The Maritime Exhibition showcases the rich maritime heritage of the UAE, featuring tools for pearl diving, fishing nets, and navigation equipment. Falconry is also a highlight of the festival, with a championship held in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Falconers' Club. The aim is to introduce the heritage of falconry, raise awareness of its historical significance and role in Emirati society, and encourage younger generations to learn about this authentic heritage and preserve it for future generations.
The festival's traditional events include performances by folk troupes, daily theater competitions with prizes, folk games, and a "Most Beautiful Traditional Costume" contest. Additionally, there are public folk cooking competitions where visitors can learn about traditional Emirati dishes and their ingredients in an experience that combines knowledge, tasting, and cultural context.
The social dimension of the festival is highlighted by the participation of people of determination. A dedicated corner showcases their handmade crafts, artworks, and products inspired by the marine environment, reflecting the festival's commitment to community empowerment, inclusion, and providing a real platform to showcase the creative talents of all groups.
These events are complemented by educational boat trips organized by the UAE Balanced Development Council, allowing visitors and families to explore the Sila coastline and learn about the region's environmental and marine features, thereby strengthening the community's connection to the sea as an integral part of Emirati identity.
Air rifle and archery activities attract various visitor groups, especially youth, offering them a chance to learn the basics of shooting in a safe and organized environment. This activity is part of instilling values like discipline and self-confidence, as well as connecting participants with the roots of these practices in Emirati heritage in an interactive and educational way.
A Platform that Reinforces Identity Through its rich diversity, the Al Yasat Festival offers a comprehensive heritage experience, serving as a platform to preserve Emirati heritage, reinforce national identity, support local producers and artisans, and stimulate economic and tourism in the Al Dhafra region, aligning with the leadership's vision for safeguarding national legacy and ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
Pearl diving tools and fishing nets are on display at the festival. The third edition of the festival brings to life aspects of old Emirati life.
In its third edition, the Al Yasat Festival revives aspects of old Emirati life, presenting them to visitors in a vibrant scene that blends heritage with community interaction, cementing its status as a comprehensive platform that combines heritage, maritime, and sporting events.
Held on the seafront of Sila city in the Al Dhafra region, the festival is filled with numerous activities and programs catering to its audience. At its heart is the traditional souk, featuring dozens of heritage stalls where local producers and artisans display their handicrafts, traditional clothing, and folk food in an atmosphere reflecting the values of generosity and simplicity characteristic of Emirati society. The souk plays a crucial role in supporting and empowering small businesses and enhancing their presence in the local economy.
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club in strategic partnership with the UAE Balanced Development Council, the festival concludes today and includes several key stations, such as an exhibition of antique heritage collections that has garnered significant visitor interest. It revives the community's memory, offering a cultural and educational experience that transports the audience back in time through artifacts from the old Emirati house—daily life tools, coffee preparation utensils, and majlis settings—in a tableau that reflects the simplicity of life and family values that defined the community in the past.