People's Daily Abu Dhabi, February 24 (Reporter Ren Haoyu, intern Teng Jinghan) On the evening of the 23rd, Al Bahar Beach, located on the Corniche Avenue in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, was bustling with people and lively. Entertainers dressed in traditional costumes sang and danced all the way, shuttling through the seaside villages, sometimes boarding boats at the fishing village port to look into the distance, and sometimes staying at the stalls of spices and fish catches, leading tourists to immerse themselves in the life scenes of the local people in the early days. On the same day, the third 10-day Abu Dhabi Marine Heritage Festival kicked off, attracting many local residents and tourists to experience traditional folklore and marine culture.
Craftsmen show how to make rope from palm leaves. Photo by Tariq Ibrahim of People's Daily Online.
Randa Omar, the organizer of the event and the head of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said that the Abu Dhabi Marine Heritage Festival aims to protect and pass on the UAE's maritime heritage and traditional customs, and let more people know more about the UAE's culture and history through various activities such as handicraft displays, fairs, and folk performances.
Visitors learn about pearl diving. Photo by Tariq Ibrahim of People's Daily Online.
In the handicraft exhibition area, Yusuf Ahmad Ali, who has participated in the Marine Heritage Festival for three consecutive years, is teaching a child how to weave fishing nets. "In addition to recreation, this event has a deep educational value. Ali said that traditional crafts such as fishing net weaving are an important part of the local history and culture. "Many young people come to learn about fishing net weaving and experience traditional life during the event, so that our history and culture can be passed on from generation to generation. ”
Craftsmen show how to dry dried fish. Photo by Tariq Ibrahim of People's Daily Online.
Martin and Jane Rose, from Scotland, told reporters that although the fish species in the UK and the UAE are different, the salting techniques are very similar, and the villagers beat the drums and sing during the performance, which also reminds them of the Scottish sailors' organ playing. "This event not only deepened our understanding of the traditional culture of the UAE, but also made us feel the exchange and integration of different civilizations. ”
Traditional Arabic song and dance show. Photo by Tariq Ibrahim of People's Daily Online.
A scene of a cast member showing a product for sale. Photo by Tariq Ibrahim of People's Daily Online.