ABU DHABI // The four elements of the natural world that have moulded life in the UAE – the desert, oasis, sea and the mountains – will be represented at this year’s Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival.
Audience interaction will be a key part of the festival, which promises to be the biggest and best yet, said Humaid Al Neyadi, vice chairman of the higher organisation committee of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival.
“This year’s edition will be different and unique,” said Mr Al Neyadi. “The 2014 festival is a living museum which will have live interactions for the audience and incorporate the latest technology.”
The annual celebration of the UAE’s heritage and history will be held at Al Wathba from November 20 until December 12. Organisers hope that extending the festival’s run to 23 days will help to increase visitor numbers, especially among the young.
“It is essential that we pique the interest of young Emiratis and educate them about their forefathers’ heritage,” said Mr Al Neyadi. “This will highlight their role as a link to transfer UAE’s heritage from parents to children and future generations.
“I assure you, children will learn and enjoy themselves immensely this year,” he said.
Horses and camels will be an integral part of the festival’s oasis area, offering visitors the chance to ride the animals and watch equestrian displays, as well as exhibitions of the founding President Sheikh Zayed’s love of camels and the Arabian horse.
An exhibition on the 17th century poet Majidi bin Dhaher will be the main attraction of the desert environment. Focusing on details of Hilali poetry, readings and competitions will be held every night, while a replica of Al Badiyah mosque – the oldest mosque in the UAE dating back at least 500 years – will feature in the mountain section which will also focus on agriculture and the use of Aflaj, an irrigation system that catches mountain water and controls its movement down man-made subterranean channels.
Also included will be an exhibition on the Arabian Saluki, the breed of dog used by Bedouins.
The sea section will feature an exhibition on dhow building and sailing, while visitors will be able to drink coffee in a traditional coffee house and view the works of Ahmed bin Majid, a famous Emirati navigator, poet and scholar from the 15th century who was known as the Lion of the Sea.
“With more than 200 nationalities making up the population of the UAE it is important to inform them of the heritage and culture of the country they reside in,” said Dr Abdulla El Reyes, Director General of the National Archives.
The festival will reported on by Abu Dhabi Media Company. “We intend to cover the event from beginning to end on all facets of media, including TV, print, and digital media,” said Abdulraheem Al Bateeh, director of public service affairs at ADMC, adding that at least three hours of live coverage from the festival will be shown on the Abu Dhabi Emirates and Abu Dhabi Sports TV channels.
“Abu Dhabi Media’s reporting this year will reflect the real on-goings of the festival from multiple angles, including those of the children, women, history, and heritage to name a few.”
tusbaihi@thenational.ae
