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Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is inviting visitors to the last race of the Formula 1 season to step into the past of Abu Dhabi while at the Yas Marina Circuit.
With racing taking place between November, 25 -27 and more than 60,000 fans expected on Yas Island from across the world, TCA Abu Dhabi has set up an interactive heritage village at the heart of the North Oasis combining the deep-rooted past of Abu Dhabi with the spendour of the emirate’s present.
The 800-square-metre village will contain a number of cultural areas allowing visitors to discover, understand, participate, taste and enjoy a sample of Emirati culture.
H.E Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General , TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “Since the onset of Formula 1 racing at Yas Marina Circuit, the North Oasis has become the hub for ticket-holders to experience our diverse tradition and cultural heritage via an interactive pavilion. This year, several local Emirati history and heritage institutions will enrich the visitor experience through unique interactive experiences which emphasise the nation’s heritage. “Apart from showcasing to the world the infrastructural preparedness of Abu Dhabi to host mega-events of global importance, it also introduces our country and our city to a wide variety of sports enthusiasts from all parts of the world,†he added.
The pavilion will feature a number of exhibitions, live music and dance performances, and handicraft demonstrations, under various themes, portraying the rich culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi. The history of Emirati sports including camel and marine racing, falconry and saluki racing will be portrayed through the years leading up to the emirate’s annual hosting of the grand prix, while visitors will also be drawn to an exhibition detailing how and why so many classic cars have ended up in the emirate.
The ‘Budhabi Luwal’ (Abu Dhabi in the past) corner will showcase traditional handicrafts with live demonstrations showing how women made certain household items, while the ‘Luwal Kitchen’ will allow visitors to taste local food while witnessing traditional Emirati dishes being prepared and cooked. Traditional music and dance performances such as Al Ayallah and Rababa will be held throughout the grand prix celebrations.
The pavilion, which is free to enter for F1 ticket holders, will be open from 10am on November 27 until 8pm on November 29.