The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi is organizing a completely new version of Al Hosn Festival from December 12 to 19, to fully activate the Al Hosn area, starting from its location in the heart of the UAE capital, through a new cultural experience that reflects the rich heritage of the emirate and presents new perceptions about it.
The festival, which will be an important annual event on the agenda of local cultural events, creates a festive atmosphere for the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, through a dynamic program with a series of performances, arts, crafts and design arts.
The first edition of the festival presents a conceptual journey through the landscapes of Al Hosn area, where ancient traditions, creative initiatives, and inspiring artistic perspectives meet. Within eight days, the Al Hosn Festival presents a new vision of Abu Dhabi's culture, a platform for dialogue and new artistic possibilities.
The Fort, which marks the first start of the UAE capital to shape its cultural horizons, consists of four interrelated parts: Qasr Al Hosn Fort, Cultural Complex Building, National Historic Consultative Council Building and Artisans House. The importance of the fort area is that it is a vibrant symbol, combining elements of modern and ancient cultural heritage in a blend that reflects the uniqueness of history and its contemporary extensions.
Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, said: “We are delighted to add a major new festival to Abu Dhabi's annual list of cultural and entertainment events. The Al Hosn Festival reflects the vibrant heritage and cultural diversity of the capital. It offers an immersive experience that encourages interaction with creativity and inspiring talent, reflecting a long past, a prosperous present and a promising future. We designed the Al Hosn Festival with a rich program that will add dynamism to the entire Al Hosn area, welcoming the multinational and multicultural audience in the capital, catering to different tastes and interests, and giving ample room for the whole family to interact with the vibrant region, including musical performances and activities. Art, to retail, visual and performing arts. ”
Al Hosn Festival offers art, design and performance performances, along with traditional Emirati crafts, culinary arts and retail stores, to inspire the inspiration that connects Abu Dhabi's creative communities to all the major landmarks in the Fort and the surrounding areas.
The festival celebrates Emirati heritage through historical stories, intangible heritage and artistic crafts.The Al Qasr Al Hosn will become a living museum by re-imaging the daily lives of women, men and children who have lived and worked in the Palace over the past century. The Artisans House will host a wide range of UAE workshops and handicrafts such as burqa design, dyeing natural fibers and printing on bags, as well as enjoying traditional performing arts such as Al Ayala, Razza and Al Nahma, and participating in Emirati handicrafts and cuisine competitions.
The outdoor spaces of Al Hosn area will also host open-air cinema screenings during the festival days of the programming of "Aqeel Cinema" and "Shewala Project".
• Performances and traditional Emirati crafts and culinary arts.