Al Hosn Festival 2023: 10 things to do, from Emirati cuisine to a local wedding

Expect cultural exhibitions, concerts, a food hall and a glimpse into traditional life in the UAE

Al Hosn Festival returns this year with another dynamic programme. All photos: Victor Besa / The National

Emirati arts and culture are at the heart of the festival

Pottery stall at Al Hosn Festival

Embroidered clothes will be sold at stalls

Al Hosn Festival celebrates Abu Dhabi's rich cultural traditions

Stalls will feature everything from local food to fashion

An Emirati village will be recreated as part of the festival

Local artisans will showcase their wares at Al Hosn Festival

A textile-dyeing hut at Al Hosn Festival

Al Hosn Festival is an annual celebration of UAE culture and traditions

A live re-creation of an Emirati wedding, a food hub dedicated to local cuisine and a retail district featuring Abu Dhabi fashion lines are some of the new additions to this year’s Al Hosn Festival.

Set across the buildings and outdoor spaces of Al Hosn district, the popular cultural celebration runs from this Friday to January 22. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, the family-friendly event will feature an expansive programme, with the aim of providing an insight into what life was like in Abu Dhabi before the discovery of oil.

That story will be told in sights, sounds, smells and tastes through art exhibitions, pop-up stalls by some of the city's most historic restaurants and competitions specialising in Arabic coffee.

Here are 10 things to see and experience at this year’s Al Hosn Festival.

1. Visit Qasr Al Hosn

In addition to the activities and performances surrounding the palace fort, the interior of Qasr Al Hosn will be home to a pair of exhibitions.

Throughout Memories of the Palace, visitors can learn about the history of everyday life spent in the regal venue, from the cultural festivities to colourful anecdotes recorded by early generations.

Meanwhile, the Music and Crafts exhibit captures the atmosphere of the palace through historic field recordings and vintage photographs.

2. Discover the House of Artisans

The popular House of Artisans will once again be a treasure trove for those seeking authentic Emirati arts and crafts.

From installations and local retailers to design workshops, this is the place to learn about Abu Dhabi's rich crafts scene and land a bargain in the process.

3. Sample the best coffee at the Gahwa Championships

Not every gahwa is the same.

Take in the earthy aromas and taste the best of regional coffee from some of the UAE's coffee artisans at a special stand.

The festival will also host a competition to see who makes the best local brew.

4. Sample a taste of Abu Dhabi history

A handful of Abu Dhabi food gems will be honoured with a prized place at the festival.

As part of the Urban Treasures programme launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, restaurants Lebanese Flower and India Palace as well as the dessert shop Tripoli Sweets will showcase a menu that inspired generations of Abu Dhabi residents.

5. Try the best of Emirati cuisine

For those looking for richer local flavours, the festival has space dedicated to Emirati food outlets creating a range of bite-sized traditional fare.

Some of the storied dishes on offer are harees and thareed, in addition to dry and salted fish with rice. Plates can be purchased through tokens that cost Dh5 each.

6. You are invited to an Emirati wedding

Any long-term resident can tell you that an Emirati wedding is an enriching experience.

Al Hosn Festival will recreate the cultural pomp and deep traditions of the nuptial ceremony at the centre of the festival site daily at 9pm.

Visitors will be encouraged to participate and join in the various different moments to showcase the important role weddings play in Emirati communities.

7. The community spirit of Al Freej

Al Freej is more than just a name for an Emirati village, it also channels a particular way of life with its own customs and traditions.

The festival will recreate the intimate vibe with its own Al Freej that comes with its own market, blacksmith, palm weaving stations and goat pen.

8. Shop at Darb Al Zain

A new addition to the festival, Darb Al Zain is a site dedicated to Emirati fashion, with local retailers selling and showcasing traditional clothes and accessories.

A photo booth will also be on hand to take snaps of your new outfits and a women-only majlis will also be on hand to try your latest items and relax with some gahwa.

9. Local music and dance performances

Emirati music and dance will be in full swing throughout the festival, with concerts by local folk musicians.

Each day will also have troupes performing a range of Emirati dances, including the much-loved Ayyala.

10. The best of regional art

Art lovers should also make time to visit The Cultural Foundation and see a range of ongoing exhibitions.

Highlights include Fahrelnissa and the Institutes: Towards a Sky, an exhibition of abstract work by prominent regional women artists and Two Trees in Harmony by veteran Jordanian artist Fouad Mimi.

Scroll through images of the Cultural Foundation exhibitions below