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Time to buy traditional products from Qattara

Abu Dhabi - Renovated souq opens for 3rd consecutive year; no entry fee.

Al Qattara Souq has opened to the public for the third year, with an eight-month schedule of traditional Emirati events and activities, happening here every weekend until May 30.
Located in Al Ain, close to the Oman's Buraimi border, the souq is part of Qattara Oasis, one of the green city's seven oases.
Dating back to the mid-20th century and founded by the late Shaikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the palm-lined road linking Al Ain's Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases, the historic Souq Al Qattara was renovated three years ago.
Every cool season, a traditional Emirati market, local folklore, lectures, a Friday market and a handicrafts festival happen here.
Hamed Al Rumaithi, an Al Ain resident, plans to be a regular visitor to the souq this season.
"I grew up near the Qattara oasis. In those days it was pretty run down, but my friends and I used to love running and playing through its palm trees," he said.
Hamed now has children of his own and last year he took them to the Qattara Souq.
"They renovated the place really nicely and we enjoyed the traditional shows, watching craftsmen and women making objects out of wood, palm fronds or textile with their own hands. It was like a trip down the memory lane," Hamed told Khaleej Times.
Al Qattara is a project of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA), which decided to build here a modern and the only art centre in Al Ain. Thus, in parallel with the souq's activities, the art centre will display various modern art exhibits.
"The Souq's cultural season has gained strong response from the public over the past two years for the traditional products - with a modern touch - that are showcased," said Saeed Hamad Al Kaabi, head of Traditional Handicrafts and Products at TCA.
"It also creates job opportunities for artisans, while giving the UAE visitors a glimpse into this important element of UAE heritage," he added.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday there will be live Emirati folk performances such as Al Harbiyah and Al Yola, as well as workshops of authentic building techniques and rope making.
The souq itself has 18 shops, where local artisans and traders will be selling traditional products such as women's and men's traditional clothing, housewares, spices, camping and falconry equipment.
A traditional café and a grocery store are also available for visitors.
Adjacent to Souq Al Qattara, is the Fridays only market for traditional handicrafts.
Its 30 stalls are built in Emirati authentic palm lattice structures, each designed to reflect the craft it hosts.
"The souq's 2015-16 season gives the families involved in handicrafts a strong platform to present their wares to a larger audience, who will also be entertained by the cultural activities, can participate in seminars on heritage and archaeological sites in Al Ain, and join a number of children's activities including painting and photography exhibitions," mentioned Al Kaabi.
Souq Al Qattara is open every weekend, from Thursday to Saturday, from 8am till 1pm and from 4pm till 10pm. Entrance is free.
silvia@khaleejtimes.com

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