ABU DHABI // The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival this year will pay tribute to the country’s fallen servicemen with a special exhibition.
The event, which starts on Thursday, will feature the Martyrs of the Nation exhibition, which will honour the soldiers who have given their life for their country.
This will form part of the Memories of a Nation area of the festival, which will showcase the historic images and documents depicting Sheikh Zayed’s efforts to build the country.
Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan, chairman of the organising committee, said the festival would embrace the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, founding President of the UAE.
He also said that President Sheikh Khalifa had worked hard to “enhance our customs and traditions and preserve the achievements of our forefathers as a worthy successor to the best predecessor”.
Other attractions at the festival include an exhibition dedicated to Sheikh Zayed the First, who ruled the emirate of Abu Dhabi from 1855 to 1909.
He played an important role in the social, economic and political development of the area, as well as helping to preserve traditional poetry and the Arabian horse. There will also be a replica of Al Bediya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the country, which was built in Fujairah in the 15th century.
The replica is built using the same stones and clay as that of the original, ancient mosque.
The exhibition will include displays featuring camels, Arabian horses, salukis and traditional rowing boats.
The event continues until December 12 at Al Wathba.
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
