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Falconry Session for university students at Qasr Al Hosn

The Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi organized a heritage session on falconry for university students at Qasr Al-Hosn, to shed light on this intangible heritage element, preserve it and pass it on to future generations.

Building with Earth Exhibition

An Architectural Tradition in the UAE and Around the World. The exhibition provides visitors with an overview of Abu Dhabi’s earthen heritage, and a basic understanding of the origins of earthen building within the Emirati culture, in relation to the global manifestation of this architectural tradition in other parts of the world.

Chami

Chami is one of the traditional professions that are still practiced today. Watch to see how it’s used to make dairy products.

Oyster Opening

Discover oyster opening, a profession that continues to exist in Emirati life to this day.

Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine is an integral part of our heritage, reflecting the deep connection with the environment and its resources.

Blacksmithing

Blacksmithing is a traditional craft that requires patience, skill and imagination, and it still plays a prominent role in many fields today.

Paddles

Discover the art of making paddles, the tools used to steer and propel traditional boats through the waters.

Al-Ahallah

‏Al-Ahallah performance reflects traditional poetry in our culture. It involves a circle of singers that perform mesmeric chanting, with call-and-response form, rhythmical sounds and movements with canes.

Talli

Discover the talli traditional textile handicraft that features beautiful designs and creates adornment for all types of women’s clothing.

Fish Salting – “Maleh”

Discover the process of “Maleh” or fish salting, a traditional method that is still used today to preserve fish for long-term storage and consumption.

Gold

Learn about the traditional craft of engraving gold. This manual craftsmanship requires skill and precision that has become rare and precious today.

Gargour

The gargour is a traditional fish trap intricately woven from locally-sourced palm fronds.

Burqaa Making

A handicraft passed down for generations, Al Burqa is a type of mask sewn of special fabric that serves as protection, prevention and adornment for women.

Net Making

Get to know the traditional way of Net Making - a cone-shaped fishing net used by divers for generations.

Henna

Henna is an integral part of our customs and traditions during Eid Al Adha and special occasions. Explore its benefits and the process behind this art.

Al-Lewah

The influence of Emirati culture shines through in the art of Al Lewah. Explore this cultural expression, often regarded as a game among sailors, and discover the instruments that bring it to life.

Sails

Sails are pieces of fabric attached to a ship's mast. It varies in sizes and plays an important role to suit different situations during sailing expeditions.

Al Ain Palace Museum – Episode 1

Watch this tour of the Al Ain Palace Museum, and learn more about this historic building that became a museum in 2001.

Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa – Episode 1

A distinctive architectural marvel that was built in 1958, representing a blend between traditional architecture and modern building techniques. Watch this tour to discover Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa.

Qasr Al Muwaiji – Episode 1

Qasr Al Muwaiji is one of the most significant cultural sites of Al Ain, and is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Al Ain for its outstanding universal value

Al Jahili Fort -Episode 1

Al Jahili Fort is one of the largest traditional mud brick forts, and one of the most important cultural sites in Al Ain. Discover Al Jahili Fort through this tour.

Al Ain Oasis -Episode 1

Welcome to Al Ain Oasis, where culture and a way of life have thrived for thousands of years.

Al Qattara Arts Centre – Episode 1

This building that embraces art is Bin Aati Al Darmaki’s house, which was built in the seventeenth century, according to archaeological findings.

Al Ain Palace Museum – Episode 2

Let’s revisit Al Ain Palace Museum and discover its engineering and architecture, crafted using natural resources.

Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa – Episode 2

Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa stands not only as a house but rather as a notable symbol of heritage, with open doors for everyone

Qasr Al Muwaiji – Episode 2

Standing strong for over a century, Qasr Al Muwaiji holds great historic significance, carrying tales of the past into the present.

Earthen Architecture in Al Ain: Conserving Earthen Heritage Buildings

This series concludes with a visit to some earthen heritage sites that DCT recently conserved, using a variety of techniques

History and Methods of Traditional Beekeeping in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Learn about the traditional beekeeping craft, and how beekeepers sustained it with their skills, expertise, and inherited knowledge.

Guided Tour of Al Ain Oasis

Al Ain Oasis is the largest oasis in Al Ain, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

Earthen Architecture in Al Ain: What is earth as building material

In this video, we introduce the properties of earth as building material and some of the major threats that these constructions face

Earthen Heritage Sites in Al Ain: Preserving Abu Dhabi’s Unique Heritage

First in a series that talks about the capabilities and benefits of earthen architecture for our planet and its inhabitants.

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra: Film Music in Al Ain

Birmingham’s world-class orchestra played as part of Abu Dhbai Classics in the enchanting and iconic Al Jahili fort in Al Ain.

Visits from Bait Al Oud VI: Universal Mozart

Oud legend Naseer Shamma and Bait Al Oud musicians perform music composed by Mozart and inspired by him on Arabic instruments.

Visits from Bait Al Oud VII: From Spain to Abu Dhabi

Oud legend Naseer Shamma with the musicians from Bait Al Oud take their audience on a musical journey to Spain and Latin America.

Visits from Bait Al Oud IV: The story of the Oud

An instrumental concert programme with Naseer Shamma and Bait Al Oud teachers celebrating the history of Classical Arabic Music.

