The 4th National Traditional Handicrafts Festival, held at Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain, has attracted more than 85,000 visitors with its many heritage and cultural displays, including a range of live performances of multiple heritage-related crafts. It also showcased traditional Emirati handicrafts and products from yesteryear.

The 18-day festival, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, DCT, was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler`s Representative in Al Ain region.

To add an interactive flavour, the festival had individual pavilions featuring artisans conducting live workshops, including traditional pottery, and handicrafts practised by women such as 'khous', 'tali' and 'sadu'.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director-General of the DCT, said, "This event has advanced our efforts to safeguard our national heritage, serving as a platform that highlights the heritage of our ancestors and the cohesion of our society. It also makes certain that the current and future generations will preserve this invaluable part of our heritage passed down by our ancestors, especially as the festival incorporates all Emirati values, customs and traditions. These aspects include our language and accent, which are at the heart of the UAE’s authentic identity, the spirit of the nation and will preserve Emirati thought and heritage. Via these aspects, we seek to strengthen the links between the new generations and the time of our ancestors, as a foundation for a successful future."

The festival also witnessed the active support of the Takatof volunteers, who ensured the festival’s success for participants and the tens of thousands of visitors.