The historic Qasr Al Muwaiji – birthplace of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE opened its door last year as a museum and a permanent exhibition. The reopening hosted a week long cultural and family activities to reestablish the fort’s rich history and culture to the public.

This year the fort celebrates the anniversary celebration with a host of celebratory activities for the public.

Ayalla
Emirati traditional Ayalla performance by “Belhai” Group will take a place in different areas at the palace, starting performance at the Palace Entrance.
5:15pm – 5:45pm
8:15pm – 8:45pm

Falconry “Saqqara” Show
Inspired by the inherited love of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his family for Falcons and Falconry hunting known as the art of “Saqarra”, an interactive show is taking a place at the courtyard.
5:45pm – 6:15pm

Poetry
A Poetry Evening hosting poets presented by the Poetry Academy, in appreciation of the love of poetry by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
7:00pm – 8:00pm

Rababah Music Performance:
Within the continuous efforts in highlighting and preserving the intangible heritage of the UAE, a Rababah musical evening is planned during the celebration at the courtyard of the palace.
9:00pm – 9:45pm

Majlis
In its old days Qasr Al Muwaiji was a fort and was presented and used as the Diwan of Sheikh Zayed, in imitation to the roll of the fort, audience are welcome to experience the traditional Emirati gatherings, share stories, whilst enjoying traditional coffee and dates.
5:00pm – 10:00pm

Workshops
Children and families are invited into the courtyard to experience some of the traditional activities and games of the past.

Games and art workshops will include:
Sketching Qasr Al Muwaiji
Personalizing a Coin
Exploring Al Mandoos Designs
Creating Signature Seal Rings
Playing Traditional Games
5:00pm –9:30pm

Police tours
Police in traditional uniforms will provide tours inspired by the valuable function as a defense fort of Qasr Al Muwaiji before it was turned into a palace, and highlight the important role of the police and army in protecting the country.
5:00pm – 10:00pm

Food Trucks: The food area will be open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm

About Qasr al Muwaiji
Qasr al Muwaiji is an impressive structure that has watched over the oasis for around 100 years. It was built in early 20th century in the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First by his son Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa. It was used as a diwan (a council or seat of governance) and as a place for the community to congregate.

In 1946, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was appointed Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain and moved to Qasr al Muwaiji. The fort became his diwan and his family home. His eldest son, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was born at Qasr al Muwaiji two years later, and spent much of his youth there, learning from his father.

WHEN :

Dec 16 to Dec 17, 2016 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE :

Qasr Al Muwaiji, Abu Dhabi

CONTACT INFO :

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Tel: 800 5000
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