The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi is organising interactive workshops and activities, including special events to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day

Abu Dhabi, 31 July, 2019:  As part of Al Ain Cultural Programme, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will be organising a series of interactive events at Al Qattara Arts Centre and Qasr Al Muwaiji throughout the month of August. These include the Summer Kids Camp programme, a variety of workshops and talks, as well as special events to mark Emirati Women’s Day. 

From 4 to 29 August, Al Qattara Arts Centre will be extending its Summer Kids Camp to take place for a second consecutive month, following the outstanding turnout in July. The camp programme offers creative and educational sessions including art and archaeology workshops and weekly trips to the cultural sites of Al Ain. 

Al Qattara Arts Centre will also be organising ‘Microphone’, a series of interactive discussions covering important social issues. The programme will launch on 22 August with a talk titled “You have to travel”, featuring explorers Samr Almarzouqi and Shelaiweeh Almazrouei who will recount their travel adventures as well as dispense advice, such as the best destinations to visit during certain times of year, and how to plan and prepare for travel on a budget. The session will be moderated by the performer Yaser Al Neyadi.

On 28 August, Al Qattara Arts Centre will be celebrating Emirati Women’s Day with a number of specialised arts workshops for females aged 14 and older. These include a Decoupage Workshop, in which participants will decorate household items, and a Jewellery Design Workshop hosted by Fatima Al Muhairi, which will focus on sketching designs and engraving stones. For ladies aged 18 and over, artist Saoud Al Dhaheri will host a Collage Art workshop as part of Studio 6, the centre’s artistic residency programme. 
 
Qasr Al Muwaiji will continue to host its ongoing series of cultural events throughout the month. This includes the Royal Bisht Workshop from 6 to 20 August, which will provide participants with insights into the manufacture of this luxurious clothing, and allow them to take a closer look at the bisht collection of the Al Nahyan family.

The Emirati Dagger workshop will take place on August 10, showcasing the traditions, craftsmanship and secrets behind each dagger’s production, as well as the different materials and colours used for these objects. Participants will get the chance to wear the dagger’s sheath for themselves, and view the special treasures on display. 

17 August will see the Characters from the 20th Century event, during which costumed actors interacting with the crowd will help visitors experience what early 20th century life at Qasr Al Muwaiji was like.