Festival celebrates UAE’s rich heritage

Abu Dhabi: The art of weaving handicrafts using palm leaves by Emirati women was in the spotlight at a traditional market.

The Traditional Souq, which spans 48,000 square metres, and being organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee — Abu Dhabi as part of the ninth edition of Al Dhafra Festival, will run until December 30 at Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi.

A regular contributor to the festival, Umm Mohammad, 46, said that despite the slightly reduced turnout, her participation is key to ensuring the country’s rich heritage remains alive.

“I have been a part of the festival almost every year. Our leaders continue to accentuate the importance of preserving our culture and traditions, which is why I am keen to always participate in festivals as such.”

“One of the items available for sale is Al Sarrood, which is made out of wicker palm to serve meals. In addition to that, there is also Al Mejabeth, which serves as a protective layer to the food. All of these items were regularly used by our ancestors,” she added.

Meanwhile, Umm Salem, 45, said that apart from striving to instill a sense of cultural awareness among visitors about the country’s heritage, one of the main drives behind her participation is to also ensure that her children eventually adopt a similar path.

“As someone who takes great pride in her culture, I always make sure to seize any opportunity that can enable visitors to delve into our heritage and for my children to also follow my foot steps and participate in cultural festivals to showcase their talents and protect our traditions,” she explained.

Among some of her products on display include handmade perfumes, which are derived from certain extracts such as musk, amber, flowers, the leaves of fruit and the bark of trees.

Culture enthusiasts can also navigate through other stalls, which feature a wide range of items such as the Emirati women’s traditional attire, abayas, henna and fresh dates straight from the palm trees, among others.

Also held on the sidelines is the Children’s Village for kids to indulge in a number of fun-filled activities.

A series of camel races and competitions is also running concurrently at the festival, which is located opposite to the Traditional Souq.

Box:

Festival details

What: Al Dhafra Festival

Where: Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi Emirate

When: Until December 30