Abu Dhabi Councils, at the Office of Citizens and Community Affairs in the Presidential Diwan, are organizing diverse heritage events, activities, and displays at the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2023-2024, currently taking place in the Al Wathba area of Abu Dhabi, running until March 9, 2024.
The events on the Councils’ platform at the festival aim to promote cultural heritage, national identity, and social cohesion among all segments of society. This is achieved through a variety of craft workshops, creative activities, and interactive presentations.
The platform also aims to raise cultural and knowledge awareness by coordinating sessions in collaboration with various government entities, including Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, Department of Culture and Tourism, Emirates Heritage Club, the Virtue Initiative at the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the National Fund, among other government institutions.
The activities include interactive displays embodying the depth and authenticity of the Emirati heritage, such as Sadu weaving, Talli embroidery, Barqaa weaving, roasting traditional Emirati coffee, and workshops on traditional pottery for both children and adults. In addition, there are presentations that bridge the past, present, and future, such as the Virtual Reality Majlis, the Light Lines Photography show, and artistic displays like sculpture and live painting on canvas, wood, and fabric.
During its participation in the festival, “Abu Dhabi Councils” launched contests and prizes for the audience, such as the Abu Dhabi Councils Photography Award – 3rd Edition under the theme “Emirati Heritage at the Sheikh Zayed Festival.” They also organized a traditional questions competition with Harb Al-Suwaidi, offering valuable gifts to visitors.
The Abu Dhabi Youth Council launched the first phase of the “Legacy and Impact” program at the Abu Dhabi Councils platform in the Sheikh Zayed Festival, targeting students and youth. The program aims to instill authentic Emirati values, shed light on popular heritage, and enhance national identity through various contributions covering several aspects within the festival’s activities.
The platform featured several talented artists, including the painter Khaled Mohammed Al Istada, visual artist Mariam Fayrouz Al Housani, painter Fares Al Hamadi, artist Salwa Al Marzouqi, Fatima Ali Al Hammad, and writer Meera Al Mansoori. They all presented live art shows or conducted educational art workshops for visitors of all ages at the festival.