All about the Qasr Al Hosn festival

Abu Dhabi has taken significant steps in terms of preserving the culture and heritage of the UAE. The city is home to several old sites that pay homage to the rich history of the area before the oil boom. Qasr Al Hosn is another majestic location in the capital that is considered a true symbol of Abu Dhabi’s legacy.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE QASR AL HOSN FESTIVAL

The Qasr Al Hosn festival was celebrated every year to allow people to learn about the heritage of Abu Dhabi. The venue, Qasr al Hosn was closed since 2008 for construction purposes and only used to be opened for the festival. The oldest stone structure of the city was reopened permanently in 2018.

This year the iconic QasrAl Hosn festival will take place from December 12-19. However, most of the performances will continue until May 2020. 

Let’s take a look at the various performances, exhibitions and other activities that are going to happen during the dates for the Qasr Al Hosn Festival in Abu Dhabi.

TOP PERFORMANCES AT QASR AL HOSN FESTIVAL

The Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2019 will feature various performances, read on for more details.

AL AYYALA

Al-Ayyala is the performance of valour, chivalry and fearlessness. The Ayyala dance performance at Qasr Al Hosn festival comprises of elegant rhythmic movement, music and chants that symbolises the spirit of Bedouin life in the desert. 

The special routine is primarily performed by generations of men from different parts of the UAE. In 2014, Al-Ayyala was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The performance is a glimpse into the values, life and honour of the Bedouin people.

• Event date: 1 November 2019 – 24 May 2020
• Opening hours: Sunday 10:00 am – 01:00 pm | Friday 04:00 pm – 07:00 pm
• Al-Ayyala event ticket price: AED 30 (age 12 and above) | AED 15 for children (aged between 6 to 11 years)

AL TAGHROODA

The next on our line-up of incredible cultural performances at Qasr Al Hosn is the Al Taghrooda, a melodious harmony of poetry and songs. These songs are either a solo performance or a collective performance. During a group performance, the lead singer will sing a few lines while the rest of the troupe responds.

• Event date: 1 November 2019 – 24 May 2020
• Opening hours:  04:00 pm – 07:00 pm | Thursday 10:00 am – 01:00 pm
• Al Taghrooda event ticket price: AED 30 (age 12 and above) | AED 15 for children (aged between 6 to 11 years)

AL REBABAH

Another soulful performance at the Qasr Al Hosn Festival in Abu Dhabi is the live performance of Al Rebabah by an experienced artist. The Rebabah is a traditional Emirati musical instrument made from animal skin and bark from a walnut tree. The distinctive sound of the instrument is courtesy of using rabbit, fox or deerskin. The Rebabah is usually played at men’s majlis during summer nights and during weddings or other celebrations.

• Event date: 1 November 2019 – 24 May 2020
• Opening hours:  04:00 pm – 07:00 pm | Thursday 10:00 am – 01:00 pm
• Al Rebabah event ticket price: AED 30 (age 12 and above) | AED 15 for children (aged between 6 to 11 years)

AL NAHMEH

Al Nahmeh refers to the songs of the sailors who used to sail away for hundreds of miles into the open sea to search for pearls. The professional chanter, known as Al Naham in Arabic, was one of the most important crewmembers. The captain would choose a man with a deep and soulful voice to inspire and motivate the crew to work hard and reap the rewards of their arduous endeavours. Now, visitors can enjoy the ancient tradition of Al Nahmeh at Qasr Al Hosn.

• Event date: 1 November 2019 – 24 May 2020
• Opening hours: Tuesday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 pm | Thursday and Friday 04:00 pm – 07:00 pm
• Al Nahmeh event ticket price: AED 30 (age 12 and above) | AED 15 for children (aged between 6 to 11 years)

AL RAZFA

The last on our list of performances at Qasr Al Hosn Festival in Abu Dhabi is the Al Razfa, a beautiful compilation of dance and poetry. Al Razfa is generally performed at weddings and any other special occasion.

