major draw.
There’s a room devoted to palm trees and their various purposes, as well as one on majlis etiquette and kahwa serving; another chamber explores dhow-building and pearl diving.
Through the Emirati Kahwa Leewan programme, coffee serving, an expression of Emirati hospitality, is also highlighted.
Al Sani Al Sagheer teaches participants the craft of preparing coffee, and includes workshops on kahwa rituals, tools, and majlis etiquette. Traditional equipment connected to this time-honoured custom is also on display in a special kahwa exhibition.
Another feature of the festival is the promotion of traditional craftsmanship. To promote intergenerational learning and cultural continuity, Leewan Al Harafiyyin (artisans’ leewan) gives elders a stage to showcase traditional crafts and impart their skills to the younger generations.
Ramsat Ahl Al Dar, an interactive experience, showcases Emirati words, expressions and occasions on six screens. Visitors can interact with the local language by exploring the Emirati dialect with explanations in both English and modern standard Arabic.
Mohamed Ali Almadfai, Head of the Bait Al Gahwa Department, emphasised the significance of the majlis, which lies “at the heart of the Emirati home.”
He told Aletihad, “It is where guests are welcomed, conversations are shared, and traditions and values are passed from one generation to another.”
At Majlis Al Sanaa, guests can participate in majlis etiquette workshops, conversations about heritage and identity, and the interactive family competition Sana’a Seen Jeem, which offers cultural information in an entertaining way.
Almadfai adds that Majlis Al Sanaa “reflects Emirati hospitality and helps foster respect, togetherness and a sense of belonging.”
