Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Wednesday led the national rally, marking the start of the Qasr Al Hosn festival.
The annual festival will run until February 21.
On site to tour the festival grounds were Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, accompanied by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, and other shaikhs and senior officials.
They inspected Qasr Al Hosn’s interior yard and its facilities and developments that made the fort an authentic national milestone and a unique heritage structure.
The Vice President and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince were updated on the current maintenance and restoration plans underway in Qas Al Hosn as well as on excavations and geophysical surveys, which revealed the remnants of the foundation of an old building.
They viewed a side of the restoration work currently underway in one of the fort’s towers where they listened to a presentation on the old towers of Qasr Al Hosn which were used as watch towers to ensure the protection and safety of people living there.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed then visited the Qasr Al Hosn exhibition and viewed some old models and archaeological collections as well as interactive paintings depicting the importance of the fort and its development and vital role.
They were briefed on the oral historical documentation efforts, and praised the efforts of all national bodies and institutions to adhere to the national identity of the UAE society.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, the 11-day festival celebrates the UAE’s tangible and intangible heritage through a rich, diverse programme featuring guided tours of the fort, inspiring activities and live performances in addition to public programmes.
