Al Ain Heritage Festival Draws Artists and Photographers
The inaugural Al Ain Heritage Festival, currently underway at the Al Ain Exhibition Centre, has attracted over 50 visual artists and 90 photographers, according to organizers. The event, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, features a variety of cultural and community activities, as well as diverse competitions.
The festival provides a platform for artists to showcase their work directly to the public through a “Live Painting Competition.” Participants are competing within two main themes: heritage, focusing on documenting the Emirati cultural heritage – including customs, traditions, handicrafts, traditional clothing, popular markets, and heritage activities; and environment, aiming to highlight the natural beauty of Al Ain city, encompassing oases, palm groves, desert landscapes, and the surrounding environment, reflecting the balanced relationship between humans and nature.
Artists have drawn inspiration from these traditional elements, employing a variety of techniques in their paintings. This diversity reflects multiple visions and artistic approaches in presenting local cultural heritage. Festival visitors are closely observing the stages of artwork creation, noting different painting techniques and artistic expression styles.
The photography competition has also seen significant participation, with over 500 images documenting the aesthetics and spirit of Emirati heritage. The same two themes – heritage and environment – are central to the photographic submissions.
Organizers noted the high quality of the submitted works, particularly with the participation of a large number of professional photographers, which has increased the competitiveness of the submissions.
The two competitions are part of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority’s efforts to promote cultural and artistic awareness, and to encourage young people to discover their skills in the visual arts. The festival provides a platform for winners to showcase their work and interact with a wide audience of heritage and art enthusiasts. A total of 500,000 dirhams in prize money is being awarded across both competitions, with 20 winners selected – 10 for each theme.
The photography competition featured over 500 images documenting the beauty and spirit of Emirati heritage.
