Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival

From 2nd to 14th December 2013 Abu Dhabi - Al Wathba

Festival Guide

Festival Map

Our Ancestors left us a legacy of traditions of which we are proud. Our mission is to maintain and develop them as assets of the nation for future generations.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan The Founder

Festival Overview
The 4th Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival will be held in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi This year's edition of the Festival aims to provide a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors in earlier times by reviving their memory and heritage. This will be embodied in a living museum offering an educational environment designed to appeal greatly to visitors, and providing a connection to the authentic Emirati lifestyle and characteristics. The Festivals highlights will be "The Glory Operetta" a musical event perforned by 3000 participant showcasing the story of the "Father of our Nation", and the "Memories of a Nation Exhibition", which will display unique items going back over 500 years. The Festival will also highlight the Emirates past lifestyle through recreating the natural habitats where the people lived. As a whole, the Festival will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with genuine Emirati culture and heritage.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates,

What will the Festival provide?

The 4th Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival will provide its visitors with a special opportunity to gain a deep insight into the Emirati heritage. This will be through the following:

The Glory Operetta | Memories of a Nation Exhibition | A Heritage Connected to Nature | A Heritage Connected to Trade | A Heritage Connected to Culture | A Heritage Connected to Wildlife | A Heritage Connected to Tradition

The Glory Operetta

An important part of the 4th Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festivals opening ceremony, this operetta to be performed by over 3,000 artistes will tell the story of the Father of our Nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. An open invitation is extended to everyone to visit the Festival, attend the opening ceremony and enjoy this very special performance. Date & Time: December 02, 2013, 3:00pm

Memories of a Nation Exhibition

The Exhibition will display over 2000 pictures, including 1000 rare pictures and photographs on show for the very first time. Collectively these images will reflect the history of the UAE, and its Founder the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Exhibition will shed light on the pre-Union era, and the period that witnessed the establishment of the modern Union state. The Exhibition will continue throughout the Festival period. Open from 1:00pm to 10:00pm

A Heritage Connected to Nature... the UAE landscape

Showing the UAEs geographical and cultural diversity, this Zone will be divided into four distinct landscapes, reflecting the UAEs varied terrain: desert, mountain, sea and oasis. Each type of landscape will be revived through cultural, traditional and artistic performances by over 200 artistes. Visitors will be warmly welcomed by informative guides who will accompany visitors through the experience, providing explanations and information whenever needed. Visitors can also take part in organised workshops for the cultural demonstrations and enjoy folklore performances that are programmed throughout the day, from 1:00pm to 10:00pm.

A Heritage Connected to Trade... the Souq

This old-style Souq (marketplace) provides rare opportunities to buy local products. This Zone will feature restaurants and cafs with seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy both traditional food and international cuisine. To promote Emirati products, several shops have been allocated for several of the UAEs Women's Associations. The Souq will continue throughout the Festival and will be open daily from 1:00pm 10:00pm.

A Heritage Connected to Culture... the Union's Oasis

In the Union's Oasis, cultural musical and dance performances including those reflecting the countrys exciting and distinctive regional styles such as Al Eyala, Al Harbia, Al Taqroodah, Al Wannah and Al Aazi will be organised to recall the rich vocal and musical heritage of the Emirates. As the main hub of the Festival, this Zone will have traditional majlis from where visitors will be able to enjoy performances while being served traditional gahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates as often as they wish, in a true Emirati atmosphere. Performance times: Please visit the Information Centre on site.

A Heritage Connected to Wildlife... Authentic Paddocks ( Al Asalah)

The paddocks, or enclosures, will offer visitors the opportunity to ride horses and camels, as well as learn about the local traditions relating to these animals in an environment that is completely authentic and that endures to this day. There will also be exhibits and demonstrations about falconry, Arabian horses and camels. The overall experience will be highly interactive and educational so that visitors can learn firsthand from the animals handlers and the falconers themselves. For timings for the Paddocks: Please visit the Information Centre on site.

A Heritage Connected to Tradition... Cultural Performances and Competitions

Along with Camel Races, Saluki Dog Races and Falconry Demonstrations, there will also be cultural and artistic shows featuring horses and camels. The Festival will also offer its visitors an exciting opportunity to participate in the Camel Auction. For performance times, please see the Event Schedule and Information Centre on site.

