The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has concluded its activations at the 33rd edition of the Al Janadriyah Festival for Heritage & Culture in Saudi Arabia. The event saw participation from 19 public and private entities and the UAE pavilion attracted a total of 2,700,000 visitors, who enjoyed the various events and activities on offer throughout the duration of the festival.
This year’s theme for the festival was ‘Faithfulness and Loyalty’, which aligned well with DCT Abu Dhabi’s mandate to promote the UAE’s rich Emirati heritage and showcase Abu Dhabi as a tourist destination in the region. The UAE Pavilion also had a particular focus on the traditional and cultural elements of UAE heritage that are enlisted on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity.
The UAE Pavilion showcased a range of specially designed events across culture, heritage and history, with the aim of introducing the public to the cultural legacy and deep-rooted connections the UAE and KSA share. Through captivating performances highlighting the UAE’s rich history and its aspirations of the future, the UAE Pavilion kept visitors engaged and entertained.
“The UAE Pavilion has attracted a huge number of new visitors to the Al Janadriyah Festival, who not only enjoyed some authentic Emirati culture, but also some of the very best performances the UAE has to offer,” said HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary from DCT Abu Dhabi. “And our packed programme of cultural events is set to continue both locally and internationally in the months ahead.”
A key component of the activities was entitled ‘Celebrating Al Ain’, and as one of the key regions of the UAE, it honoured the city’s traditional architecture, rich history and expertise in handmade crafts. The Festival further incorporated participants and establishments from the UAE, who were present to showcase their unique contributions.
The Pavilion also included live performances highlighting the UAE’s fishermen and the prominent role they play in the nation’s rich history. Other fascinating activities included presentations on the Bedouin lifestyle, falconry, folk arts performances, and sustainability-themed activations which covered agriculture and irrigation.
An integrated heritage village at the Pavilion also showcased local products and handicrafts, while another corner was dedicated to the culinary arts, serving traditional Emirati dishes while also highlighting the UAE’s renowned hospitality.
As part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s mandate to highlight the UAE’s culture and history, the UAE Pavilion successfully provided a platform for economic stimulation as well as for the preservation of heritage and tradition through the various activities and programmes which were organised. The diverse range of activities further showcased the UAE as an attractive tourist destination for Saudi Arabian travellers.
The Festival also succeeded in promoting the tourist landmarks, attractions and facilities in Abu Dhabi such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, and the emirate’s many world-class museums, including Louvre Abu Dhabi
