Workshops, galleries, cars and more.
Shining a light on the traditions and heritage of Abu Dhabi, the Al Hosn Festival 2021 is a must-see event this November.
Taking place in the historical and cultural beating heart of Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, the usually serene setting is set to explode with a programme full of performances, art installations, film screenings, culinary experiences, crafts and design from 25 November to 4 December.
Team Yalla has compiled a series of events that you cannot miss.
Arts
For those who can appreciate great works on a canvas, the Al Hosn Festival will showcase some outstanding exhibitions portraying the evolution of the city through three exhibitions; Mohamed Chabaa & The Casablanca Art School; Al Mujamma, a collection of memories from UAE communities throughout the generations; and Food for Thought: Thought for Change by Rasheed Araeen as well as artistic expressions of the ever-evolving urban landscape of the emirate.
Culture
A celebration of culture, much of the festival will be centred around Emirati heritage, storytelling and artisanal crafts.
Experience daily life at the fort during the 1950s and 1960s with audio testimonials and pictures from the A Day in The Palace exhibition, admire traditional craftmanship through live demonstrations at the House of Artisans and even learn how to manipulate coral into a sculpture or master Arabic calligraphy at the Bait Al Khatt centre.
And that is before the best in the emirate come together to show off the craft skills in at the second Gahwa Championship.
Film & Theatre
For cinephiles, numerous open-air screenings from ImageNation Abu Dhabi will be broadcasted at the festival alongside the Cultural Foundation’s arts programme.
Featuring performances from renowned local musicians and artists, visitors can enjoy shows in both indoor and outdoor theatres.
Car enthusiasts
The ribbon cutting of the Al Hosn Festival will be done to the backdrop of the roar of engines as the Classic Cars Exhibition returns for 2021 having debuted in 2019. More than 50 vintage cars shall roll through the festival in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the United Arab Emirates.
Family activities
This is edutainment at its best. Little ones will soak in the nation’s cultural offerings from the past to the present. There are also opportunities for them to try their hand at art and crafts and, perhaps, build their own city in their own way.
Fashionistas
Those looking to fit out their wardrobe with some local couture will have the opportunity to do so at the ‘makers village’.
Hosting pop-up concept stores from an array of artists and designers from home and around the region, visitors will be able to dress to impress in the finest of Emirati clothing.
For more information, visit Al Hosn Festival
