ABU DHABI Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has revealed programme details of the annual Qasr Al Hosn Festival, being held from February 11 to 21 in the UAE capital. Held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the festival will celebrate the UAE’s tangible and intangible heritage through a series of activities.
QASR AL HOSN The cultural programme for this year’s edition of the festival is inspired by two themes: Abu Dhabi’s traditional heritage epitomised by the iconic Qasr Al Hosn Fort and its surrounding areas, and the importance of modern heritage. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said: “With Qasr Al Hosn Festival, we are not just celebrating monuments; we are celebrating the people that have carried the story of a nation from generation to generation. “We are looking to illustrate the importance of conserving the fort as a symbol of great significance in Emirati history, protecting our national identity and heritage through passing down our most valued traditions. We’re looking to celebrating our recent history through a compelling narrative using modern-day tools to recreate historic experiences.” OUT OF AFRICAMeanwhile, Abu Dhabi has launched its first outbound tourism promotional drive in Africa.For the first time in Africa, a delegation from Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and supported by TCA Abu Dhabi, held a dedicated tourism workshop in Cairo attracting 120 leading travel agent and tour operators from across the Egyptian capital. The African insight into Abu Dhabi’s expanding attractions, hospitality and destination portfolio comes as TCA Abu Dhabi aims to open up the continent’s burgeoning outbound market and win over a greater share.TCA Abu Dhabi will be participating at ibtm arabia this year.