The Al Hosn Festival is a one-of-a-kind event held annually in Abu Dhabi. The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of the United Arab Emirates. Qasr Al Hosn Festival is centred around Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Festival Overview
The Al Hosn Festival first launched in 2015 and has since become one of the most popular cultural events in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority organises the winter festival annually. The festival aims to honour the UAE’s history and identity through a set of activities based around Qasr Al Hosn.
Qasr Al Hosn is considered the birthplace of Abu Dhabi, with origins dating back to 1760. It was the first watchtower built on the site as a means of defense. Over the next centuries, it evolved into a fortified palace. Eventually, the palace became the ancestral home of the ruling Al Nahyan family in the 1930s. The site holds invaluable cultural significance as a living record of the early establishment and growth of Abu Dhabi.
Location
The Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Festival takes place within the grounds of Qasr Al Hosn. Centrally located along the Corniche waterfront promenade in downtown Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Hosn is easily accessible by car, taxi, or the region’s public bus system. The site is also within walking distance of many major hotels. Various signboards and banners are put up throughout the area to help guide visitors towards the festival.
Al Hosn Festival Timing
The Qasr Al Hosn Fort Festival usually takes place during 7 – 10 days during the winter months of January or February. The 2024 Al Hosn Festival dates have been confirmed for January 18th to January 28th, 2024. Moreover, the festival continues to grow in popularity with both UAE residents and tourists. So, it’s recommended to plan your trip to align with these dates well in advance.
The festival’s timings allow visitors to experience the activities it offers once the daytime heat has passed. Some workshops and talk shows take place earlier in the afternoons as well. This schedule, packed with late afternoon and evening events, enables visitors to explore Abu Dhabi attractions during the day. Then, before the sunset, head over to Qasr Al Hosn to take part in the festival.
- Dates: January 19 – 28, 2024
- Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Daily)
Tickets
Entry tickets to the Al Hosn Festival are available online and on-site, with no prior booking required. Also, an ID is mandatory for registration in both online and box offices. For onsite tickets, visitors simply need to arrive at Qasr Al Hosn during the timed festival hours to gain access.
- Tickets Prices:
- Adults (13-65 Years Old): AED 30
- Children (6-12 Years Old): AED 15
- Free Tickets:
- Children Under 5 years old
- Senior Citizens over 66 years old
- People with Disability
Qasr Al Hosn Festival Activities and Experiences
Al Hosn Festival offers an exciting blend of traditional Emirati experiences across art, food, music, dance, and more. The festival brings history alive through immersive experiences suited for all ages. Al Hosn Palace Festival is an easy, enjoyable way for visitors to connect with Emirati traditions and heritage. Key highlights include:
- Cultural Exhibitions:
- Displaying historical artifacts, archival photographs, traditional tools, and other elements that showcase the UAE’s living heritage.
- Live Performances: Colourful song and dance shows that demonstrate age-old Emirati art forms like:
- The traditional poetry, Al Ayyala.
- A rhythmic dance using sticks, Al Razfa.
- Al Wannah.
- The costume role-play is Al Yowla.
- Al Mankoos.
- Market Stalls:
- Local handicrafts, jewellery, pottery, textiles, and other homemade products are available for sale by Emirati artisans and designers.
- Food Stalls:
- Authentic Emirati delicacies are provided and prepared on-site using traditional cooking methods like:
- Hares (slow-cooked wheat and meat)
- Machboos (spiced rice dish)
- Legitimate (sweet fried dumplings)
- Saloona (lamb stew)
- Authentic Emirati delicacies are provided and prepared on-site using traditional cooking methods like:
- Heritage Activities:
- Hands-on experiences at designed places that stimulate the Emarati native lifestyle:
- Camel Ezba
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Welcoming the newborn
- Majlis Al Shallah
- Souk Al Sough
- Traditional Home
- Hands-on experiences at designed places that stimulate the Emarati native lifestyle:
- Educational Talks and Workshops:
- Learn about pearl diving, desert survival skills, Emirati etiquette, coffee traditions, and other cultural learnings. With this diverse blend of sights, sounds, and experiences, the Al Hosn Festival spotlights facets that shape the Emirati identity.
Al Hosn Festival Workshops
With so much to see, do, taste and explore at the Al Hosn Festival, it’s an unmissable opportunity to absorb the rich cultural essence of the UAE. Some of the most popular heritage workshops that take place at the festival include:
- Pearl Diving:
- Learn about the UAE’s historic pearl trade through first-hand accounts of veteran divers. Visitors can even try some traditional pearl diving equipment and methods.
- Arabic Calligraphy:
- Create your nameplate in iconic Arabic script under the guidance of skilled calligraphers.
- Traditional Weaving:
- Use loom boxes to weave strips of wool into colourful braids that form Emirati Talli blankets.
- Henna Art:
- Decorative henna paste is applied on hands in floral and geometric patterns by professional regional artists.
- Coffee & Dates:
- Sample different varieties of Emirati coffee and dates while discovering the integral role these ingredients play in Bedouin hospitality.
- Falconry:
- Interact with majestic falcons up close and learn the art of traditional falcon training and hunting.
FAQ
The weeklong Al Hosn Festival provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the palace, roam the grounds of this historic site, and participate in traditional activities. Through the festival program, one can taste Emirati heritage and connect with the country’s fascinating history.
Yes, Discounts range from 50% for a single companion for people with disability. 25% also for Fazaa frontlines. In addition, 20% is for Fazaa and Mazaya cardholders, university students, and faculty staff.
Yes, visitors are welcome to sign up on-site on a first-come basis for workshops like Arabic calligraphy, Talli weaving, henna art, coffee tasting, and others based on limited capacity.
The last entry time is 10:30 PM, as announced by the organisers.
The word Hoson means Fort.
The festival offers visitors an immersive experience of Emirati traditions and art forms. Qasr al Hosn Fort Festival is a packed program of cultural activities, workshops, exhibits and performances. Visit Property Finder Blog for more events, such as Sheikh Zayed Festival and more.
