The Heritage Village on Al Hamra Island has come to life as a vibrant tableau, blending the aroma of history, the beauty of art, the rhythm of music, and the spirit of community during the UAE Cultural Week, as part of the «Ras Al Khaimah Arts Festival». This scene embodied the authenticity of the past and the vitality of the present, recalling the beautiful times in a modern way. The Heritage Village was not just a place for celebration, but an open space for human and cultural interaction. Feelings of joy and pride mixed, and the sounds of music merged with folk songs, allowing guests to experience a holistic experience that reflects the spirit and identity of the UAE. From the moment a visitor steps into the Heritage Village, they are greeted by old houses and ancient walls dating back to before and after the formation of the UAE, which hold within them images of the country's founders and the UAE's sheikhs, as well as evidence of important stages in the nation's history. On these ancient walls, the past and present merged through the works of artists from around the world, who contributed their creative touch to paint scenes that tell stories of beauty, tolerance, and cultural openness, transforming the Heritage Village into an open exhibition of art and memory. In a crowd of citizens and residents of various nationalities, Ras Al Khaimah celebrated «Hala Al Leila» (Garangao) in an atmosphere full of joy. Children in traditional attire, carrying sweets and chanting folk songs, created a picture reflecting the intergenerational bond. The celebration's program varied between performances of military bands, «Yowalah», and the art of «Al Shahouh», amidst public interaction. The UAE's youth lined up to perform routines reflecting pride and attachment to the national identity. The participation of the young girl Amina Al Balushi stood out, who recited poems about the United Arab Emirates, its glory, and its leaders, which was met with the audience's admiration. There was also the «Emirati Traditional Wedding» segment, which presented the audience with a complete picture of old wedding customs, from the engagement stage to the bride's preparation, traditional attire, the folk procession, women's songs, and ending with the wedding feast. Visitors were introduced to the details of the bride's preparation with henna, wearing gold, preparing «Makhawir», and the communal celebration that used to bring family and neighbors together, reflecting the values of cooperation and solidarity. A special area was dedicated to the elders in the Heritage Village, where grandmothers, dressed in the Emirati «burqa», practiced old handicrafts. While one of them, Umm Abdulrahman, was making the «Kadouda burqa» and traditional clothing, another, Sheikha Ali Saeed Al Shaheeni, worked with palm leaves, and a third, Mariam Mohammad Raba, demonstrated the art of «Talli» for decorating clothes. On her part, Umaid from the «Burza» association told «Al Ittihad»: «We make henna like our ancestors, we pound it, grind it, and add «sadr» to it, and we prepare it in traditional ways until it is ready for use». This corner became an important stop for visitors, who were keen to listen to the grandmothers' stories and experiences, which contributed to passing down traditional knowledge to new generations. The event saw wide participation from owners of home and youth projects, which varied between traditional foods, perfumes, «Makhawir», and handicrafts, with a total of over 35 projects. Shama Al Naqbi presented the «Luwa» project, specializing in grape leaves «fatteh» and «harees» for over 10 years, while «Mama Kitchen» presented traditional and Arabic dishes. Also participating was Hamad Mohammad Al Shaheeni with the «H.B Store» project for stickers and wooden figurines in his first participation, emphasizing that the festival is an opportunity to introduce young talents, and the projects highlighted the UAE youth's capabilities in entrepreneurship. The evening featured a performance by Emirati artist Hamdan Al Balushi, which extended from 8 PM to 11 PM during the finale, amidst a large public interaction. Al Balushi presented a bouquet of songs, including «Burak Lah», «Bandab Nasim Al Sabaya», «Nawi Al Farqa», «Ah Ya London», «Ya Hab Li», «Sirmad Al Layl», «Ishak», «Ya Jamal», and «Allah Yehabak Ya Al Imarat». Al Balushi told «Al Ittihad»: «The concert was successful in every sense of the word, and after Allah, all credit goes to the dear audience, their reaction filled the place with joy and enthusiasm, and every clap added beauty to the concert, it was an unforgettable night». In turn, the Director of Ras Al Khaimah Arts Festival, Socrates Bin Bishr, told «Al Ittihad»: «We strived during the finale events on Al Hamra Island, which dates back to the 17th century, to offer diverse programs targeting children and adults, and the event witnessed a large turnout from all segments of society. The program included performances by the «Ayyala» and military bands, Emirati cooking, in addition to the musical evening for artist Hamdan Al Balushi, during which he presented a collection of distinguished songs». Meanwhile, the Director of Operations at the Heritage Village, Mohammad Tarboush, said: «We are celebrating the end of the UAE Cultural Week within the festival, with the participation of more than 45 projects, including youth projects and five coffee shops, and we sought to support them through this event».
