FAQ
What is Qasr Al Hosn Festival?
Qas Al Hosn is an annual event held on the grounds of Qasr Al Hosn to celebrate several centuries of history of the fort and Emirati culture and traditions.
A wide range of historic and cultural themed exhibitions, workshops, performances and activities, as well as guided tours of the Qasr Al Hosn fort, can be enjoyed at the festival.
What is the purpose of Qasr Al Hosn Festival?
The aim of the festival is to strengthen the appreciation of Emirati heritage and identity, and to engage visitors in comprehensive programme of indigenous cultural activities that reflect the political, social, artistic and economic development of Abu Dhabi besides highlighting the ongoing restoration of the centuries’ old fort.
When is Qasr Al Hosn Festival taking place?
The Festival will take place across 11 days from February 11 to 21, 2015.
Regular opening hours : 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm
Opening day, February 11th, the Festival doors open at 8:00 pm.
Ladies day will take place on February 12th, for women and children under 12 only.
Is this the first time Qasr Al Hosn Festival has happened?
No, the first edition of Qasr Al Hosn Festival took place in 2013 and it was a huge success. This year’s festival beginning on February 11, 2015, will build on this success.
Where is it held?
The festival is held on the grounds of Qasr Al Hosn between Al Nasr Street, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, and Sheikh Zayed the First Street. A location map can be found at the website’s Vistor’s Info section.
Will the fort be open to the public?
The public is invited to tour the fort with a professional guide and see first-hand the ongoing restoration project, only during the festival days.
The guided tours will give the public access for the first time to the inner chambers of the fort.
Who is organising the Festival?
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority is organising Qasr Al Hosn Festival and leading the conservation project of the fort.
Is there an exhibition this year?
The Qasr Al Hosn Centre will house a public exhibition, featuring audio-visuals and interactive displays, photographs, models and timelines that will explore Qasr Al Hosn’s history.
The other exhibitions include ‘Lest We Forget: Structures of Memory in the United Arab Emirates’ and the History of Cultural Foundation Building.
Do I need to register for workshops?
Yes some workshops require pre-registration; however, while you’re on-site, you can sign up directly at your desired workshop.
How much does it cost to take part in a workshop?
Workshops at the festival are all free of charge.
What’s in it for children?
The festival ensures that there are interesting experiences for every member of the family. Some of the Children activities include:
- Horse Rides
- Camel Rides
- Artefact Dig and Handle
- Traditional Emirati School Classes – just like the old days
- Traditional Emirati Games
- Meet and learn about the Goats, Turtles, Falcons and Saluki Dogs
- Gardening Club – children will get the chance to learn how to garden, and will take their plant home to take care of it and watch it grow
- Yowla teaching sessions
What will be happening at the Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Foundation?
The Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Foundation will hold Emirati heritage-themed workshops at Al Marsam Al Horr every day of the celebrations.
It will house an open-air theatre hosting a full programme of performing arts and poetry, and a series of documentaries and Films will be screened between the live shows.
The Cultural Foundation will also house the “Gahwa” coffee shop, where the traditional method of making Arabic coffee will be showcased, and you can taste or buy various types of traditional Gahwa.
A selection of books about Emirati culture and heritage will be available at the Library.
Do I need to purchase tickets to be able to attend the festival? How much?
You can purchase the tickets by the festival main gates upon arrival.
Cost is AED 10. Free for children under 12