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Sheikh Hazaa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, attended activities at the inaugural Al Ain Heritage Festival, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority until February 9 at ADNOC Al Ain Center. The first edition of the Al Ain Heritage Festival operates under the theme “Stories from Our Heritage,” showcasing Emirati cultural traditions and crafts to new generations.
According to a statement on social media platform X, Sheikh Hazaa said the festival serves as a new window for younger generations to connect with their country’s rich history. He emphasized that Emirati heritage is filled with beautiful traditions, crafts, industries, and arts that strengthen national identity and pride.
Al Ain Heritage Festival Highlights Traditional Emirati Culture
During his tour, Sheikh Hazaa explored the festival’s main pavilions and activities that embody the authenticity and diversity of Emirati heritage. The event reflects Al Ain’s position as a cultural hub for preserving Emirati traditions and promoting national identity values.
The representative visited the dates festival within the broader heritage celebration, which highlights the historical and cultural significance of palm trees in the UAE. According to event organizers, the dates section features a marketplace displaying premium date varieties and hosts eight specialized competitions for varieties including Khalas, Al Shishi, Al Zamli, Boma’an, Al Dabbas, Al Fard, and elite Al Ain and oases dates.
Diverse Activities Showcase Emirati Traditions
Additionally, Sheikh Hazaa toured other festival components including the honey village, traditional crafts exhibitions, folk art performances, and Emirati cooking demonstrations. The festival also features interactive and educational programs designed specifically for children and families to engage with cultural heritage.
Sheikh Hazaa emphasized the importance of organizing heritage and cultural events that represent a national approach to strengthening heritage presence in the cultural landscape. He stated these initiatives play a crucial role in protecting community identity and ensuring heritage remains an integral part of daily life and national identity components.
Cultural Platform Celebrates Authentic Heritage
The Al Ain Heritage Festival functions as a comprehensive cultural and heritage platform celebrating authentic Emirati legacy through diverse programs and activities. The outdoor performance area hosts live heritage demonstrations including falconry and Arabian Saluki presentations, according to the festival program.
Meanwhile, popular cooking activities showcase Emirati, Gulf, and Arab cuisine through live cooking demonstrations that engage visitors with traditional food preparation methods. The festival programming extends to folk art performances, artistic evenings, poetry readings, and traditional theatrical productions that bring heritage narratives to life.
In contrast to modern entertainment venues, this heritage festival prioritizes education and cultural preservation alongside entertainment. The organizers have designed the event to appeal to multiple generations, ensuring traditional knowledge transfers effectively to younger Emiratis while engaging international visitors.
Senior Officials Support Heritage Initiatives
Accompanying Sheikh Hazaa during the visit were His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority. Several other officials also attended, demonstrating governmental commitment to heritage preservation initiatives in the region.
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority continues managing the festival venue and coordinating between various cultural participants and craftspeople. Their oversight ensures authentic representation of Emirati heritage throughout the multi-day celebration in Al Ain.
The Al Ain Heritage Festival will continue hosting visitors and cultural activities through February 9, with organizers expecting strong attendance throughout the remaining days. Authorities have not yet announced whether the festival will become an annual event, though the inaugural edition’s success may influence future planning decisions.