• Event date: 1 November 2019 – 24 May 2020
• Opening hours: Wednesday 10:00 am – 01:00 pm | Saturday 04:00 pm – 07:00 pm
• Al Rafza event price: AED 30 (age 12 and above) | AED 15 for children (aged between 6 to 11 years)

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

One of the main Qasr Al Hosn festival attractions is the cultural experiences to be had at the extravagant event. Here is a list of some of the best cultural activities at Qasr Al Hosn festival.

ENJOY A CUP OF ARABIC COFFEE AT BAIT AL GAHWA

Arabic coffee is known for its distinctive aroma, unique taste and texture. Visitors at the festival can indulge in a true Arabic coffee experience at Bait Al Gahwa. Discover the brewing process of this popular hot beverage by experts.

Each stage of the brewing process is elaborated clearly from roasting of the beans to cooling, grounding and brewing. Learn about the tools and techniques used in making a delicious brew. Visitors can also learn the etiquette of drinking coffee the true Emirati way.

• Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday 09:30 am – 06:40 pm | Friday 02:00 pm – 09:30 pm
• Price: AED 30 (age 12 and above) | AED 15 for children (aged between 6 to 11 years)

EXPERIENCE THE TRUE COMMUNAL MAJLIS

Majlis is an integral part of the Arab culture and the UAE is no different; the Majlis culture in UAE is prevalent to this day and age. Due to its cultural significance, the Majlis is inscribed to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Majlis is a traditional tented meeting area where people meet and entertain guests. It is used as a community gathering where participants discuss politics, businesses and other pertinent topics. Now visitors to the Qasr Al Hosn festival will get a glimpse of how a Majlis is initiated with a chance to experience the hospitality of being in a Majlis.

• Opening hours:  Thursday and Friday 04:00 pm – 07:00 pm | Tuesday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 pm
• Price: AED 30 (age 12 and above) | AED 15 for children (aged between 6 to 11 years)

DISCOVER FISHING AND PEARLING TRADITIONS

Pearling and fishing were the backbones of the Emirati economy before the oil exports and tourism. If you wish to know how life was in olden days, the Qasr Al Hosn festival gives you an opportunity to experience life in the UAE from a different perspective!

• Opening hours:  04:00 pm – 07:00 pm | Thursday 10:00 am – 01:00 pm
• Price: AED 30 (age 12 and above) | AED 15 for children (aged between 6 to 11 years)

MEET THE FALCONS

Falcons are the UAE’s national emblem and the majestic bird of prey is a symbol for prosperity and wealth. In ancient times, rulers of the UAE and other aristocrats mastered the art of falconry. Visitors can learn about the cultural significance of falconry and get a chance to see the falcons in action.

• Opening hours:  Monday 10:00 am – 01:00 pm | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 04:00 pm – 07:00 pm
• Price: AED 30 (age 12 and above) | AED 15 for children (aged between 6 to 11 years)

QASR AL HOSN FESTIVAL GENERAL INFORMATION

• Qasr Al Hosn festival location: Qasr Al Hosn, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street. Al Hosn – Abu Dhabi
• Qasr Al Hosn Contact number: +971-2-697-6400
• Qasr Al Hosn festival tickets: The Qasr Al Hosn festival ticket prices are AED 15 for general entry. 

The Qasr Al Hosn festival is one of the few events that allows locals and tourists to experience the ancient traditions of the UAE. The Qasr Al Hosn itself is a historical landmark in Abu Dhabi. The building and the area around it was heavily revamped for over a decade. For a similar experience, head to the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi to discover the rich culture of the region. 

Qasr Al Hosn museum was reopened to the public in 2018 making it the cultural hub of UAE. The Qasr Al Hosn guide has everything you need to know about the iconic museum along with various things to do. Each year thousands of visitors attend the prestigious Qasr Al Hosn festival events to learn more about the rich history and heritage of the area.