The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a series of interactive educational and experiential activities for Al Ain’s new season of cultural programmes, which will run until April 2019. The new programme will showcase Emirati culture, history and heritage whilst providing an enriched experience for residents and visitors alike.
With activities ranging across Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Jahili Fort Al Ain Museum and other locations in the city, the curated programme will also continue activities from 2018.
Al Jahili Fort, one of the UAE’s largest and most iconic forts, will take guests on an educational journey on a Morning Tour. Starting from February 11, this will highlight the round tower, falaj (irrigation canals), the Al Jahili Fort Mosque, the four towers and the square fort Al Murabba. Visitors can gain further knowledge about recent restoration work with the event concluding with a workshop by the Education Department.
The Emirates Heritage Club and the Emirates Falconers Club will offer visitors an introduction to the sport of falconry through a recreational Evening Tour, from March 15. Falconry is a vital part of Emirati heritage and was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Visitors can also experience traditional Emirati hospitality in the Majlis (council). Al Jahili Fort, where the tour takes place, also has a permanent display dedicated to the sport.
Visitors to Al Ain can also watch a presentation by Abu Dhabi Police, illustrating the skills of the city’s dog squad. The Public Dog Display will illustrate the role of dogs in Emirati heritage, which included protection and hunting. The programme also shows the modern role of police dogs in protecting the public. The show will take place on 31 January 2019, 5pm-8pm.
Promoting national unity and motivation for the Armed Forces and Police Department, the Military Band will perform on 14th February 2019, 10am-12pm with the performance accompanied by military formations and marches. Founded in 1962, the Abu Dhabi Police Band was the first of its kind in the emirate. It started with 50 musicians and today has 140, with instruments including trumpets, flutes and clarinets.
The Herfaty programme, which started in November as part of the 5th Traditional Handicrafts Festival, will run until 16 April. Through workshops on the crafts of Al-Sadu, pottery, Talli, ropes and the Burqa, the programme aims to preserve Emirati heritage amongst the younger generation. The workshops will be held at Al Ain Palace Museum, one of the great historic and cultural locations in Abu Dhabi, and will take place on 20 January and 16 April. The programme is free to attend and is open to all age groups, it includes different types of workshops.
Al Jahili Fort is hosting the Freej Awal ‘vintage era’ event until April 16 at Al Ain Palace Museum. Dedicated to promoting the unique characteristics of Emirati heritage, the community event will feature traditional games, educational workshops and activities, all with an authentic nostalgic flavour. Attendance is free of charge and open to all ages.
Meanwhile, Voyage of an Object, held at Al Ain Museum, will feature a selection of heritage and archaeological pieces that have played a significant role in shaping the UAE.
