Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with Lest We Forget Initiative has announced its upcoming public programme in support of Qasr Al Hosn’s permanent exhibition, aimed at bringing the stories of past to life.

Scheduled to run from September 23rd until November 18th, the public programme will complement the permanent exhibition through panels and workshops which will explore the vibrant cultural heritage of the UAE.

The interactive programme will introduce contemporary Emirati voices, filmmakers, historians and archaeologists who will each provide fascinating oral testimonies with a view to highlighting momentous moments in the UAE’s history and heritage.  With a view to create engaging dialogues and spurring discussions, audience members will be invited to share their experiences, interests, photographs and artefacts during the events.

Reem Al Mansouri, from Public Engagement at TCA Abu Dhabi said: “The Qasr Al Hosn public programme is an initiative to further accentuate the history of the UAE, whilst instilling an appetite for preserving the country’s vibrant traditions and reinforcing its culture significance and bringing the history of the Nation to life.”

“The programme will act as a platform for discussion and debate on various aspects of Emirati heritage and contemporary culture, providing attendees with an opportunity to travel back in time and observe the Emirates through film, whilst interpreting the political, economic and social motives behind each, and to ensure that the spirit of the Fort remains alive.”

The programme’s schedule is comprised of talks and workshops including a film screening and panel entitled ‘Observing the Emirates through Film’ on September 23rd and ‘The Gahwa Tradition’ workshop on October 25th, which is designed to explore the history of coffee in the UAE. The programme will conclude with a talk around ‘How Archaeology Shapes History’ on November 18th, which will explain how archaeology can help people understand history and culture in the UAE.

Lest We Forget is a major grassroots arts and heritage initiative that aims to archive, preserve and share vernacular photographs and oral histories of the UAE through its website, workshops and exhibitions. 

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