Returning for its 10th edition, the Traditional Handicrafts Festival unites traditional artisans, educational institutions, government entities, and organisations in their shared dedication to promoting, preserving, and protecting Emirati heritage.Through a diverse range of programmes, immersive experiences, and activations, the festival offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Emirati life and its historical roots:

• Live falconry demonstrations and interactive experiences.
• A family craft market that sells handicraft products made by Emirati families.
• Live interactive performances that highlight diverse traditional crafts and industries.
• Opportunities to play traditional Emirati games, an essential element of the nation's intangible cultural heritage.
• Souq Al Qattara Gallery displays shops, crafts, and professions practiced by our ancestors.
• Traditional performances for which the UAE is renowned, including Al-Ayyala, Al-Razfa, and Al-Taghrooda, all of which are inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Ongoing educational workshops that are designed to educate school children about Emirati heritage.

The festival continues with a curated selection of high-quality experiences designed to engage and inspire visitors in the weeks ahead. These include:

1. Performances and concerts by Emirati talents

Traditional performances

• Mohammed Saqr, November 8, 2024, at 8:00pm
• Zayed Saqr, November 8, 2024, at 8:00pm
• Qusai Al Mamari, November 15, 2024, 8:00pm
• Saif Al Ali, November 15, 2024, at 8:00pm

Concerts

• Aryam, November 9, 2024, at 8:00pm
• Hamad Al Ameri, November 16, 2024, at 8:00pm

1. Diverse heritage workshops by Al Qattara Arts Centre’s Al Suwayea programme for women and families

• DIY Prayer Beads by Mahra Alahbabi (November 8, for families)
• Homemade Pumpkin Jam by Chef Dima (November 9, for families)
• Bride’s Perfume by Mouza Al Ameri (November 10, ladies only)
• Crafting with Wool by Nashmia Al Khayl (November 15, ladies only)
• Traditional Doll Craftingby Ameera Al Blooshi (November 16, ladies only)
• Local Dips by Tahani Al Sayah (November 17, for families)

1. The “Al Ain: Pulse of Abu Dhabi” exhibition (continues until January 17, 2025) showcases the talent of four creatives, Ayman Alemam, Samia Saleh, Aysha Alhashmi, and Rafeea Alkhyeli.

Complementing these activities, a daily programme of events is also offered, featuring:

• Live performances of Traditional Performing Arts, from4 – 11pm daily.
• Live demonstrations of Handicrafts (including Talli, Khous, Sadu, and Daoun), from 4 – 11pm daily.
• Live performance of ‘Rababah Playing’, from 4 – 11pm daily.
• Family Craft Souq, from 4 – 11pm daily.
• Souq Al Qattara Gallery, from 4 – 11pm daily.
• Edutainment workshops for kids and families, from 4 – 10pm daily.
• Al Suwayea (Heritage Workshops), from 6 – 8pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Musical concerts, 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Restaurants and cafes are open from 4 – 12 midnight daily.

The beloved community festival, eagerly anticipated each year, commenced on October 29 and continues through until November 17, 2024. The first week of the festival proved a resounding success, immersing visitors in Emirati heritage and spotlighting local talent. Women and families enjoyed culinary traditions through Al Qattara Arts Centre's Al Suwayea program, participating in workshops like Truffle Machboos and Date Cake making. Music lovers experienced captivating performances by Emirati talents such as Nayef Al Nuaimi and Ahmed Askoor. The second week continued this success, bringing together diverse communities to enjoy authentic Emirati experiences, including more spectacular musical performances by artists like Harbi Al Ameri and an exclusive "Makeup Art of Paper" heritage workshop for women.

The festival is supported by a collaborative effort from DCT Abu Dhabi's cultural and historical sites and centers, including House of Artisans, Al Qattara Arts Centre, Bait Al Gahwa, Maktaba, and Abu Dhabi Crafts. These institutions are essential to promoting, preserving, and protecting Emirati handicrafts and cultural identity for present and future generations.

Educational initiatives at the festival, such as Maktaba, which offers a diverse programme of student-centred events and activities, and Future Entrepreneurs, designed to raise financial awareness and nurture an entrepreneurial spirit among children by showcasing promising youth-led start-ups, demonstrate DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to instilling a culture of learning and creativity in young talent.

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