Khalifa bin Tahnoon Visits Traditional Handicrafts Festival in Al Ain.

Al Ain: Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, has visited the 10th edition of the Traditional Handicrafts Festival. The event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. According to Emirates News Agency, the festival is taking place at Al Ain's Souq Al Qattara and will run until 17th November 2024. It showcases the work of skilled Emirati artisans as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi's mission to safeguard and promote Emirati craftsmanship and cultural heritage. The event aims to nurture a vibrant cultural ecosystem. Sheikh Khalifa witnessed various artisan craft demonstrations such as Al-Sadu, Talli, pottery, and traditional rope making. He also toured the traditional souk, which showcases UAE's culture, heritage, and practices, including handicrafts, medicinal herbs, falconry tools, Arabic coffee, culinary experi ences, and traditional clothing. The festival brings together artisans, educational institutions, government, and third-sector organizations dedicated to safeguarding Emirati heritage. It organizes a variety of cultural activities and workshops for the public, highlighting the importance of preserving and protecting Emirati cultural heritage and craftsmanship for present and future generations. The event offers a diverse array of traditional performing arts and handicrafts, traditional games for adults and children, heritage competitions, and educational workshops for youth. Visitors are also taken through an authentic Emirati culinary experience. Celebrating UAE's national identity and culture, the festival collaborates closely with families in the handicrafts industry. It offers support for them to meet the demands of the modern consumer market and aims to facilitate new career opportunities for artisans, providing the tools and resources necessary to innovate their business models and expand their range of products. The festival is open free of charge from 9 am to 1 pm for school and university students, and from 4 pm to 11 pm for the public.