Sights in Abu Dhabi
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Women's Handicraft Centre
If you have an interest in traditional crafts, the government-run Women's Handicraft Centre, in the Women's Union building, is definitely worth an hour of your time. Start with the displays of traditional weaving, costumes, textiles, camel bags and crafts in the Exhibition Hall; there are some products for sale in a small shop here.
Then head to the eight workshops out the back where covered old local ladies sit on the floor, gossiping and laughing (and totally oblivious to the German and French tour groups), as they demonstrate their crafts of saddu, talli, textile weaving, embroidering, tailoring, basket-weaving, palm-tree frond weaving, and henna. Take off your shoes…
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A
Qasr al-Husn
Once home to the ruling Al-Nahyan family, this splendid, white palace fort, built in 1761, is Abu Dhabi's oldest building. This is from where Abu Dhabi was governed from the 18th century until 1966. Not officially open to the public, the palace will soon be undergoing restoration to return it to its original state - until work begins you can call the Cultural Foundation to arrange an informal tour.
Decorated with gorgeous Portuguese tiles, the imposing main entrance features a small, wooden door spiked with black iron nails set within a larger wooden door. Within the walls there are pleasant courtyards and palm-filled gardens that are wonderful to wander around. Inside…
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Cultural Foundation
The vibrant Cultural Foundation is Abu Dhabi's artistic and cultural centre with a regular programme of live theatre, classical music, ballet, local poetry, music and dance, art and photography exhibitions, and screenings of world cinema. It's situated in the centre of the city in a modern Islamic-inspired building, with elegant arches and intricately decorated tiled passageways.
It's also home to the excellent Emirates Film Competition, which provides a rare insight into local culture through short films, the Abu Dhabi International Pearl Festival (www.ad-pearl.com), the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, National Archives, the National Library, an Arts…
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C
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
On the Breakwater, beside the big flagpole, is the charming Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. After renovations, it's now one of the most interesting in the UAE. Set in lush gardens with trickling fountains, it's a lovely place to spend a morning, before it gets too steamy.
It offers a glimpse of Abu Dhabi life in the pre-oil days, with a re-creation of a souq, a traditional old mosque, a Bedouin encampment with a goat-hair tent and camels, and a barasti house. Workshops are held where you can watch craftsmen making pots, blowing glass, beating brass and weaving on traditional looms.
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