10th Traditional Handicrafts Festival Kicks Off in Al Ain Under Sheikh Khaled's Patronage

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the much-anticipated tenth Traditional Handicrafts Festival will unfold at the historic Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain from October 29 to November 17, 2024. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this year’s event embraces the theme Ancestors' Crafts, Descendants' Pride, aiming to honor and preserve Emirati cultural heritage.

The festival, which marks a significant decade of celebrating Emirati craftsmanship, will provide a platform for skilled Emirati artisans to demonstrate and share their craft. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the importance of this annual event. He stated, "As we celebrate ten years of the Traditional Handicrafts Festival, our commitment to safeguarding and promoting Emirati heritage only deepens. This festival is not merely a display of traditional skills; it’s a testament to the resilience of our cultural identity. By supporting local artisans and providing them with a venue to showcase their craft, we encourage an intergenerational appreciation and continuity of Emirati artistry, while also contributing to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s creative and cultural economy."

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The event will present a diverse range of cultural displays and activities. Traditional artisans will demonstrate skills such as Al-Sadu (weaving), Talli (embroidery), pottery, and traditional rope-making, with workshops aimed at educating youth and preserving these practices. In addition, the festival will feature a traditional market offering an assortment of items: handicrafts, herbal remedies, falconry equipment, Arabic coffee, Emirati cuisine, and traditional clothing, providing an authentic experience for all visitors.

The festival will include several daily events and activities, from traditional games, engaging competitions, and youth-oriented workshops to mesmerizing traditional performances and a variety of heritage-based exhibits. For a deeper cultural experience, the event will host morning sessions, offering school and university students guided tours that explore the nuances of Emirati handicrafts. These educational sessions aim to immerse the younger generation in the significance and history of traditional crafts, furthering their appreciation for Emirati heritage.

A significant element of this year's festival is its collaboration with families in the handicraft sector, empowering them to meet the demands of contemporary markets. Artisans will receive support to modernize their business models and refine their products, helping them expand market reach and potentially establish new career pathways within this traditional industry.

In parallel, the Al Qattara Arts Centre will host the Al Suwayea programme, a showcase dedicated to Emirati women and their rich legacy in the handicraft arts. This initiative provides a space where Emirati women across generations can connect, share, and preserve their skills, ensuring these techniques are not only remembered but cherished by future generations. Through Al Suwayea, visitors can witness firsthand the intricate artistry and techniques of Emirati women, a testament to their enduring role in cultural preservation.

Beyond the handicrafts, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Pulse of Abu Dhabi exhibition, featuring works by UAE-based artists inspired by Al Ain’s unique architecture and ambiance. This festival will also serve as a stage for traditional Emirati music through the Memory of the Emirati Song concert series, featuring performances by acclaimed Emirati artists Harbi Al Ameri, Aryam, and Hamad Al Ameri.

The festival has become an annual gathering point where residents and visitors can engage with Emirati heritage in an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere. It emphasizes the need to preserve cultural heritage by bringing together artisans, educational institutions, government bodies, and organizations committed to safeguarding traditional knowledge.

The Traditional Handicrafts Festival 2024, a free-to-attend event, will open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for school and university groups and from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM for the general public. Through its comprehensive range of programming, the festival promises to be an enriching experience that champions the heritage, artistry, and identity of the UAE, passing on these treasured crafts to future generations.

#trending #latest #TraditionalCrafts #HandicraftFestival #EmiratiHeritage #CulturalPreservation #Craftsmanship #AlAinEvents #AbuDhabiCulture #ArtisanShowcase #HeritageFestival #EmiratiArt #DCTAbuDhabi #SouqAlQattara #CulturalHeritage #EmiratiIdentity #FestivalOfCrafts #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai

Katrina Kaif arrived in Mumbai rocking a trendy denim jacket and pants. Don’t miss her stylish look...Read More.

H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, UAE Gender Balance Council & Dubai Women Establishment President...Read More.