Al Ain Palace Museum will mark World Heritage Day on April 18 with the Rustic Landscapes event, which aims to "promote and enrich the cultural heritage of humanity and raise awareness of the importance of preserving it, particularly natural landscapes".
The museum will be divided into four sections that represent the UAE’s natural environment. The ‘Agricultural Environment’ section, organised in collaboration with Al Ain Municipality, will showcase traditional and modern products handmade from palm tree parts. These products include uniquely designed traditional furniture, such as sunshades, benches, chairs and tables, as well as a variety of flowerpots. The section will also screen footage on Al Ain’s aflaj irrigation systems, oases and agricultural life.
The ‘Desert Environment’ section, in cooperation with Al Ain Zoo, will consist of several desert animals from the zoo, as well as live birds of prey demonstrations and explanations, plus shared insights into desert life. The ‘Marine Environment’ section will see demonstrations on how to make local fishing nets – known as Qaraqir – and how they are used to catch fish.
Finally, the ‘Children’s Village’ aims to familiarise children with Emirati heritage by organising ‘learning through play’ activities, such as traditional competitions and reading sessions of riddles about the UAE’s heritage, cultural sites and other landmarks. The village will host heritage cartoon characters, as well as Studio AKS, which allows visitors to chronicle their activities at the Palace while wearing traditional Emirati clothing.
The two-day event will also feature kiosks offering authentic Emirati dishes, live traditional art displays, Al Ayyala dances, marine art performances, and handicraft demonstrations.
The event will run on April 18 and 19. It's free and open to all.
