Emirati presence at Morocco festival to celebrate Bedouin culture

ABU DHABI // An Emirati presence at an annual festival in Morocco will help to celebrate a vibrant Bedouin culture.

For the third year in a row Emiratis will take part in the Tan-Tan Moussem Festival.

The event, which is now in its 12th year, is recognised by Unesco as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

“An active Emirati participation in the activities of the Tan-Tan Moussem Festival is quite important as it boosts cultural dialogue and reinforces exchange between the main players in the field of authentic Bedouin heritage and culture,” said Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, chairman of the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee — Abu Dhabi.

“This participation serves and strengthens the distinguished cultural ties between the UAE and the brotherly Kingdom of Morocco.”

The festival is a showcase of a diverse range performance arts of the desert locals, including music, popular songs, heritage games, poetry evenings, different oral traditions, and performances featuring horses, and camels.

Both the UAE and Morocco share a common interest, customs and traditions and the festival has helped to promote that further.

Mr Al Mazrouei said events such as this also help to raise awareness of Emirati heritage internationally.

“The Emirati participation in the two previous editions was remarkably effective as it succeeded in drawing the interest of a large public,” he said.

The Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee — Abu Dhabi is overseeing the participation of the Emirati delegation at the festival.

This is being done in cooperation with The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the General Women’s Union, the Camel Racing Federation, and the Advanced Scientific Group (The Veterinary Research Centre).

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