Various cultural activities at the Maritime Heritage Festival on Abu Dhabi Corniche
ABU DHABI, 19 November / WAM / The Maritime Heritage Festival, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, continues its activities, which extend over ten days and conclude on November 23, celebrating Emirati coastal culture and traditions.
Abu Dhabi Beach – Corniche has become a vibrant space with various events, activities and offers that welcome visitors of all ages to discover the rich maritime heritage of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, starting with displays of traditional crafts and special foods, all the way to interactive family workshops, to bring the emirate’s heritage to life and take festival visitors on an immersive journey within Abu Dhabi’s maritime traditions.
The fourth edition of the festival celebrates the “Community” theme, coinciding with the UAE’s celebration of the Year of Community.
Various segments of society participate in the interactive program of the Maritime Heritage Festival in an effort to preserve living heritage, in addition to supporting local craftsmen and heritage practitioners, in a way that enhances a sense of national pride and supports the preservation of cultural heritage.
Building on the success of previous editions, this year the festival offers new interactive spaces and immersive experiences that allow visitors to participate in a range of vibrant interactive activities.
The various activities include the Artisans Corner, the traditional market, and the “Crafts Liwan,” and visitors can learn directly about traditional handicrafts inherited from their owners, such as wickerwork, pottery, religion, and handmade shawls.
Families can also participate in creative workshops on traditional crafts and head to the “Seef Mills”, a traditional majlis with a heritage design that allows visitors to participate in dialogue sessions with the festival’s partners, in addition to traditional artistic performances and opportunities to interact with heritage and culture experts.
This year, the main stage of the festival will witness a group of distinguished performances and events, including the main traditional music show, traditional live performances, and interactive workshops, in addition to music sessions “Jalsat” presented by an elite group of Emirati talents.
At the heart of these celebrations comes the main show, which is a wonderful artistic show that celebrates the family and community as the basic pillar of coastal life. Through music, dramatic narration, and poignant theatrical scenes, the show embodies the spirit of the sea and the role of Emirati women in preserving its legacy across successive generations.
In the “Fish Market and Popular Kitchen”, visitors can explore the rich Emirati heritage in the culinary arts through an integrated interactive experience.
In the live fish market, visitors meet with local fishermen to discover the finest types of fresh daily catch, and they participate in an interactive trip entitled “From Sea to Table,” during which they choose their favorite fish to be cleaned, seasoned, and then cooked according to their desire. They can also taste the most delicious authentic Emirati dishes from appetizers, main dishes, and dessert in the tasting area for the popular cuisine.
The festival also allows visitors to watch live fish auctions, learn about sustainable fishing practices that contribute to preserving marine life in Abu Dhabi, in addition to enjoying their meals in the lively dining areas within the festival’s heritage atmosphere.
This year, the Maritime Heritage Festival will witness the first appearance of the “House of Coffee Café”, which presents the origins of Emirati coffee, showcasing the etiquette of preparing and serving it as one of the elements of intangible cultural heritage registered on the UNESCO list since 2015.
On the fishing and pearl diving trails, visitors can follow traditional performances such as “Al-Ahla,” “Al-Nahma,” “Al-Ayyala,” and “Naashaat,” which reflect the rhythms and spirit of the sea.
Next to the theatre, there is a playground for popular games, wrestling, and public competitions that enhance the community spirit.
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