The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is set to participate in the Tan-Tan Cultural Festival in Morocco from June 26 to 30. This year’s festival, themed "20 Years of Conservation and Human Development," is held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

Key Takeaways

  • The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will participate in the Tan-Tan Cultural Festival in Morocco.
  • The festival will take place from June 26 to 30.
  • The event is themed "20 Years of Conservation and Human Development."
  • The UAE Pavilion will showcase various elements of Emirati intangible heritage.
  • Activities will include camel races, beauty pageants, and milking competitions.
  • The festival celebrates Bedouin culture in Morocco and North Africa.

Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority’s Participation

Abdulla Mubarak Al Muhairi, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, emphasized the importance of participating in the Tan-Tan Cultural Moussem. Since 2014, the Authority has aimed to shed light on the rich and diverse Emirati heritage and highlight the efforts of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in sustaining intangible heritage.

Al Muhairi stressed that such events are crucial for introducing Emirati heritage and traditions to international audiences. The participation aims to promote harmony among the values, customs, and traditions shared by the UAE and Morocco. This involvement is a testament to the deep and expanding relations between the two nations, extending beyond cultural exchange.

UAE Pavilion Highlights

The UAE Pavilion at the Moussem will feature a wide range of elements of the UAE’s intangible heritage. In cooperation with the Emirates Camel Racing Federation, the Authority will host several heritage competitions, including:

  • Camel races
  • Camel beauty pageants
  • Camel milking competitions

The pavilion will also offer a variety of events and activities designed to educate the public about living Emirati heritage. These include:

  • Performances by folk arts troupes
  • Live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts
  • Emirati cuisine
  • Photo exhibitions
  • Traditional games
  • Poetry soirees
  • Concerts featuring Emirati artists

Tan-Tan Cultural Festival

The Tan-Tan Moussem is a lively celebration of Bedouin culture in Morocco and North Africa. This distinguished festival brings together various forms of Bedouin traditions through a rich program of music, art, and cultural activities. It blends the past and present while highlighting the desert heritage. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience and celebrate the shared heritage of Arab cultures, all woven together by the distinctive threads of traditional Saharawi culture.

The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority’s participation in the Tan-Tan Cultural Festival underscores the importance of cultural exchange and the preservation of intangible heritage. It also highlights the strong ties between the UAE and Morocco, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their shared cultural heritage.

Sources