Visitors to Abu Dhabis heritage heartland of Al Ain and the citys diverse communities will be treated to a series of interactive performances and live traditional competitions that will take place in a daily public programme of events and activities aimed at enlivening generations-old handicrafts with the return of the successful Traditional Handicrafts Festival, running from October 29 to November 7.

In addition to the array of handicrafts on display from Emirati artisans in the historic Souq Al Qattara, visitors will also get the chance to visit the inaugural Handicrafts Exhibition organised in the Qattara Art Centre as part of the Festivals public engagement programme.

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Rulers Representative in the Eastern Region and organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the festival is set to shed light on the importance of traditional handicrafts and industries to Emirati heritage, and strengthen national identity through local artisans efforts to revive, preserve and transfer the know-how of these crafts to future generations.
The second edition of the Traditional Handicrafts Festival honours our artisans for preserving elements of UAE heritage, and serves as a valuable opportunity for visitors to understand the importance of traditional handicrafts in the UAEs history, explained Dr. Nasser Al Humairi, Director of TCA Abu Dhabis Intangible Heritage Department.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authoritys mission is to preserve the UAEs authentic heritage and the festival serves as an opportunity to inspire younger generations to maintain these traditions as an integral part of the local Emirati national identity, added Al Humairi.

As part of the festival public programme, the Handicrafts exhibition organised in Qattara Art Centre will be featuring crafts including Talli embroidery, Khos palm frond strand braiding and Sadu weaving adroitly mastered by Emirati women over the years. The Exhibition will provide testament to the skills and expertise involved in their production, and include handicrafts specially created in a series of workshops run by TCA Abu Dhabi across the emirate earlier in the year.

A series of displays and competitive demonstrations promoting the preservation of skills are a central component of the Festival, according to Saeed Hamad Al Kaabi, TCA Abu Dhabis Head of Traditional Handicrafts and Products.

Abu Dhabis souqs are particularly distinct because they provide a snapshot of the emirates progression for the audience interested to learn more about the nations heritage. The Festivals daily series of engaging and interactive programmes and activities are an opportunity for visitors to meet the artisans involved and enjoy live displays while participating in a range of competitions, added Al Kaabi.

The daily heritage competitions will reflect different aspects of Arabian hospitality and tradition, including the art of Arabic Gahwa coffee making, preparation of traditional Emirati cuisines, childrens Al Yolla an authentic traditional dance and a variety of cultural activities and competitions will be staged throughout the duration of the Festival.

The competitions run daily from 5pm-10pm at Souq Al Qattara, on the palm-lined road linking Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases, and prizes are available in various age categories.

The programme also includes specialised daily workshops which will focus on traditional crafts, pottery and Al Da'on crafting date palm branch mattresses. Craftsmen will also demonstrate the intricate skills of Al Sadu, Al Khos, Talli and Henna, and visitors can also experience the falconry practice that has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, through daily falconry demonstrations.

The second Traditional Handicrafts Festival is part of a rich public engagement programme, in Al Ain which highlight the diversity of experiences in the Emirates oasis city.

The Traditional Handicrafts Festival is free to enter and runs daily from 9am-1pm and 4-10pm between October 29 and November 7, 2015.