The Traditional Handicrafts Festival in Al Ain is now celebrating its 10th edition. It is currently taking place from October 29 to November 17. It is organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT-Abu Dhabi). This year’s festival carries the theme “Ancestors’ Crafts, Descendants’ Pride”.
It highlights the significance of preserving Emirati cultural heritage. The festival welcomes school and university students from 9 AM to 1 PM. It opens its doors to the general public from 4 PM to 11 PM with free entry for everyone.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is the Chairman of DCT-Abu Dhabi. He emphasized the festival’s importance. He stated, “More than just a celebration of artistry, the Traditional Handicrafts Festival embodies DCT Abu Dhabi’s living legacy of Emirati heritage.”
The event not only shows the talents of local artisans. It also seeks to instill a sense of pride in Emirati identity among both current and future generations. The festival offers a vibrant program. This program includes traditional performing arts, a variety of handicrafts, interactive games, and competitions designed to engage visitors.
A traditional market features handcrafted goods, medicinal herbs, falconry tools, Arabic coffee, Emirati cuisine, and traditional clothing. The addition of heritage workshops for youth enhances the cultural experience. It will promote the traditional crafts of the UAE.
It is a dedicated effort to modernize the handicrafts sector. The festival works closely with families in the artisan community. It provides support that helps them adapt to contemporary market demands. This initiative promotes traditional crafts. It also creates new career opportunities for artisans, equipping them with the tools to grow their businesses.
