The BRICS TimesThe 11th annual event is a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and deep community engagement at Qattara Souq.
The 11th Traditional Crafts and Industries Festival is set to start. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) organizes this event. It is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He is the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region. The festival will run from November 1 to 20. Its location is the Qattara Souq in Al Ain.
The theme this year is “A Journey Through Community Traditional Crafts.” It aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s “Year of Community” initiatives. Visitors will enjoy a rich cultural experience. It celebrates authentic Emirati heritage. The festival blends traditional craftsmanship with social values and creativity.
The current festival edition supports productive families. These families specialize in traditional crafts and industries. It showcases their artisanal skills and their creativity. This initiative highlights DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication. It focuses on fostering talent and building vocational skills. It also creates new opportunities in innovation and production fields.
A Key Platform for Heritage and Community
The festival is a vital cultural platform. It promotes cultural exchange and community engagement. Visitors can interact directly with various artisans. They can also join engaging workshops and activities. These experiences aim to strengthen social bonds. They also promote valuable cross-cultural dialogue.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman, shared his views. He said: “This festival embodies our commitment to preserving Emirati heritage. Our culture connects tradition, community, and creativity. This bridge links our proud past with our vibrant present. It forms a timeless legacy that inspires future generations.”
He added: “The festival is now a major highlight on Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar. It draws visitors eager to explore artisan skills and stories. In this ‘Year of Community,’ the event proves heritage has a unifying power. It instills pride and deepens our connection to national identity.”
All ages can enjoy a diverse program. It features traditional performing arts and interactive games. Visitors can attend educational and heritage workshops. An extensive array of Emirati cuisine is also available. This includes both authentic and contemporary dishes.
Four Pavilions Showcase Traditional Crafts
The festival will feature four special pavilions. Each one highlights the skill and creativity of Emirati artisans.
- The Emirati Coffee Pavilion celebrates hospitality traditions. It offers live demonstrations and storytelling sessions. Children can attend workshops on coffee preparation and serving.
- The Textiles and Palm Fronds Pavilion displays time-honored crafts. These include sadu weaving and khous (palm frond weaving). Artisans share personal stories with visitors. Hands-on experiences are also part of the offering.
- The Traditional Attire Pavilion focuses on local beauty customs. It highlights Emirati women’s adornment and fragrance traditions. Live demonstrations include perfume blending and incense making. Fashion tailoring and jewellery design are also showcased. Visitors get an immersive cultural journey.
- The Blacksmithing and Leatherworks Pavilion reveals artistry in metal and leather. Demonstrations show the crafting of swords and daggers. They also feature making traditional household tools. This showcases the deep-rooted skill and heritage of these trades.
This year emphasizes training and knowledge transfer. Visitors of all ages can join interactive workshops. These sessions promote hands-on learning and cultural exchange. They ensure the sustainability of traditional Emirati crafts.
The “My Talent” (Mawhibati) program will showcase young Emirati creativity. The “Emirati Voices” initiative includes musical performances. Local artists will deliver captivating live shows. This celebrates the nation’s rich musical heritage.
Souq Square will welcome visitors. They can explore authentic culinary experiences and handcrafted products. This dynamic platform helps Al Ain’s productive families. They showcase their talents and pass down their skills.
Oasis Trails: An Immersive Heritage Journey
Festival-goers can also explore immersive heritage journeys. These are along the Al Jimi and Qattara Oasis Trails. They offer a deep experience within Qattara Oasis. This is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This new experience aligns with Al Ain’s designation. It is named the Gulf Tourism Capital. The historic site becomes a living extension of the festival. It highlights the region’s unique heritage and traditions.
The trail stretches over 1.4 kilometres. It guides visitors through themed zones. These zones aim to deepen connections to Gulf creativity and heritage. Guests will discover ancient irrigation systems. They will also find cultural programs and interactive exhibits. These promote knowledge exchange across generations.
The journey continues through the palm trees in both oases. Palm trees symbolize generosity, unity, and continuity. Each trail stop offers a distinct experience. It underscores the UAE’s commitment to cultural preservation. This strengthens Al Ain’s position as a leading cultural destination.
“Manar Abu Dhabi” exhibition is at the trail’s heart. Its theme is “Your Guide, Canopus Star.” It reimagines light beyond mere illumination. Light becomes a vessel of memory, identity, and navigation. The concept is inspired by Gulf ancestors’ seafaring techniques.
The exhibition presents artworks exploring light’s dimensions. It covers the physical, poetic, and technological aspects. It highlights light’s beauty through varied landscapes. Interactive installations and light displays are used. Natural luminous elements create a mesmerizing journey. This explores the artistic and emotional worlds of light.
This year’s interactive experiences include traditional Emirati games. There is a first-ever championship for People of Determination.
The Traditional Crafts and Industries Festival is open daily. Students are welcome from 8am to 1pm. The general public can visit from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays. Weekend hours for the public are from 4pm to midnight. Admission is free for all visitors.
