• Home
• /
• UAE

New Al Ain heritage event a throwback to oasis life

Abu Dhabi - Running throughout 2017 at several iconic locations across the Garden City, the activities which started on January 26 will continue until Saturday at Al Ain Oasis.

Exciting cultural activities have been lined up in Al Ain this weekend, as part of the heritage and family-focused events organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
Visitors will get to enjoy the emirate's cherished history, curated to support the Unesco theme 'Protecting our Heritage and Fostering Creativity'. Running throughout 2017 at several iconic locations across the Garden City, the activities which started on January 26 will continue until Saturday at Al Ain Oasis.
The stunning location of the oasis provides the backdrop for the first programme: 'Evenings at the Oasis' will evoke nostalgia via the screening of shows from 70s and 80s popular culture, traditional performances such as Ayyala, food trucks and story-telling inspired by life within the oasis, as well as oral testimonies from community.
Residents will share their experiences of living next to the oasis, recounting key stories of the local population. This first weekend of the Evenings at the Oasis event will be followed by similar events in February, March and April.
This programme is designed to highlight Al Ain as the cultural heartland and home to the UAE's only Unesco World Heritage site.
Details and full programme can be found at visitalain.ae   
The cultural activities in Al Ain
January 27-28:  Film screenings - at 7pm and 9.30pm (including Iftah Ya Simsim, Emirati show Sh'hafan Al Gato, Kuwaiti show Darb Al Zalag, and children's cartoons Grandizer and Sally, at the West Plaza
> Ayyala performances - at 6.30pm and 9pm at the West Plaza
> Heritage storytelling events - at 6pm and 8.30pm at the West Plaza
From February 3-4: Oasis Afternoons - Communal market with stalls selling traditional, handmade and modern Emirati products and produce, from 2pm to 6pm, at West Plaza and West Gate Car park; also, children's workshops, with arts and crafts projects
From February 1-March 15:  Celebrating the Seasons programme - Experience the oasis farming seasons through activities, and the life of a traditional farmer living in the oasis
reporters@khaleejtimes.com