Dubai Culture’s ‘Live our Heritage Festival’ Showcases Traditional Palm Frond Braiding (Saf Al Khos) Handicraft

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, is celebrating the eight edition of its ‘Live our Heritage Festival’, which began on 1st March and will run until 7th April 2018 at the Global Village under ‘An Eye on Emirati Cultural Heritage’ theme, focusing on educating the public about UAE traditional handicrafts and heritage. 

From 1st March until 8th March, the festival is educating visitors about Palm Frond Braiding (Saf Al Khos), which is one of the most authentic handicrafts in the UAE, especially in areas where palm cultivation is practiced. The workshop includes an introduction to the craft, the concept and history behind it, its origins in natural resources, and its use. During the week, the craftsmen are also teaching people how the raw materials are gathered and explaining the various steps of weaving. 

A number of other cultural activities are also taking place this week, including traditional folk dances such as the Al Ayyala, Al Harbiya, Yola and Rafza dances, as well as the Liwa fold dance. The Omar bin Al Khattab Centre, which is one of Dubai’s Heritage Development Centres, is also hosting activities including a Year of Zayed inspired live painting and a variety of folk and traditional arts.

The ‘Live Our Heritage Festival’ is held in cooperation with the Global Village, the Dubai Association of Folk Art, and Dubai Culture’s Dubai Heritage Development Centres.

Dubai Culture aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural scene and draw attention to the Emirate’s rich heritage with a variety of initiatives that take place throughout the year. The Authority’s mandate is to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures through enriching initiatives that benefit the Emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors.