“Over eight days, this multidimensional experience spanning art, design, cuisine and performances presents a new perspective on culture in Abu Dhabi.” Qasr Al Hosn Festival
The Qasr Al Hosn Festival, the first-ever cultural experience that reflects and reimagines Abu Dhabi’s heritage, started today bringing together regional traditions and contemporary culture at the historic Al Hosn, a living museum in the heart of the city.
The festival, which will run for eight days until 19th December, will present art, design, workshops and performances alongside artisanal crafts, retail opportunities and culinary options. Immersive art experiences include Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem’s Directions, ‘From Place to Place’ where wooden coordinates float on the water, Korean artist Jeongmoon Choi’s ‘Drawing in Space‘, an installation of coloured threads illuminated under UV lighting and ‘The Bean Bag‘ by artist collective XPOZE, a giant bean bag housed in a pavillion.
Pop-up vendors include Abu Dhabi and Dubai co-lab LOCAL x Frame offering speciality coffee, barber services, sneakers and apparel, delicious pizza from PINZA, bagels from Bagel Yard and BBQ Box to name a few. Check out the art books at Taschen, pursue the Dubai based multidisciplinary designer AlJoud Lootah and purchase on-trend homeware and accessories from Kinto.
Workshops run by top regional sneaker designers offer visitors the chance to get hands-on in the design process, production and customisation. Book for Bespoke DXB Workshops on 16th & 17th December (pre-booking required) and The Shoe Surgeon 18th & 19th December (One-day workshops, pre-booking required).
Younger members of the family can enjoy creative workshops such as The Doodle Factory and We Make Carpets. Arthouse film platform Cinema Akil will offer a series of open-air screenings of short and feature films including family favourites such as The Never Ending Story and The Sound of Music. Car buffs will enjoy the exhibition of classic cars displayed at the main entrance.
Qasr Al Hosn Festival
Location: Qasr Al Hosn, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi
Date: 12th – 19th December 2019
Opening times: 12th December 4pm – midnight, 13th, 14th & 19th December 2pm – midnight and 15th – 18th December 2pm – 10pm
Website: alhosn.ae
Download the Al Hosn Festival 2019 Guide HERE
Tickets: Day tickets AED 30 (adults), AED 15 (children). Eight-day passes AED 100 (adults) and AED 50 (children aged 5 to 12). Free entry for children 4 years and under. All tickets include admission to Qasr Al Hosn, the House of Artisans and Bait Al Gahwa
Tickets for performances in the Cultural Foundation and workshops in the House of Artisans are available to purchase separately
Tickets for performances in the Cultural Foundation are available to purchase separately on culturalfoundation.ae/calendar and workshops in the House of Artisans are available to purchase separately on qasralhosn.ae/calendar7u