Festival Event Schedule

Monday 2-12-2013

Event Grand Opening Gulf Folklore Show Fireworks

Time 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Location Parade Arena Union Oasis Parade Arena

Daily Festival Events

Other Events will be held daily during the festival from 1:00 pm till 10:00 pm Memories of a Nation Exhibition | Souq | UAE Landscape (desert, mountain, sea and Oasis) Classic Car Fair | Fun Fair | Heritage Village | Authentic Paddocks ( Al Asalah)

Festival Event Schedule

Tuesday 3-12-2013
Event Camel Race Al Halab Competition Shooting Competition Falconry Competition Saluki Dog Race Camel Race
Military Traditional Musical Show

Time 7:00 am - 10:00 am 7:00 am - 9:00 am 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm 4:15 pm - 4:25 pm 4:25 pm - 4:35 pm 4:35 pm - 4:45 pm 4:45 pm - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 5:15 pm 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Location South Paddock Events Paddock

Shooting Paddock Sabkhat Al Haffar
Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Bani Yas East

Events Paddock South Paddock

Saluki Dog & Camel Parade Horse Show Performance Horse Show Dressage Horse Show Camel Show Airborne Falcon Show Gulf Folklore Show Camel Auction Fireworks

Parade Arena

Union Oasis

South Paddock Parade Arena

Daily Festival Events

Other Events will be held daily during the festival from 1:00 pm till 10:00 pm Memories of a Nation Exhibition | Souq | UAE Landscape (desert, mountain, sea and Oasis) Classic Car Fair | Fun Fair | Heritage Village | Authentic Paddocks ( Al Asalah)

Festival Event Schedule

Wednesday 4-12-2013
Event Camel Race Al Halab Competition Shooting Competition Falconry Competition Camel Race
Military Traditional Musical Show

Time 7:00 am - 10:00 am 7:00 am - 9:00 am 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm 4:15 pm - 4:25 pm 4:25 pm - 4:35 pm 4:35 pm - 4:45 pm 4:45 pm - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 5:15 pm 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location South Paddock Events Paddock

Shooting Paddock Sabkhat Al Haffar
Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Bani Yas East

South Paddock

Saluki Dog & Camel Parade Horse Show Performance Horse Show Dressage Horse Show Camel Show Airborne Falcon Show Gulf Folklore Show Camel Auction

Parade Arena

Union Oasis

South Paddock

Daily Festival Events

Other Events will be held daily during the festival from 1:00 pm till 10:00 pm Memories of a Nation Exhibition | Souq | UAE Landscape (desert, mountain, sea and Oasis) Classic Car Fair | Fun Fair | Heritage Village | Authentic Paddocks ( Al Asalah)

Festival Event Schedule

Thursday 5-12-2013
Event Camel Race Al Halab Competition Shooting Competition Falconry Competition Camel Race
Military Traditional Musical Show

Time 7:00 am - 10:00 am 7:00 am - 9:00 am 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm 4:15 pm - 4:25 pm 4:25 pm - 4:35 pm 4:35 pm - 4:45 pm 4:45 pm - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 5:15 pm 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location South Paddock Events Paddock

Shooting Paddock Sabkhat Al Haffar
Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Bani Yas East

South Paddock

Saluki Dog & Camel Parade Horse Show Performance Horse Show Dressage Horse Show Camel Show Airborne Falcon Show Gulf Folklore Show Camel Auction

Parade Arena

Union Oasis

South Paddock

Daily Festival Events

Other Events will be held daily during the festival from 1:00 pm till 10:00 pm Memories of a Nation Exhibition | Souq | UAE Landscape (desert, mountain, sea and Oasis) Classic Car Fair | Fun Fair | Heritage Village | Authentic Paddocks ( Al Asalah)

Festival Event Schedule

Friday 6-12-2013
Event Camel Race Al Halab Compitition Shooting Compitition Falconry Competition Camel Race
Military Traditional Musical Show

Time 7:00 am - 10:00 am 7:00 am - 9:00 am 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm 4:15 pm - 4:25 pm 4:25 pm - 4:35 pm 4:35 pm - 4:45 pm 4:45 pm - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 5:15 pm 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Location South Paddock Events Paddock

Shooting Baddock Sabkhat Al Haffar
Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Bani Yas East

South Paddock

Saluki Dog & Camel Parade Horse Show Performance Horse Show Dressage Horse Show Camel Show Airborne Falcon Show Gulf Folklore Show

Parade Arena

Union Oasis

Daily Festival Events

Other Events will be held daily during the festival from 1:00 pm till 10:00 pm Memories of a Nation Exhibition | Souq | UAE Landscape (desert, mountain, sea and Oasis) Classic Car Fair | Fun Fair | Heritage Village | Authentic Paddocks ( Al Asalah)

Festival Event Schedule

7th to 14th Dec 2013

Event Time 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Memories of a Nation Exhibition ADFCA Exhibition UAE Landscape: Land, Sea, Mountain, Oasis
Military Traditional Musical Show

Souq Heritage Village Authentic Paddocks Traditional Art Show Classic Car Fair Fun Fair

Festival Map

Competition map

Location Map

Festival Directory

1. Main Entrance 2. Classic Cars 3. Milking Competitions 4. The Paddocks 5. Classic Car Exhibition 6. U.A.E. Landscapes 7. ADFCA 8. Partner Pavilions 9. Prayer Rooms 10. Funfair 11. Union Oasis 12. The Souk 13. Memories of a Nation Exhibition 14. Grandstand 15. Stage 16. Services Parking Food & Beverage Main

Entrance

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