A festival of Emirati identity

The first Mal Aoal Festival in Dibba, which celebrates traditional Emirati identity and its history, concludes today. Ravindranath K / The National

FUJAIRAH // The younger generation of Emiratis are being introduced to their heritage and culture through the first Mal Aoal Festival in Dibba.

Old Emirati currencies, handicrafts, fishing tools and many other artefacts were displayed at the heritage festival, while guests were entertained by traditional Emirati songs and dances.

Asmaa Al Dhanhani, director of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority in Dibba, which organised the festival, said that the event was a display of traditional Emirati identity and its history from 1960 to 1980.

“This event was created to give new generations the opportunity to know more about the country’s traditions, to keep them alive and benefit from them,” she said.

“The period in question was “very important and the foundation stone of our country and its development.”

Women came from Dibba and nearby areas such as Al Taween to participate and display their traditional handicrafts.

Amna Al Khateebi, 44, an Emirati mother of eight from Dibba, joined the festival to exhibit traditional fans and bags made from palm fronds, along with embroidered dresses, accessories and perfumes that were used by brides in the 1960s and 1970s.

“Traditions never fade away, especially when you find many exhibitions and events celebrating culture in the country,” Ms Al Khateebi said. “I decided to bring the things that brides used to buy and wear during the old days, such as embroidered long dresses, golden chains for head, neck, waist and hands.”

Ms Al Khateebi said that brides used to wear long dresses embroidered with crystals.

“In the past, brides didn’t only wear white dresses, they sometimes bought them green or red,” she said.

“While preparing themselves they used to mix saffron powder with water and then apply it to the centre of their heads and chin as part of the tradition,” she said.

“Few people still practise old traditions but it’s very important to let the new generations know about them and keep them going.”

Mariam Al Yamahi, 50, from Al Taween, displayed handicrafts, homemade herbs, spices and henna.

“My great grandmother taught my grandmother who taught my mother who taught me and now it’s my turn to teach my children, grandchildren and the new generation about the UAE’s heritage and traditions,” she said.

“During the old days they used to mix herbs to treat many diseases and relieve pain, and used the original henna made out of henna leaves to dye their hair and colour their hands and feet.

“Nowadays they use artificial henna, which might affect the skin.”

Abdullah Al Haffiti, a 12-year-old Emirati, visited the festival with his father and was excited to see the old currencies.

“I’m really happy to see all these coins that represent different periods and celebrate many occasions,” he said. “I saw one dirham dated to 1971 and the one issued on the occasion of celebrating the 25th National Day and made of gold.”

Rashid Khasaw, 56, a currency collector who displayed his collection at the festival, said that he started collecting coins and paper money in the 1980s.

“It wasn’t easy to collect all these coins, it took time and effort, but I’m proud of my collection and glad that I got the chance to showcase it here at the festival and make people witness the development of the country’s currency,” said Mr Khasaw, who is from Dibba.

The festival, which is open between 4pm and 9pm at Dibba Heritage Village, ends on Thursday. ​