ABU DHABI // The symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi will once again throw open its doors to the public next year – and every year to come.
After the success of the inaugural Qasr Al Hosn Festival this year, the celebration of more than 250 years of history at the fort, as well as centuries of Emirati culture and heritage, will take place annually.
The second event will take place between February 20 and March 1.
“The Qasr Al Hosn Festival is an annual token of our appreciation for Abu Dhabi’s rich history and culture,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.
“Every year, the Qasr Al Hosn Festival will highlight and celebrate the significance of the fort, the birth of the nation’s capital, and its development over more than 250 years.”
Held on the grounds of Qasr Al Hosn, next year’s festival will, for the first time, allow visitors to explore the ancient fort as it undergoes renovation. Guests will be able to follow the progress of the restoration through guided tours of the partially opened interior of the fort.
Visitors to the festival will also be treated to a world-class show reflecting UAE history, as well as exhibitions, interactive heritage displays and art workshops, and performances highlighting Emirati skills and traditions.
One person who visited the first festival and does not intend to miss the next is Dr Frauke Heard-Bey, a former archivist at the National Centre for Documentation and Research, which was based at Qasr Al Hosn for 30 years.
“The aspect of the festival was magical,” said the German historian and researcher, who began working at the fort in 1968, one year after moving to Abu Dhabi.
“There were a lot of genuine Emirati aspects, including the real falcon handlers, the locals selling honey, and the authentic pearling dhow.”
Dr Heard-Bey said the enthusiasm among Emiratis involved in putting on the show was clear to see throughout this year’s event.
Holding the festival on a yearly basis was also important, according to the historian.
“Through the festival, the idea and concept of the fort is being restored in the memories of people,” she said
She hopes the festival will help support the completion of Qasr Al Hosn’s restoration and accessibility project.
“The fort is very important to the history of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and should be preserved by all means necessary,” she said.
The significance of the Unesco World Heritage site is notable, said Dr Hasan Al Naboodah, an Emirati historian and Dean of Libraries at UAE University in Al Ain.
“It is a symbol and centrepiece for the history of Abu Dhabi,” he said.
Having served as the residence of the ruling family for centuries, he said the fort had played a central role in the development of Abu Dhabi and the entire nation.
More than 30,000 visitors attended the first festival, which ran for 10 days and included historical exhibitions, live performances, traditional souq stalls, horses, camels, falcons, Salukis and Emiratis selling local arts and crafts.
A similar programme has been planned for next year’s festival, with TCA Abu Dhabi saying its main goal is to strengthen appreciation of Emirati heritage and identity, and engage people in the ongoing restoration of the fort.
tsubaihi@thenational.ae