Gulf News explores the timeless tapestry of Emirati culture. Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival showcases the richness of UAE’s heritage and creative influences on artisans. See more at: http://gulfnews.com/gntv
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00:00Souq al-Qatara in Al Ain is a unique heritage site and they're showcasing a handicrafts
00:12festival to celebrate the Emirati traditions.
00:15The whole festival is designed to allow spectators to travel back in time and see what people
00:20did in the old days in the UAE.
00:22The organizers, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, have put on a wide range of Emirati
00:27products, traditions, and activities on display for all to enjoy and learn from.
00:32The objective of the festival is to maintain the traditional handicrafts and present to
00:38the new generations and to learn from them about their traditional handicrafts.
00:47Anything from a variety of homemade foods such as traditional pickles, Arabian coffees,
00:52spices, juices, to craftsmen and women creating their merchandise and even henna tattooing
00:58can be found here.
01:00There are also some rare but fascinating homemade products such as creams and oils made out
01:04of camel fat on exhibit.
01:06The oil for the hair, they make circulation for the hair because about the hair when it's
01:12coming very weak, they use this one, it's very nice will be.
01:17And I have also many, three or five creams for the body.
01:22They used before more than 3,000 years ago, but the people now doesn't know about this
01:29one, this oil and the cream.
01:32The talented craftsmen and women can be seen carrying on with what they love doing around
01:36the fair's grounds.
01:38Pleased to see the people, especially youngsters, taking an interest in their work and answer
01:43any questions they have in the hopes that these traditions will live on.
01:47Of course, the festival would not be complete without the inclusion of falconry, a tradition
01:52which has been practiced in the UAE for centuries.
01:55The experienced hunters are ready to teach the students all about this unique custom
02:00and they are more than keen to learn.
02:02The festival runs daily from 9 a.m. until midday and returns again at 4 p.m. until late
02:07in the evening.
02:08But when everyone leaves for a break at midday, the gifted craftswomen get together and continue
02:14their work over coffee and some food.
02:16These women have been doing their craft ever since they can remember.
02:20They have learnt these skills during childhood from other family members.
02:24Their skills and experience are evident through the confidence and speed at which they do
02:28their work.
02:29Some make baskets, coasters and other products from palm leaves, which is known as khus.
02:35Others skillfully place spools of thread to create intricate designs for clothes, hairbands
02:41and general decorations.
02:43This practice is known as tally.
02:45When the break is over at 4 p.m., the festivities liven up even more.
02:50People can either continue to wander around the fair or they can sit around, enjoy each
02:54other's company and the festivities.
02:56The performance of traditional Arabic dancing and music is not only a form of entertainment,
03:02it's an opportunity for the children to learn the skills from the elders.
03:05Now in its second year, the event has become even more grand and is drawing a much bigger
03:10and diverse audience.
03:12And it was very awesome because they let us, like visitors, to hear and they let us remember
03:21what they would do in the past.
03:23I learn about all of things about my country's culture and tradition.
03:30I visited some people from UAE, they introduced me a lot of things about UAE, like what do
03:37they do, their heritage and their culture.
03:39My family loves to see all this.
03:42This is a very nice opportunity to see the culture of UAE people.
03:48We are really enjoying it.
03:50The first thing you learn is that people are so friendly.
03:53They offer you tea and coffee and dates and halwa.
03:59They always offer this when you're here.
04:01Not just the festival, but it's available all year round.
04:04It's very welcoming.
04:05I'm here to witness this UAE culture and heritage.
04:09It's really very beautiful and I've learned a lot from here.
04:14It feels like home.
04:15It's too good.
04:16The Handicrafts Festival in Al Ain is a very cultural event which teaches visitors about
04:21their Marathi traditions and the importance of carrying these traditions on.
04:25Sarvajna Rampaya, Gulf News.