Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival to be bigger and better than ever before

ABU DHABI // "The previous years were a testimony of the importance of the UAE Federation as a gateway towards a better life for our citizens."

These words from the Founding Father will be brought to life again as the month-long Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival begins on December 1 at Al Wathba.

The theme for this year’s festival is “The UAE as a Crossroads of Civilisation”.

“The festival invokes immense pride of Emirati heritage, and in its diversity of citizens and residents,” said Hamid Neyadi, deputy chairman of the supreme committee for the event.

Mr Neyadi said the festival’s global message was to ensure younger Emiratis understood their origins, while learning more about the various countries from which its expatriates come.

“They in turn can carry down this tolerance and respect to their own children, becoming greater sources of inspiration and innovation,” he said.

“This unity represents the love and loyalty binding the UAE’s people to its wise leadership.”

Organisers say this year’s festivities will be the biggest yet, with 500 outlets displaying traditional products from 17 countries.

Entertainment will include cultural and traditional activities that commemorate Sheikh Zayed’s endeavours. The free event will feature 10 interactive shows, folklore and fireworks.

Abdullah Al Muhairi, chairman of the UAE Federation for Camel Racing, said the Memory of a Nation Exhibition at the festival would offer glimpses of the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed. It will include documents never before seen that depict the innovative process of the UAE’s formation.

Fountain water shows, programmed to the beat of the first President’s poetry and patriotic songs will be another highlight.

“A huge dancing fountain with tunes from around the world at Festival Square has been installed,” Mr Neyadi said.

The festival opens on the eve of National Day and organisers expect thousands to be drawn to the Union March, in which “tribes from across the country will march under one banner”.

People from a record 17 countries including Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, Russia, China and Bosnia will present their heritage, cuisine, traditional crafts and music to visitors.

There will be 40 restaurants offering international cuisine and 20 neighbourhood cooking stations. Cooking classes will also be available for visitors.

Other exhibitions will highlight the history of animal husbandry and sportsmanship in the region, particularly with Arabian thoroughbreds and camels.

Mr Neyadi said that the event would also promote tourism, and he urged everyone to visit with families and friends.

The festival takes place in Al Wathba, about 56 kilometres from Abu Dhabi City.

Buses will travel from Abu Dhabi’s main terminal to Al Wathba every hour during festival opening times – daily from 3pm to 10pm except on the first two days, when it will stay open until 11pm.

The event is being held under the patronage of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, and supported by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

anwar@thenational.ae