Abu Dhabi: An iconic reminder of many childhood days spent in its library, at the cinema and on school trips, the capital’s Cultural Foundation will once again be open for Qasr Al Hosn festival visitors on February 11.
Engaging tours at the Festival will allow guests to be up to speed on the latest conservation efforts being made to preserve this landmark.
“Resuming its historic role as a platform for culture and arts, the Cultural Foundation building will also be home to a series of performances in its open air amphitheatre, as well as a number of arts and crafts workshops,” a statement by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi (TCA-AD) which is hosting the festival, said today (Tuesday).
“Besides its importance as an architectural landmark that combines Modern and Islamic styles, the exhibition will highlight the vital role that the Cultural Foundation has played in the development of Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene,” the statement added.
Founded in 1981, the Cultural Foundation was the main stage for the capital’s cultural events. Within its walls, exhibitions, lectures, concerts, screenings, workshops and a range of events took place. School trips to this site were common as pupils were taken to watch films, explore the Foundation’s library and learn more about UAE heritage.
The Qasr Al Hosn Festival will run until February 21 and guests will be invited to understand some of the reconstruction work being done on the fort. Among the festival’s activities are poetry recitals, handicraft shops, Emirati food stores and story-telling booths.
Additionally, Emirati traditional dances and songs alongside parades and dog shows will capture the attention of the audience while giving them a glimpse into the UAE’s history. This year, 300 university and college students, in addition to 2,500 schoolchildren, will participate at the festival as volunteers guiding guests and answering their questions.