Visits from Bait Al Oud V: Tribute to Classical Arabic Singing

For its 5th instalment, the Visits from Bait Al Oud concert series celebrates the rich tradition of Classical Arabic Singing

Sounds of UAE: Ahmed Al Hosani & Bait Al Oud, and Faisal Al Saari and band

Emirati Singer Ahmed Al Hosani performs with Bait Al Oud Musicians and Faisal Al Saari offers a performance of “To Zayed Salam”

Sounds of UAE: Nejma El Koor, Tariq Al Menhali and Faisal Al Jasim

The second National Day Concert from Sounds of UAE with Najma Al Koor, Tariq Al Menhali and Faisal Al Jasim

Visits from Bait Al Oud III: Ramadan Nights

A Celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan under the artistic supervision of Bait Al Oud Vocal Teacher Dr. Fathulla Ahmed.

Visits from Bait Al Oud II: The new Qanun

Bait Al Oud Abu Dhabi’s Qanun teacher, Bassam Abdel Satar, gathers his graduates & friends to perform a virtual concert.

Visits from Bait Al Oud I: Naseer Shamma & Friends

Oud legend Naseer Shamma performed an online concert from Bait Al Oud Abu Dhabi, instilling hope in times of uncertainty.

Qasr Al Muwaiji Virtual Tour

The Rulers’ Palace and Birthplace of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan which was and still a meeting place for the community.

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: Four Experts, Four Pillars

Al Qattara Arts Centre celebrates World Day for Audiovisual Heritage through a series of interviews with heritage and audiovisual experts.

Guided tour in Qasr Al Muwaiji

The Rulers’ Palace and Birthplace of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan which was and still a meeting place for the community members and the visitors of the city since the fortieths of 20th century.

Drive-In concert – Live from Berklee Abu Dhabi

Enjoy a unique display of talent in our first drive-in concert at Berklee Abu Dhabi - the first of many live performances as part of our “When Is Now?” series. With an incredible line up of artists!

CulturAll Conversations: The Art Community; The Way Forward

A discussion among artists who have shaped the regional artistic scene and who have contributed to artistic institutions in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

Al Qattara Arts Centre virtual tour

A space in which to discover and create, bringing together the curious and the experienced. Take a 360° tour.

Manarat Al Saadiyat virtual tour

Explore Manarat Al Saadiyat on the 360° tour.

Jebel Hafit Tombs virtual tour

At Jebel Hafit in Al Ain are tombs that reveal trade links with the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Persia and the Indus Valley.

Modern Heritage

Abu Dhabi’s Modern Architectural & Urban Heritage

CulturAll Conversations: Reimagining Museums

Museums: Places of Civic Engagement, Inspiration and Rebuilding in a Pandemic Age

Abu Dhabi Children’s Library Online

Discover fun books to read at the e-Library.

Okwui Enwezor and David Adjaye in Conversation

Okwui Enwezor and David Adjaye in conversation at Abu Dhabi Art

Visits from Bait Al Oud II: The New Qanun

Bait Al Oud teacher Bassam Abdel Satar gathered his qanun graduates together for an online concert, showcasing Arabic musical traditions, as well as innovation and creativity.

Visits from Bait Al Oud IV: The Story of the Oud

Naseer Shamma and teachers from Bait Al Oud perform a programme of classical Arabic music.

Emirati Traditional Games

Traditional games represent a shared heritage that entices core values needed to build qualities and inspire collectiveness.

Qasr Al Hosn virtual tour

Qasr Al Hosn has more than one story to tell, it is a place of many layers and secrets awaiting to be discovered.

Al-Sadu weaving

By weaving sheep wool, goat hair or camel fur, Emirati artisans create distinctive designs rich in geometrical patterns that often reflect social identity and the surrounding environment.

Furusiyya Exhibition Virtual Tour

The walk-through virtual tour of the Furusiyya exhibition allows you to get even closer to the artworks than you can in real life.

The Red Palace exhibition virtual tour

Explore the Cultural Foundation exhibition ‘The Red Palace’ by artist Sultan bin Fahad, in 360° view.

Talli embroidery

Talli is a traditional form of decorative embroidery practised by Emirati women using cotton or silk threads on a loom called a ‘Kajooja’.

The oldest known mosque in the UAE

Artefacts discovered in the early Islamic town reveal evidence of trade to lands as far away as China.

Culture Summit Panel 2020

A special Culture Summit Abu Dhabi recorded session: ‘Alone Together: Culture and Resilience’.

Common Ground exhibition virtual tour

Explore the Cultural Foundation group exhibition ‘Common Ground’, in 360° view.

The Founding Father and the Archaeological Story of the UAE

Peter Magee, Zayed National Museum Director, Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, in conversation with Eisa Yousif, Director of Excavations & Sites, Sharjah Archaeology Authority.

Universal Expressions: Inspired by Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra performs with Christoph Eschenbach, Faisal Al Saari and Gautier Capuçon. This historic concert in Abu Dhabi in 2016 featured two world premieres: the oud concerto 'Zayed’s Dream' and the cello and orchestral fantasy composition 'Once Upon a Time'.