The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority organised the inaugural Al Ain Heritage Festival from January 31 to February 9 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain under the theme Tales from Our Heritage the authority announced. The event unfolded under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region who visited on February 6 and toured its main pavilions. During the visit Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed underscored Al Ain’s role as a centre for cultural preservation according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
A prominent feature was the Date Festival that emphasised the historical importance of date palms in Emirati culture the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority reported. The Date Market included 50 outlets alongside eight competitions for varieties such as Elite Al Ain Khalas Shishi Zamli Boumaan Dabbas Fard and Wahat. Al Ain Oasis part of the UNESCO World Heritage inscription since 2011 spans 1 200 hectares and holds more than 147 000 date palms a National Geographic report noted.
The festival recreated elements of a traditional Emirati Freej neighbourhood allowing visitors to experience historic community life the organisers stated. Areas dedicated to handicrafts showcased live demonstrations of Sadu weaving palm frond weaving Talli embroidery Dallah making and traditional jewellery production. A Honey Village highlighted beekeeping heritage across the UAE and Gulf with tasting sessions and educational workshops according to festival details.
An Outdoor Performance Arena hosted falconry displays and Arabian Saluki shows reflecting Bedouin hunting and companionship traditions the authority said. Daily programmes featured folk art performances Emirati cooking demonstrations poetry evenings and theatrical productions on the main stage. Interactive programmes for children and families included hands-on activities and a Heritage Visitor Passport the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority added.
The Cultural Sites of Al Ain encompassing Bronze Age tombs the falaj irrigation system and oasis landscapes earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2011 under criteria recognising their testimony to ancient settlement and sustainable desert interaction UNESCO records confirm. The festival incorporated pavilions from GCC and Arab countries to present shared heritage arts cuisine and crafts WAM reported. This approach reinforced Al Ain’s standing as a hub for cultural and tourism activities in the UAE according to the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.
Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan said “organising the festival comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE to ensure that Emirati heritage and its preservation remain national priorities given its great cultural value as it connects children adolescents and youth with their rich past while at the same time provides support to farmers and handicraft practitioners to uphold their heritage develop it and pass it on to future generations.” The festival concluded after drawing broad participation from farmers artisans and the public the authority stated.
