3rd National Traditional Handicrafts Festival
continuesuntil November 19th
Al Ain, UAE- November 16th, 2016: The third National Traditional Handicrafts Festival in Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) will continueuntil November 19th, 2016.
The Festival includes multiple sections and pavilions highlighting the authentic culture and heritage of Al Ain, as well as shops and live demonstrationsof traditional craftsmanship. The Festival also showcases traditional handicrafts that reflect the deep heritage of Emirati products.
In addition, the Festival has designated areas for artisans who will be conducting workshops to showcase traditional crafts such as pottery, Al Daen (roofs made of palm fronds), as well as other textile crafts such as Khous, Tali, and Sadu (traditional clothing, fabrics and textiles).
The Festival also has a traditional souq (market) that enables artisans tomarket their products. Multiple authorities, governmental and local organisationsare taking part in this event in order to support artisans, while suppliers attend with the aimof promoting their raw materials and handicrafts. The market also offers many traditional products such as honey, dates, falconry tools, camping equipment, traditional desserts, and more.
Daily competitions and workshops provide visitors with an experience of multiple components of the UAE’s intangible heritage, showcasing all its richness, essence, and uniqueness.These activities help attract younger members of society who are eager to learn about the authentic culture of Abu Dhabi emirate. Festival guests praise the event that combines education with a sense of national pride, identity and heritage preservation.
Al Qattara Arts Centre, operated by TCA Abu Dhabi is participating in the Third National Traditional Handicrafts Festival through a variety of educational workshops for all ages. The Centre has also allocated an area for children and their parents to come and visit and enjoy recreational activities and scientific and cultural programmes to stimulate their talents and creativity.
The workshops include pottery, painting, painting on water, face painting and reading. The Centre is also offering traditional national crafts such as Ghutra, Al Zari, a building exhibition, traditional performances for school students, a distinctive musical programme performed by the Centre’s professors and students, and a photo exhibition.These workshops are presented to the children amid an atmosphere of education, guidance and entertainment.
A large number of UAE traditional events and activities are also accompanying the workshops along with cultural competitions where participants are asked about the components and basic elements of Emirati heritage to provide a suitable atmosphere for all ages.
Accordingly, Al Ain will be living up to its reputation as a perfect destination for the entire family and help establish the festival as a unique venue to strengthen family ties and attract all segments of society.
Ends
About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.