If you are keen to explore Al Ain, no trip is complete without a visit to Qasr Al Muwaji. Beyond the ancient fortress, there’s a wealth of programming on. Yalla breaks offer an Al Ain must list.
Qasr Al Muwaiji was home to generations of the Al Nahyan family, and saw the birth of Sheikh Khalifa in 1948. The UNESCO World Heritage Site functioned not only as a home and an oasis in the desert but also as a place of rule and a focus for the community. The architectural gem now offers its visitors a variety of historical and traditional experiences associated with the venue, including oral narrations of the significant moments of Sheikh Khalifa’s life from his early childhood, leadership and vast national achievements.
In the month of December, why not take in explore UAE culture through a variety of family-friendly workshops on offer at Qasr Al Muwaji. Here are Yalla’s top picks!
Coffee Through the Ages
Love coffee? Who doesn’t? If you want to learn about coffee practices in the UAE, Bait Al Gahwa is the place to be! This demonstration involves the traditional preparation and presentation of ‘Gahwa’ or Arabic coffee. The practice of serving Gahwa communally has been a part of the tradition of hospitality and generosity for centuries and passed down from generation to generation. It is a symbol of unity, which shaped social, political and culture associations that have helped form the Emirati community into what it is today. There are very distinct ways to drink Gahwa and, in this workshop, you will learn how to demonstrate interest in a cup or ask for another without needing to say a word. 9 Dec from 3 PM – 6 PM
The one of the star objects in Qasr Al Muwaiji is ‘HH Shaikh Khalifa’s Bisht’. The Royal Bisht workshop introduces the concept of the ‘Bisht’ to the public—the different fabric, colours, and all related facts about the traditional garment worn by UAE rulers, and the different kinds of patterns that each ruler has on the Bisht, followed by a practical sewing workshop to allow visitors to try their hand at Bisht. Visitors will enjoy an exciting experience where they will take part in the tailoring process and receive a box that includes all the tools and the fabrics used in the making of the a Bisht. 10 Dec 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
The Art of Warfare
The one of the objects in Qasr Al Muwaiji is HH Shaikh Khalifa’s daggers. The Emarati Dagger workshop introduces the concept of the dagger to the public—the different materials, colours, the difference between Emarati daggers and other daggers in the gulf region. Visitors will enjoy an exciting experience to know more about the secrets behand the craft of making Emarati daggers and exactly how you wear one! 28 Dec 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Entry is Free
To learn more, please call 03 7118311. To know about other events happening at Qasr Al Muwaiji, click here.
