Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority will next week reopen the Al Ain city’s historic Souq Al Qattara, which dates back to the mid-20th century.
The souq was founded by the late Shaikh Shakhbout Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a former Ruler of Abu Dhabi, on the palm-lined road linking Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases.
Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADTCA, said: “The souq played an important social and commercial role for the population of Al Ain in the early part of the 20th century and it is fitting that its reopening coincides with the 41st anniversary celebrations marking UAE National Day and the spirit of the nation.
“The souq is a physical testimony to a past time of renaissance much as we begin to celebrate the renaissance of the Emirati people with the foundation of the Federation, thanks to the tremendous efforts of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his then fellow Rulers of the emirates.
“Efforts to restore and develop heritage and historical sites in various parts of Abu Dhabi emirate, which particularly involves reviving Al Ain’s oases and sites, are inspired by the foresight of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and are carried out under the follow-up of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.”
According to the Wam news agency, the souq is typical of the traditional markets found at the heart of every Arab city. Besides being a commercial centre, it was an important meeting point for the local community who visited it to buy food and catch up with local news.
“The ultimate goal is to strike a balance between heritage and modernity, which is one of the main cultural challenges anywhere,” added Shaikh Sultan.
Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi, said efforts are being made to revive Al Ain’s oases and their regional role with new programmes being planned to broaden Abu Dhabi emirate’s tourism and culture infrastructure.
“This is being done through reviving the original uses of historic buildings and devoting them to their original purposes — and the old traditional souq in Al Qattara is just one example,” he said.
