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As in every year and with the launch of a new edition of Al Dhafra Festival, the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi applies itself eagerly to create new competitions and initiate new categories, with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of the UAE and reinforcing the efforts of its protection from loss and damage. The 8th edition of the Festival runs from the 20th of December to the 1st of January, 2015 in Madinat Zayed in the Western Region (Al Gharbia) and brings in many surprises, notably the Handicrafts Competition.

The Competition consists in the design and creation of a cover for the winning camels in the Mazayna competition (Camel Beauty Contest at Al Dhafra Festival). The participants in this competition should make to measure a cover in a particular size for any of the winning camels (Haqqa, Luqyah, etc...). Inspired by the authentic Emirati heritage and a civilisational spirit, the cover must be exclusively handmade and decorated with heritage ornaments like Al Tarabish (tassels) , golden liras, Al Telli (weaved silvery and golden threads), Al Zari cloth, etc... Colours should be consistent, and in harmony with each other, and participants are advised to avoid the use of bright colours that might be inappropriate for the occasion. On one of its tips, each cover should bear the emblem of Al Dhafra Festival (2014). The participation is open for Emiratis, from the age of 20 to the age of 60, including those taking part in the Traditional Market.

Valuable prizes worth AED 100,000 await the winners of the Handcrafts Competition. The winner of the top position will receive AED 30,000, the second will get AED 20,000, and the third will collect AED 15,000. The remaining winners (from 4th position to 10th position) will receive AED 5,000 each.

Mr. Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Director of Al Dhafra Festival's Heritage Competitions noted that the launch of the new competition by the Higher Organising Committee came as part of the efforts aimed at promoting the dependence on Emirati traditional handicrafts in daily life.

We would like to reactivate and stimulate the practice and dependence on handicrafts among people in general. The competition and the prizes were set to encourage our people to give their best in the field of traditional crafts so as to meet the significance of the event and its key heritage and historical merit, he said.

We should take advantage of this momentum that has been witnessed by the nation in the field of heritage preservation. The Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi is well aware of this fervent drive and is capable of transforming the whole endeavour into a driving force for the sustainment of the various efforts for the preservation of the intangible heritage of the United Arab Emirates. The new competition actually seeks to raise the awareness of the Emirati people about their heritage, while encouraging the whole community to preserve, promote and highlight this heritage as a valuable cultural and tourist attraction, he added.

Al Mazrouei insisted that each competition aspires to promote the Emirati traditions and the authentic heritage of the nation in an attempt to pass on this legacy to future generations and ensure its protection and preservation. Our festivals and activities have turned into a vivid world of heritage that is also characterised by a contemporary touch. The heritage of each nation amounts to an everlasting wealth and an inalienable right for all future generations. Fortunately, our ancient history and our modern renaissance have delivered a massive and diverse heritage legacy that can be natural, structural, cultural, historical, scientific or artistic.

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