Abu Dhabi celebrates cultural experiences of Emiratis

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the launch of a new awareness campaign, ‘Our Traditions, Our Roots’, celebrating Abu Dhabi’s vibrant intangible cultural heritage. The campaign is launching with a short film featuring Emirati poetry, crafts, traditional performing arts and other forms of cultural expression.

Fostering pride in the Emirati identity, the ‘Our Traditions, Our Roots’ campaign introduces residents and visitors from the region and the world to Emirati cultural heritage and the values ​​​​that the people of the United Arab Emirates have passed down from generation to generation.

The falcon has traditionally been a symbol of pride and honour among Arab nationals.

The campaign reflects the DCT Abu Dhabi Culture Sector’s efforts to preserve, celebrate and promote the emirate’s tangible and intangible heritage, which is intrinsic to the UAE’s cultural identity, and the Sector's mission to safeguard them for generations to come.

Commencing with a short film designed to bring the essence of Emirati heritage to life, the campaign will continue with additional videos highlighting the heritage elements inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including Talli, a traditional handmade weaving craft distinguished by its bright colours and beautiful designs which is used to decorate various types of traditional women’s clothing; Al-Ayyala, one of the traditional performing arts performed by men and young boys; Sadu, another traditional handmade weaving craft practised by women in the desert; in addition to Al-Taghrooda, one of the traditional forms of Bedouin chanted poetry; and falconry hunting, practised in the region for thousands of years.

Henna designs for the hands are a favourite.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Culture touches every aspect of our lives, informing our identity as a people and a nation – and culture is at the heart of our vision at DCT Abu Dhabi. The deep appreciation we have for the traditions passed down to us by our ancestors is reflected in the heritage practices, historic buildings, and cultural landscapes we conserve, the cultural sites we develop, and the programmes and festivals we organise.”

‘Our Traditions, Our Roots’ aligns with the emirate’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and further positioning it as a destination of choice for those seeking a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and cultural vibrancy. Over the years, DCT Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in showcasing and preserving the emirate’s cultural heritage. Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity has been shaped by unique traditions, practices and values as well as cultural landscapes, of which 15 elements have been successfully inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The making of gargoor, a traditional fish trap.

This campaign joins several other Abu Dhabi Culture initiatives promoting Emirati heritage, including Al Hosn Festival, the Maritime Heritage Festival, the Traditional Handicrafts Festival, the House of Artisans programme, the Abu Dhabi Register of Artisans, and the Abu Dhabi Crafts platform, in addition to a wide range of education material designed to teach children about the values and importance of our tangible and intangible heritage.

About The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dctabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae