The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will participate in the Tan-Tan Moussem Cultural Festival, taking place in Morocco from 26 to 30 June 2024. Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this year’s edition is under the theme 20 Years of Conservation and Human Development.
His Excellency Abdulla Mubarak Al Muhairi, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, emphasised that the participation in the Tan-Tan Cultural Moussem, since 2014, aims to shed light on the rich and diverse Emirati heritage, and highlight the efforts of Abu Dhabi in sustaining intangible heritage.
His Excellency stressed the importance of participating in such events in terms of introducing the Emirati heritage and traditions, promoting them in international forums, showcasing their rich components. Furthermore, His Excellency underscored that this participation aims to cultivate harmony among the values, customs, and traditions, as well as the shared cultural heritage that unites the two brotherly nations. Such involvement stands as a testament to the deep and expanding relations between the UAE and Morocco, which extend far beyond cultural exchange.
Through the UAE Pavilion at the festival the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will showcase a wide range of elements of UAE's intangible heritage. Additionally, in cooperation with the Emirates Camel Racing Federation, the authority will host several heritage competitions, including a camel race, a camel beauty pageant, and a camel milking competition.
The pavilion will feature a host of events and activities designed to educate the public about Emirati heritage. These include performances by folk arts groups, live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts, Emirati cuisine, photo exhibitions, traditional games, poetry soirees and concerts featuring several Emirati artists.
The Tan-Tan Moussem Cultural Festival stands out as a lively celebration of Bedouin culture in Morocco and North Africa. This festival brings together various forms of Bedouin traditions through a rich programme of music, art, and cultural activities that blend the past and present while highlighting the desert heritage. It offers an opportunity to experience and celebrate the shared heritage of Arab cultures, all woven together by the distinctive threads of traditional Saharawi culture.
