Abu Dhabi: Children listen intently to a storyteller narrating tales centred on creativity and obedience to parents as elderly bedouin women weave various items from palm fronds.
Scenes like these greet visitors at the Qasr Al Hosn Festival that runs till March 1.
Abu Dhabi’s cultural event of the year is introducing men, women and children from a multitude of nationalities, to various facets of Emirati culture.
“I learned a lot about the UAE’s culture and archaeology at the festival. My children and I especially enjoyed the camel riding, traditional dancing, butter making and horse shows,” said Lisa Fahlgren, a 34-year-old Swedish mother of three, who visited on Ladies Day as she found the setting more comfortable.
The souq selling authentic Emirati handicrafts is a hit with visitors. Bags, incense, keychains, tissue-box covers and ornamental items are on sale.
A locally-produced soft drink called Namleet, which comes in different flavours, is also popular with children. “There is a bigger demand for Namleet, which has been part of Emirati culture for decades, than the regular popular soft drinks that people are used to buying nowadays,” one shop-worker said. Namleet is not sold at local supermarkets and stores.
However, the fact that a bottle of Namleet is priced at Dh15 did not resonate well with all parents.
“I bought several bottles of Namleet for my children because they love it so much, but I feel that I paid too much. At an event like this, I don’t believe that cultural products should be be so expensive,” said Awatef Al Wahaibi, an Emirati mother of four.
Cultural performances included men dressed in old Emirati army uniforms parading to the accompaniment of bagpipes, flutes, drums and other musical instruments.
The formerly white, grey walls of the Qasr Al Hosn fort stand tall behind the stage where poetry recitals, plays and cultural dances are being conducted. Visitors who want to take a tour of the fort have to sign up and wait for their turn thanks to the huge demand.
There is something to learn for everyone at the festival since everything unique is properly labelled. Volunteers, participants, event organisers and managers are at hand to answer any questions visitors have.
The festival is open every day from 4pm to 11pm, in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Entrances are opposite Al Muhairi Centre and Grand Stores.
