Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority: Al Ain Heritage Festival embodies the keenness of the wise leadership to preserve heritage
Al Ain, February 2, WAM / His Excellency Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, confirmed that the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, for the Al Ain Heritage Festival, embodies the wise leadership’s keenness to preserve the Emirati heritage, enhance its presence in society, and support initiatives that preserve national identity.
He explained that the festival, which was launched last January 31 and continues until February 9 at the exhibition grounds in Al Ain, constitutes a national tributary that celebrates the heritage of the UAE and contributes to its preservation and promotion, in addition to consolidating the position of the city of Al Ain as an incubator of heritage and a cultural and tourist destination that attracts visitors from inside and outside the country, through an integrated program that reflects the depth and authenticity of the Emirati heritage, and provides the visitor with an experience that combines knowledge and enjoyment.
He pointed out that the festival’s activities include presenting heritage, entertainment and awareness-raising performances and activities, in addition to the important role it plays in supporting craftsmen, farmers, productive families and emerging entrepreneurs, by providing spaces to display and introduce their products, which contributes to enhancing the sustainability of heritage industries and transforming them into an important economic resource.
Al Mazrouei added that the festival also highlights the pivotal position of the palm tree in the national heritage, through the date market, the date auction and the auction competitions. It also contributes to reflecting the richness of the Arab cultural heritage in arts, food and traditional crafts, through the World Heritage Village that hosts Gulf and Arab participation, with pavilions that present to the visitor features of commonalities and diversity in multiple elements.
He explained that the festival also includes a honey competition and market, with the aim of highlighting the quality and diversity of local production, and providing the opportunity to learn about extraction methods and the benefits of honey and its products, in addition to a cooking competition that showcases the skills of chefs in presenting traditional dishes in a modern spirit, in addition to artistic competitions such as photography and live drawing, which provide creative people with a space to express their connection to heritage through innovative visual methods.
The first session of the Al Ain Heritage Festival comes within the framework of the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in preserving the Emirati heritage and culture, consolidating the values of national identity and heritage values in society, in addition to documenting heritage practices, raising awareness and promoting them.
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