A delegation of ambassadors accredited to the state inspects Al Dhafra’s heritage and tourist attractions and visits the Al Dhafra and Liwa International Festivals.
On December 18, 2018, WAM, at the kind invitation of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, a delegation of ambassadors of foreign countries accredited to the State visited a number of heritage and tourism facilities and events in the region.
The delegation began its visit at the Al Dhafra Innovation Center affiliated with Shams 1 Station, where they were briefed on its nine departments and its pioneering role in producing clean energy, in addition to a modern interactive experience that introduces sustainability and renewable energy projects in the UAE.
The delegation also visited the Madinat Zayed Mazaina as part of the activities of the 19th Al Dhafra Festival, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in Madinat Zayed. The ambassadors toured the Shabouk arena for camels participating in the auction competition, where they learned about the categories of camels, their ages, beauty standards, and the approved judging systems, in addition to the important role that these auctions play in preserving purebred camel breeds and preserving the cultural heritage associated with them.
The ambassadors expressed their happiness in learning about this authentic aspect of the Emirati and Gulf heritage, and the close relationship it reflects between camels and their owners. They also listened to an explanation from festival officials about the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, and the great support given by the wise leadership to heritage preservation projects and the organization and development of heritage festivals.
The delegation continued its visit throughout the Al Dhafra region, arriving at Khannour Fort in Liwa, which includes the Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts Project, where the ambassadors were briefed on handicrafts and heritage products that embody the skills of Emirati women and their pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to future generations.
The visit also included a number of the most prominent landmarks in Liwa, including the “Liwa Sign,” which is the longest identification sign of its kind in the world, as a landmark that reflects Liwa’s identity and its historical and geographical status.
The delegation visited the Liwa International Festival, and they were received by His Excellency Hamdan Saif Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liwa Sports Club, and a number of officials. The tour included a visit to Liwa Village, with its popular markets and live displays of ancient crafts, in addition to various entertainment facilities, and a visit to ADNOC Oasis, which represents the company’s vision of combining innovation and heritage, by providing digital solutions and smart services to festival visitors.
The delegation then headed to the main stage to watch the sand dune shows, which combined drones with sound, light and laser technologies.
At the conclusion of the visit, the ambassadors expressed their happiness with this tour, praising the rich diversity they saw in the cultural heritage of the Al Dhafra region, and the great efforts made by the UAE to revive and preserve heritage as a symbol of authenticity and national identity. They also expressed their thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continuous support for cultural and heritage events, appreciating the generous hospitality and warm reception that characterizes the Al Dhafra region and its people.
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