Keeping local heritage and traditions alive, festively

A hunting falcon at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. - KT file photo

Promoting heritage has been at the forefront of the emirate and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) organises several festivals in Abu Dhabi and the Western Region annually to celebrate the country's customs and traditions.
Among the big festivals are the Liwa Date festival, which celebrates the various customs, traditions and heritage of the UAE, particularly the palm tree which occupies an eminent position in authentic Emirati heritage and its society's collective memories.
The annual heritage event attracts about 70,000 tourists and visitors including children from across the UAE. The festival also features several competitions, giving away 220 prizes with a total value of more than Dh6 million to participants. The competitions include 'Mazaynas' (beauty competitions) for the best dates, lemons and mangoes, as well as the Tradition Market, the Dar Fruits Basket Competition (Fruits of the House), the Best Heritage Model competition, the Model Farm Award, and the activities of the Children's Village. These products are primarily derived from palm trees and dates.
Al Dhafra camel festival
Inspired by an authentic Bedouin spirit, the festival is dedicated to the protection of environmental and historical heritage, and the reinforcement of the bond between Emirati citizens' past and present.
With more impressive heritage competitions, the event attracts a large number of participants from the Gulf region that take part in the different laps and categories of the Camel mazayna, besides the festival's other competitions including camel beauty and heritage events.
"The UAE leadership is committed to fostering and supporting heritage and cultural events, including the Al Dhafra Festival, which has become instrumental in educating young generations about their country's indigenous heritage, traditions and culture, and how to safeguard those," said organisers.
Held in Madinat Zayed in Al Gharbia in the month of December, the Al Dhafra Festival, a two-week event, serves as an important channel to make future generations familiar with their traditions and cultural heritage. The Al Dhafra Festival attracts heritage lovers from across generations and draws visitors from different nationalities and offers them an opportunity to get acquainted with the main aspects of the UAE's national identity.
Mother of the Nation Festival
The festival which started two years ago commemorates and honours the inspirational values of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
The event highlights the work of Sheikha Fatima, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council of Motherhood and Childhood.
Organised by TCA Abu Dhabi, the festival displays Sheikha Fatima's values and accomplishments, said Mohammed Al Mubarak, chairman of the TCA. "The festival upholds a powerful message of personal growth and communal collaboration, encouraging visitors to recognise the importance of a sustainable future by providing an informative and entertaining environment," said Al Mubarak.
Throughout multiple and diverse activity zones, the festival creates an entertaining and highly interactive atmosphere that welcomes families and individuals from all walks of life. In the recent event in March this year, more than a kilometre of the capital's Corniche was reserved for the return of the 10-day Mother of the Nation event.
Qasr Al Hosn Festival
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Qasr Al Hosn Festival features a rich cultural programme that is inspired by two central themes: Abu Dhabi's traditional heritage, and the contemporary significance of the emirate.
These themes are showcased in the grounds of Qasr Al Hosn, the Cultural Foundation Building and the Qasr Al Hosn Exhibition through a variety of programmes and activities. The festival grounds host a variety of experiences for all ages, encouraging them to learn about and celebrate the heritage of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The Qasr Al Hosn Exhibition is open to general public all year round.
The Cultural Foundation hosts a series of educational and informative exhibitions and activities through a comprehensive public programme including the festival's popular Desert, Oasis, Marine and Abu Dhabi Island zones, re-enactments and workshops. An Arena Zone also houses a series of performances and family oriented activities dedicated to themes which reflect the cultural significance of the site on the development of the emirate and its people.
Intl Festival of Falconry
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Festival of Falconry celebrates Unesco's registration of falconry as an intangible cultural heritage.
More than 600 falconers, experts, researchers and administrators from international institutions representing about 80 countries around the world participated in the recent event in Abu Dhabi.
The main quarry is the desert hare and the hawking conducted in the traditional manner with saker falcons, salukis and camels. This is the first time traditional hare-hawking has been available for an entire generation and will be the falconry experience of a lifetime.
The Festival aims to enhance Abu Dhabi's stature as a top cultural destination on both regional and international levels. The Festival also provides an environment for the exchange and dialogue between civilisations and cultures, and offers a rare platform for the gathering of people, organisations and individuals who hold a special interest in falconry. The main objective remains the promotion, protection and development of this heritage which is considered a significant pillar of national identity, and which has been inscribed on Unesco's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com