Abu Dhabi marks World Heritage Day

Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, is organising a series of events at Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain, to celebrate the 33rd World Heritage Day.

The activities will run from 23rd to 25th April and include a competition for popular Emirati dishes ‘Al Luqaimat', ‘Al Chabab' and ‘Al Balaleet' that are characteristic components of authentic Emirati cuisine, past and present.

The festivities also include live performances of the traditional Bride's Visit by the bridegroom's family (or ‘Zahbat Al Arous') featuring Emirati clothing styles that have kept their strong presence in society and which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Ttraditional crafts will also be on show, with local artisans in attendance who will demonstrate the steps for making their traditional products, particularly those related to pottery - which will give children the chance to discover this ancient art form.

TCA Abu Dhabi's World Heritage Day activities will be a unique opportunity for visitors to walk around Souq Al Qattara, which authentically reflects the reality of past Emirati social, cultural and economic life, shop for the items that are still used today and also give their children the chance to ride both horses and camels under the supervision of specialised coaches.

Popular bands will also conduct live performances of Al Harbiya and Aayyala dances with the participation of visitors.

Established in Tunis, Tunisia in 1982 during the International Council on Monuments and Sites conference, World Heritage Day has received the approval of UNESCO's General Assembly and all countries across the world consider it a notable occasion for highlighting the value of human heritage and directing attention towards the dangers of cultural erosion in some places.

TCA Abu Dhabi considers the true significance of the World Heritage Day exceeds merely commemorating heritage and organising events, believing that it has a much deeper symbolic meaning and should be celebrated every day of the year in line with the prestigious status the UAE invests in heritage.

Last Friday, Al Ain National Museum organised a number of educational activities for World Heritage Day. Open to visitors of all ages, the workshops covered a wide variety of heritage related topics, including ‘The Eastern Fort (Sultan Fort)', ‘The Souvenirs' and the ‘Heritage Scrolls'.
Source: WAM