Abu Dhabi - WAM
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) announced the Cultural Foundation's programme as part of the Qasr Al Hosn Festival, which comes under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The programme recreates moments and memories closely linked to the space through performing arts, workshops, and film screenings, as well as by introducing a newly designed contemporary space, Gahwa, serving authentic Emirati coffee and reflecting the importance and rituals of the UAE's intangible heritage. Qasr al Hosn Festival visitors will be able to see the conservation project underway in the Cultural Foundation, which was built in 1981 to showcase Islamic cultural heritage and as a centre of art and learning. The building was closed in 2009 to allow for the preliminary works for the Qasr al Hosn conservation project to commence. Qasr al Hosn Fort and the Cultural Foundation building are fundamental anchors to the entire Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Quarter. The conservation masterplan is underway in order to create a holistic cultural experience, reconnecting the pre-oil historic fort, the modern cultural heritage building, and Abu Dhabi. Sultan bin Tahnoon al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said, "Qasr al Hosn Festival gives visitors the opportunity to be part of the Cultural Foundation conservation programme. Our aim is to engage with the community and associate them to the conservation process. They have always been part of the Cultural Foundation life and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority will ensure that they will continue to belong to this landmark."