Qasr Al Watan rises magnificently under the sky.

In celebration of Eid Al Fitr, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) presented a series of heritage-rooted workshops and family activities in Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood (April 22 – 23). The activity series embodied values of local culture and was part of Dubai Culture’s mandate to strengthen the concept of national identity in the hearts of the local community. Through the series of ‘Family Eid’ activities, the Authority shed light on traditional Emirati lifestyles, heritage and culture and customs and traditions, to fulfil its commitments aimed at cementing Dubai’s position as a global family destination. Dubai Culture opened the doors of Al Shindagha Museum to families, offering them the opportunity to reimagine the past by exploring Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood through the ‘Eid Adventurer Trails’ experience.

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Participants had the opportunity of exploring the alleyways, stopping at various stations to learn about the importance of Eid in Emirati culture, including the customs and traditions associated with preparing for and celebrating this special occasion with family.

Visitors could participate in a range of workshops and cultural experiences. The Visitor Centre hosted the ‘Paper Lantern Making’ workshop, while the Jewellery House offered a jewellery-making workshop where participants learnt about traditional methods of designing by drawing inspiration from classical jewellery pieces.

Cheerful participants at the Dar Al Ber Society event.

The house hosted a traditional Henna workshop where visitors could create their own designs, using henna. Meanwhile, the Traditional Crafts House featured the madkhan-making workshop, teaching the old ways of making clay incense burners. The Perfume House hosted the dukhoon-making workshop, offering a chance to discover the uniqueness and aesthetics of Emirati perfumes.

Visitors to the museum could also enjoy Emirati food and taste the range of flavours the cuisine offers. They also participated in making Emirati sweets such as ‘Batheeta.’ There were ‘Al Harbiya’ performances to be enjoyed. The events and workshops were free of charge, with the purchase of a museum ticket.

To mark Ramadan festivities, to encourage Children of Determination and to raise awareness about People of Determination, Dar Al Ber Society, Dubai, organised a special Iftar event at their head office in Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The evening was attended by special guests, Khalid Al Ameri and his wife Salama Mohamed Al Ameri, one of the most famous and influential Emirati social media influencers and inspirational video creator couples in the UAE. The power couple were accompanied by their two sons.

A scene from the Dar Al Ber Society event.

The main objective of the Iftar was to help the families of Children of Determination feel being a part of mainstream society, and to celebrate them and their many achievements. Another objective was to help people understand the problems faced by Children of Determination and their families. Keeping the objectives in mind, Dar Al Ber also invited people from different walks of life, which included government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, media personalities, influencers and social celebrities, among others.

The children received gifts which included personal hygiene items, toys, chocolates, one month grocery rations, etc. Dhiren Bhatia talked about his skills of balloon artistry while Sujith Shenoy showed his championship bronze medal that he won in roller skating. Nilofer Saleem recited a verse from the Quran to open the Iftar event. Juhi Yasmeen Khan from Dar Al Ber Society said that “we organised this event because it is important for the society to understand People of Determination. Each and every child of determination has at least one unique talent which needs to be identified and nurtured so that it will him or her become a part of mainstream society”.

On stage at the Dar Al Ber Society event.

The Iftar was attended by over 250 guests. On-site general medical checkups, including dental check up with doctors from Lotus Clinic, henna artists from Aroushi Salon and ice creams from Igloo, gave a chance for families to celebrate the festivities of Ramadan cheerfully. Volunteers ranging from university students to personnel from corporate companies contributed their efforts.

With the close of Ramadan around the corner and the arrival of Eid Al Fitr, Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, welcomed visitors at The Palace of the Nation. All the senses of celebrants were treated, as they soaked in a cultural experience steeped in Arabian heritage and art.

With stunning architecture and interiors, engaging exhibitions and a vast collection of artefacts and manuscripts, Qasr Al Watan is the perfect place to celebrate the UAE’s rich culture and heritage. On April 21, visitors could grab their favourite Eid props and snap the coolest Eid-greeting photos that they could share with loved ones. Visitors were also able to watch the Palace of the Nation light up the night with a spectacular audiovisual display: The Palace in Motion with an evening light and sound show. The light and sound show projects onto the facade of the Palace a story told in three acts, and draws a link between the aspirations of Qasr Al Watan and the vision of the nation, reflecting on the UAE’s journey of the past, present and future.

Qasr Al Watan, also known as the Palace of the Nation, is a unique cultural landmark with unmatched, multi-layered visitor experience and entertainment. It seeks to inspire visitors and offers a deep understanding about the journey of a nation and its vision for the future.