UAE- Permanent Traditional Market at Al Dhafra Festival

ABU DHABI 12th November 2015 (WAM) -- Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals CommitteeAbu Dhabi is to organise the 9th edition of the Al Dhafra Festival.

Held annually in Madinat Zayed in Al Gharbia the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi the next edition will run from the 7th to the 30th of December 2015.

The upcoming edition of Al Dhafra Festival is expected to witness the implementation of the Permanent Heritage Traditional Market project. The Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals CommitteeAbu Dhabi earlier signed a cooperation agreement with the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations ADCO to implement the project at the festival's official site.

With a total area of 48000 square metres the market will be constructed near the main platform of the Camel 'Mazayna' or Beauty Contest. The majority of activities of Al Dhafra Festival will now be held on one main site allowing tourists and visitors to discover and enjoy the different events and competitions.

Under the agreement the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee will supervise the implementation of the project and monitor the execution of the relevant and related works. The committee will also supervise the businesses and the different heritage and cultural aspects of the project while setting the required plans to reinforce the role of the market in safeguarding and promoting traditional Emirati handicrafts at local and international levels.

The first phase of the project is already underway. It includes the development of the infrastructure and basic services the construction of parking lots and the main market itself including 28 businesses to serve as the initial part of the project. The traditional fence around the area includes six towers and major gateways with all designs inspired by the spirit of the historic Maziraat Fort.

The second phase will kick off at the end of the 9th edition of the Al Dhafra Festival. It includes the construction of the main platform and an indoor market for productive families artisans exhibitors and professionals. The indoor market features 167 shops which will bring the total number of businesses to 195.

Al Dhafra Traditional Market will provide a range services including parking lots buses for tourists and premium security and safety standards. A special area will be allocated for exhibitors sponsors and supporters a leisure village for children and a stand for the display of the different details of the early wildlife of the region.

"Since the first edition of the Festival in 2008 the Emirati Traditional Market has witnessed a large turnout including tens of thousands of tourists and visitors. They have been coming from all over the world to discover the authentic cultural heritage of the UAE. The market has also served as an ideal platform to promote the pioneering projects of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to safeguard and support national identity and local culture" said the Director of the Heritage Activities at the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei.

With the creation of the Permanent Traditional Market of Al Dhafra the committee is aspiring to preserve and promote Emirati handicrafts so as to ensure their survival in the long run. The committee is also hoping to meet the needs of Al Gharbia with good quality products and cultural character for tourists. Accordingly the market is expected to play a key role in raising the status and promoting the history of traditional Emirati craft products.

At the market visitors will have an opportunity to watch Emirati women as they practice the art of Sadu the art of weaving cotton and wool Al Telli' or distinctive embroidery Al Khous weaving palm fronds Henna and other traditions as well as the presentation of different varieties of popular Emirati food.

Over the years these traditional Emirati products have become sought after as souvenirs by visitors.

The committee accords special interest to the traditional crafts and industries with the aim of safeguarding the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. These crafts attract tourists and work as a platform for the promotion of traditional products as aesthetic and creative symbols that highlight the customs and traditions of Abu Dhabi locals Emirati nationals and people from the Arab Gulf region in general.

In this context the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is sparing no efforts to revive these crafts and industries while striving to raise awareness about the importance of this sector. The emirate is also encouraging the younger generation to learn about and practice these crafts so as to improve their essential skills and develop products in line with the requirements of modern society. The traditional crafts and industries form a dynamic economic sector that contributes to the generation and creation of job opportunities for large segments of society notably women.