An annual festival which celebrates the emirate’s rich heritage and culture is to be hosted at Qasr Al Hosn fort
Acrobatic horses, sand art and tree climbing demonstrations will be drawing visitors to this year’s Qasr Al Hosn Festival, which will take place around the fort where Hamdan Street meets Airport Road.
The annual festival celebrates the landmark while bringing the country’s rich heritage to light.
The festival, which runs from 11th to 21st February, is hosted by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
Now in its third year, the event is a ten-day programme of activities that provide an insight into the past, present and future of the Emirati people.
The fort began life as a watchtower to protect fresh water sources. The leader of the Bani Yas tribe, Sheikh Dhiyab Bin Isa, built the watchtower between 1761 and 1795. Two more towers were added later, and the structure became the home of the new leader Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Dhiyab and military headquarters.
From the mid 19th to early 20th century, under Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Shakhbut’s rule, a village of palm huts developed around the fort, which grew into a community of over 5,000 residents.
The longest reigning Sheikh in Abu Dhabi’s history, Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa – also known as Zayed the Great – served in a peaceful period between 1855 and 1909. During this time, the fort became the heart of Abu Dhabi and after oil brought wealth in the 1960s, it turned into a palace.
As the surrounding area developed and Abu Dhabi flourished, the 18th century fort remained a constant reminder of how far the nation had come – and now you can take part in the festival to celebrate this.
What’s on offer?
Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 has been inspired by two themes: traditional heritage, symbolised by the fort, and the importance of modern heritage.
During the festival you’ll have the chance to visit the National Consultative Council Chamber, where the Abu Dhabi National Consultative Council and the UAE’s Federal National Council once met to discuss the formation of the UAE.
You’ll also be able to tour the fort for free, with several stop-offs that will offer an insight into the history and conservation of the building.
The ‘Lest We Forget: Structures of Memory in the United Arab Emirates’ exhibition, will show archives portraying the architectural and urban development of the UAE over the past century.
Make your way to the amphitheatre to listen to Emirati folk music, or watch Cinema Emarativa, a collection of short films that have been produced by the capital’s media and entertainment zone, twofour54.
A new addition this year is a sand art performance by Shayma Al Mughairy, accompanied by music on a rababa – a bowed string instrument. An adaptation of the TV programme, Habet Ramel – a social drama that focuses on life in Abu Dhabi in the 1960s – will be performed live at the festival.
Animal lovers will enjoy The Horse Whisperer, which pays tribute to the horse in local culture as Arabian horses perform acrobatic stunts. Al Ain Zoo’s Bird Show features falcons and other native birds which will show off their hunting skills.
Need a break? Then take time to enjoy gahwa – Arabic coffee – in a traditional seated environment where you can experience a ceremony that dates back hundreds of years.
Now that you’ve had a kick of caffeine, why not explore the arts and crafts workshops around the fort? You’ll be able to enjoy free workshops that represent different parts of the UAE: desert, oasis, marine and Abu Dhabi Island.
Desert
Take a peek into the domestic side of Bedouin life with activities such as coffee preparation, saddle making and producing butter. You can also ride a camel, stroke a Saluki or see an endangered houbara bustard bird.
Oasis
Those with green fingers should visit the site’s indigenous garden to see a cluster of native plants. You can become an honorary member of the Qasr al Hosn garden club by planting and learning how to identify the native flora. You might see a few grazing goats, too. The oasis also features palm weaving, rope making and tree climbing.
Marine
Are you at one with the water? The marine section will give visitors a deeper understanding of what life was like for Emirati fishermen. Learn how to make nets and discover different species of local fish. You can also find out about sail making and how dhows, or traditional wooden boats, are built.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi will host a turtle aquarium and teach visitors about the endangered animal.
Pearl diving was one of the largest sources of income before oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi. At the pearling exhibition you can try your hand at opening an oyster and take part in sea chanting.
Abu Dhabi Island
Make your way to the Abu Dhabi Island experience to learn the art of weaving – known as telli – or how to dye material.
Take a seat at a workbench and become a blacksmith. Working with unprocessed metals, you’ll be able to shape them into tools, weapons and utensils.
At the beginner pottery classes you can make plates, bowls and decorative vases.
Finally, an old neighbourhood will feature everything from cooking classes to a school classroom. You can even peek into a wedding house to learn how an Emirati bride would prepare for her big day. Cooking classes are free but must be booked in advance through the festival website.
Times to be confirmed 11th Feb, 4pm-11pm 12th-21st Feb. AED 10 adults, free for under 12s. Ladies day 12th February, children under 12 also welcome.
For more information contact: 800 QAH (724) www.qasralhosnfestival.ae
Jack Dignum
