• Abdul Rahim works on a ceremonial dagger in his workshop at Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
    Abdul Rahim works on a ceremonial dagger in his workshop at Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
  • Abdul Rahim hammers the steel dagger.
    Abdul Rahim hammers the steel dagger.
  • Mohammad Ismail, 45, has been a cloak maker for more than 21 years.
    Mohammad Ismail, 45, has been a cloak maker for more than 21 years.
  • Mr Ismail sews at the Heritage Village.
    Mr Ismail sews at the Heritage Village.
  • The Heritage Village on Abui Dhabi's Breakwater has been home to craftsmen and artisans since 2001.
    The Heritage Village on Abui Dhabi's Breakwater has been home to craftsmen and artisans since 2001.
  • Clay ornaments in Osama El Adel's pottery workshop.
    Clay ornaments in Osama El Adel's pottery workshop.
  • Mr El Adel, 29, from Eqypt, has been working as a pottery artist at Heritage Village for four years.
    Mr El Adel, 29, from Eqypt, has been working as a pottery artist at Heritage Village for four years.
  • Mr El Adel works on a pot. Victor Besa / The National
    Mr El Adel works on a pot. Victor Besa / The National
  • Noor Ahmad is glass-blowing artist.
    Noor Ahmad is glass-blowing artist.
  • The 47-year-old transforms unwanted glass - from discarded bottles and jars to windowpanes - into eye-catching ornaments.
    The 47-year-old transforms unwanted glass - from discarded bottles and jars to windowpanes - into eye-catching ornaments.
  • Abdul Aziz, a woodworker has lived and worked in Abu Dhabi for 20 years.
    Abdul Aziz, a woodworker has lived and worked in Abu Dhabi for 20 years.
  • Mr Aziz's tools.
    Mr Aziz's tools.
  • One of his many jewellry boxes with sea shells from the Middle East.
    One of his many jewellry boxes with sea shells from the Middle East.
  • Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village is free to enter and is open from 9am to 4pm daily except on Fridays when it is open from 3.30pm to 9pm.
    Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village is free to enter and is open from 9am to 4pm daily except on Fridays when it is open from 3.30pm to 9pm.

Heritage

Abu Dhabi Heritage Village: learn about UAE culture and crafts in one destination

Take a look at what artisans get up to at one of the capital's tourist hotspots in our gallery

The National

July 29, 2019

  • English
  • Arabic

Have you ever wondered what Abu Dhabi was like before skyscrapers?

There is a spot a mere 10-minute walk from Marina Mall that has the old desert way of life all under one roof.

The Heritage Village on the Corniche Breakwater is a time capsule that brings to life a souq, a mosque and an encampment within its walls. It has also been home to talented craftsman and artisans who work with metal, pottery, fabric and glass since its opening in 2001.

Working without machinery, everything from the metalworker's khanjar – or ceremonial dagger – to the potter's cups and bowls are handmade. Visitors are also sometimes encouraged by the artisans – who offer public workshops – to get involved and try out the skills for themselves.

Take a look at the craftsman at work in the gallery above.

Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village is free to enter and is open from 9am to 4pm daily except on Fridays, when it is open from 3.30pm to 9pm. Find it on the map below. For more information, visit their website.

UAE