Permanent Traditional Market in Al Dhafra Festival

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Permanent Traditional Market in Al Dhafra Festival

Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee-- Abu Dhabi organises the 9th edition of Al Dhafra Festival. Held in Madinat Zayed in Al Gharbia (The Western Region) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the brand-new 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 job of the Permanent Heritage Traditional Market. The Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee-- Abu Dhabi has earlier signed a cooperation contract with the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations Ltd. (ADCO) to implement the task at the official site of the Festival.

With an overall area of 48,000 square metres, the marketplace will be built near the main platform of the Camel Mazayna (Beauty Contest). Appropriately, most of the activities of Al Dhafra Festival will be held at one main website that will enable the travelers and visitors to find and delight in the various events and competitions with fantastic ease.

Under the contract, the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee will monitor the execution of the project and keep track of the execution of the relevant and associated works. The Committee will also monitor business and the different heritage and cultural elements of the task while setting the needed strategies to reinforce the role of the marketplace in protecting and promoting the Emirati handicrafts, at regional and international levels.

The first phase of the task, which is really underway, is anticipated to end in December 2015. It consists of the development of the infrastructure and fundamental services. The very first stage also includes the construction of parking lots, and the main market, consisting of 28 businesses to function as a front part of the job. The standard fence includes six towers, and major gateways, with all the designs inspired by the spirit of the historical Maziraat Fort.

The 2nd phase will begin with completion of the 9th edition of Al Dhafra Festival. It consists of the construction of the main platform, and the indoor market for the productive families, artisans, exhibitors and experts. The indoor market functions 167 stores, which brings the total number of business to 195.

Al Dhafra Traditional Market is expected to fulfill the needs of the area and supply different services, consisting of car park, buses for travelers, along with exceptional security and security requirements. A special location will be designated to exhibitors, sponsors, supporters, a leisure town for youngsters, and a stand for the display of the different details of the early wildlife.

"Since the very first edition of the Festival in 2008, the Emirati Traditional Market has actually experienced a large turnout, consisting of 10s 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 actually also served as a perfect platform to promote the pioneering projects of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to secure and support the national identity and the regional culture," said the Director of the Heritage Activities at the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee, Mr. Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei.

With the development of the Permanent Traditional Market of Al Dhafra, the Committee is aiming to maintain and promote the Emirati handicrafts so as to guaranteeing their survival in the long run. The Committee is likewise wishing to meet the needs of Al Gharbia (The Western Region) in good quality items, with a cultural character, for tourists. Accordingly, the Permanent Traditional Market is anticipated to play a crucial role in raising the status and promoting the history of standard Emirati craft products.

At the Market, the visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy Emirati females as they practice the art of Sadu (the art of weaving cotton and wool), Al Telli' (distinct embroidery), Al Khous (weaving from palm leaves), Henna, and others along with the discussion of different ranges of popular Emirati food.

Throughout the years, these standard Emirati products have become obtained as mementos by the guests of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Committee accords unique interest to the traditional crafts and industries, with the aim of protecting the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. These crafts do tempt tourists and work as a platform for the promo of conventional products as aesthetic and innovative symbols that highlight the custom-mades and customs of Abu Dhabi residents, Emirati nationals, and individuals from the Arab Gulf area, in basic.

In this context, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is sparing no efforts to restore these crafts and industries while making every effort to raise awareness about the significance of this sector. The Emirate is also encouraging the more youthful generation to learn more about and practice these crafts so regarding improve the essential skills and develop products in line with the requirements of modernity. The standard crafts and industries make, in reality, a vibrant financial sector that adds to the generation and creation of job opportunities for huge sectors of the society, significantly females.