ABU DHABI: Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Advisor to the Ruler of the UAE, President of the Camel Race Association and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival 2014, has officially adopted the key elements and activities of the fifth edition of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. The festival starts on November 20 and will run for 20 days in Al Wathba. Visitors will be captivated by a fusion of fascinating exhibitions, live interactions and innovative entertainment that brings to life the UAE’s rich heritage.
Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan shared some insights on the festival’s inspiration: “Our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, played a pivotal role in preserving the heritage of the UAE. His eternal words of wisdom remind us that a nation without a past does not have a future, because history is the gateway to the future. Today these admirable principles have been kept alive by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to proudly instill our values in upcoming generations.”
Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan elaborated: “This festival is a reflection of our Emirati heritage, and a voyage through time that encompasses our past, present and future. It reminds us all that our nation’s prosperity is not a mere coincidence, but built on the strong foundations of past achievements. This cultural showcase is held with the support of General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and the direct supervision of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. Their wise leadership has brought giant leaps of progress since the festival’s inception four years ago, and facilitated its expansion to embrace an international audience.”
Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan has expressed satisfaction over the committee’s efforts, praising the role of each member. He also praised the diverse line-up of activities that will help to promote the UAE’s historical legacy across the globe. The nation’s history will be portrayed through four natural environments that have shaped its past: desert, oasis, mountains and sea.
This year’s line-up features a rich diversity of attractions and activities that visually bring to life the long journey from the nation’s forefathers to modern lifestyles.
From 20 November, the festival’s fifth edition will enthrall visitors for 20 days of non-stop enlightenment with attractions that have been enriched and enhanced year after year. It features themes that the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was passionate about. In addition to UAE citizens and residents, this showcase of heritage par excellence is expected to attract visitors from all over the world, as Emirati heritage makes up a vital part of the heritage of humanity as a whole.
Mohammed Haji Khouri, Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Humanitarian Foundation commented: “This festival carries special significance for every person in the UAE. Therefore we are proud to contribute to its success by buying products from 150 outlets and distributing them for free to visitors at the festival.”
Abdul Raheem Al Bateeh, Director of Public Service Affairs at Abu Dhabi Media added: “Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is a unique occasion that has a place in the heart of every Emirati and bears the name of Sheikh Zayed, may God have mercy on him. It reminds us of our founding father’s efforts in preserving and promoting our heritage. Abu Dhabi Media is proud to be part of this festival and we will use our media services to support and promote the festival to the world in the coming years.”