Experience Emirati culture this Ramadan on Saadiyat Island

Kriesha Tiu. Courtesy Urban Works Entertainment. Courtesy TCA Abu Dhabi

Get a chance to experience Emirati culture this Ramadan as part of a new event to take place on Saadiyat Island. Ramadan Evenings will host a daily iftar meal of Arabic and Emirati fusion cuisine, which will be followed by a variety of cultural events changing as the month progresses.

Every Friday, there will be performances by Bait Al Oud musicians, live reading of stories from the Quran every Sunday, talks on Islamic architecture every Tuesday, and poetry sessions every Saturday. The festival programme will also include a book corner which will feature recitals by popular authors for families to enjoy from Sunday to Friday during the event, board games, vintage video games, an interactive mosaic mural as well as an interactive puppet show, a Ramadan Souq and a wide selection of dining options.

Throughout the event, visitors will also be able to learn while traditional handcrafts such as talli embroidery, palm frond strand braiding (khos) and colourful sadu weaving – which are all deeply embedded in Emirati culture and heritage.

In addition, UAE-based artists will produce beautifully designed wood and acrylic art pieces inspired by Islamic geometrical patterns to be auctioned for charity, and a selection of artworks from the Proud Expressions Exhibition, a touring public art exhibition honouring the nation’s heroes, will also be exhibited.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), organisers of the event, said: “Manarat Al Saadiyat Ramadan Evenings is a community event that will encourage individuals and families to share unique experiences together and enjoy an inspiring daily programme that reflects Emirati culture. We hope to offer a holistic experience that will give families and residents the chance to experience Ramadan in a way that promotes the values and cultural heritage of the UAE.”

Open daily between 7.30-11.30pm from June 4-17 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the full programme of activities, workshops and recitals can be found at abudhabievents.ae