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Updated January 2024

The vibrancy, depth, and global impact of Emirati culture are evident throughout history. Nevertheless, to truly grasp its authentic essence, one must venture into the heart of the Arabian land. Abu Dhabi provides an outstanding opportunity for individuals to fully immerse themselves in the deeply rooted essence of Emirati Heritage at the Al Hosn Festival.

Read on as Wego delves into all the details and features of the Al Hosn Festival 2024.

Table of Contents

What is the Al Hosn Festival 2024?

The Al Hosn Festival serves as a vibrant celebration of Emirati culture, providing a platform to reconnect with and find solace in the profound affection for age-old traditions through its well-planned events. Visitors are invited to take a nostalgic journey and fully engage in the core of Emirati heritage.

From traditional cuisines, attire, customs, and performances, to crafts that still leave a mark on our contemporary existence, attendees have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse facets of Emirati heritage.

Al Hosn Festival 2024 dates & timings

The Al Hosn Festival will commence on 19 January 2024 and run through 28 January 2024. Each day, the festival will be open to the public from 4 PM to 11 PM, with the last entry permitted at 10:30 PM.

Al Hosn Festival 2024 location

The Al Hosn Festival will take place at Qasr Al Hosn, which is recognised as the oldest stone building and the most revered historic site in Abu Dhabi.

The event’s location stands as a testament to and celebration of Emirati heritage, showcasing artefacts and archival materials dating back as far as 6000 BC.

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What to expect at the Al Hosn Festival 2024?

The Al Hosn Festival presents diverse events and activities that link ancient Emirati practices with the modern citizen. This year’s festival has expanded in scale from the previous edition.

New additional activities centred on camels and their surrounding traditions have been introduced. Attendees can also immerse themselves in the henna culture and indulge in culinary delights, from mashakeek to knefeh, crafted by local chefs who debut at the festival.

In addition to these offerings, the festival is divided into three distinct zones. Here are some key highlights from each zone of the event to spark your excitement:

Crafts Zone

Image © abudhabiculture.ae

The Crafts Zone is where traditional artisans narrate the tales of ancient Emirati craft styles, presenting unique pieces of art from various local retailers. Dive deeper into the experience by engaging in hands-on workshops tailored for families, enabling you to craft art pieces you can treasure as your very own creations.

Some distinct experiences within the Crafts Zone include the Al Ain Zoo, farmer’s market, dates market, antique shops, and more.

Heritage Zone

Image © abudhabiculture.ae

The Heritage Zone offers an ideal setting to fully immerse yourself in the rich splendour of Emirati heritage. Accomplished artisans not only showcase their skills but also actively involve visitors in unique activities, providing unmatched experiences found nowhere else.

Embrace the Emirati way of life by partaking in the diverse experiences available at the Heritage Zone, such as Camel Ezba, souks, traditional Emirati houses, traditional performing arts, and the ritual of welcoming a newborn. All of these attractions are conveniently located near the iconic Qasr Al Hosn, an integral part of this heritage enclave.

Community Zone

At the heart of the festival, the Community Zone stands as the central hub for community gatherings, featuring sections dedicated to musical performances, shopping destinations, and chances for visitors to savour genuine traditional delicacies and international cuisines.

Keep an eye out for the musical performances at Falaj and Corniche, where you can explore various genres and soak yourself in tunes played by young musicians, emerging local bands, and DJ sets.