The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Announces The Programme of The Traditional Handicrafts Festival’s Fourth Edition

To celebrate the UAE’s heritage with a series of competitions, performances and activities, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi will launch the new edition of the Traditional Handicrafts Festival in Al Ain for its fourth edition from November 1 to November 18.

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, the Traditional Handicrafts Festival represents an integral part of the United Arab Emirates’ culture and history, shaped by the land and desert landscape, and reviving its skillful ingenuity and traditional value in the hearts of the nation. The festival, which will be held at Al Qattara Souq, will highlight the importance of traditional craftsmanship, a vital element of the UAE’s national identity and Emirati heritage, and support efforts to preserve, revive, and transfer skills to future generations.

This festival is also aimed at promoting Al Ain as a leading traditional cultural tourist destination that attracts people of all ages and features a wide-range of activities and events.

The festival’s activities will recall traditional handicrafts that had functional roles in the past, as well as encourage innovation in preserving tangible and intangible heritage elements. The traditional performance arts activities include Al Ayyala and Al Taghrooda, which are inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, in addition to Al Yola, Al Razfa, Al-‘Azi, Al Rababa, and Al Shallah.

The traditional craftsmanship components of the festival will include presentations of Al Khos, Al Laikh, Al Talli, Al Qaraqir, Al Fakhaar (pottery), Al Ghazl (spinning), and Al Sadu, another element inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These components will demonstrate the intricate handicraft and creative skills of experts and highlight the importance of promoting Emirati products reflective of the UAE’s artistic heritage.

Press Release