Splendid Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi
One of the most important and fascinating cultural attractions of Abu Dhabi is the Heritage Village. This is a re-creation of an Emirati village and demonstrates the Bedouin lifestyle in a lavish manner. This village gives us a clear insight of the pre-oil era of the UAE. This kind of lifestyle is still very much relevant in some parts of the iconic Arabian Peninsula. This village has been constructed on the Breakwater. You can simply walk along the Corniche and get an interesting view of this famous cultural site.
Heritage Village Entrance
This village houses the main traditional elements of the Gulf life. It has a fort for repelling the invaders from the sea. It also has a mosque for the worshippers and a souk for the traders. Islam plays a very important role in the lives of the residents of this village. The Heritage Village has many fun elements that ensure you have an ideal time with your friends and family. You can do many fun things with your kids at this place. There are a plethora of Bedouin tents. Campfires are set here and the special Arabian tea is brewed up for the leisure of the visitors. There are also Arabian goats, horses, and camels on the display. Children can even get a ride on them. A lot of indigenous workers display their wares. Several indigenous artisans display their pottery work, weaving work and glass bowling work. Many times there are falconry demonstrations in this region. There are also some swordsmiths who will show you the art of honing blades or khanjar. Khanjars are extremely important instruments and are used in ceremonies and plays across the region.
Famous Well at the Heritage Village
The barasti (palm-leaf) house is the specialty of the Heritage Village. It has been designed and constructed in a manner that it catches and entraps the breeze and keeps the house cool. There are palm fronds, ancient irrigation system, an ox-drawn well and several plantations of Liwa Oasis and Al Ain.
Heritage Village Entrance
There is also a traditional souk where you can find many interesting souvenirs. But for shopping in the souk of the Heritage Village, you must be equipped with very strong bargaining skills. You can find things like traditional clothing, silver jewelry, and handmade soap. All the items are readily affordable to a common man. Some special henna stalls have also been set up in the souk.
The museum of the Heritage Village is an iconic destination and must not be missed for anything in the world. It houses photographs of Abu Dhabi prior to the oil boom. The photographs depict how Abu Dhabi has evolved from a lolling pearl diving village to an illustrious and booming city of today. The museum also has some traditional weapons, the Holy Quran and some antique jewelry on the display. The museum in itself is huge and towering. It has good wind circulation and stays relatively cool.
The Heritage Village is claimed as a desert dissented region by most of its inhabitants. You will notice that many indigenous people still like returning to their grassroots by camping in simple goat-hair tents. These tents are symbolic of the Bedouin lifestyle of the village. Many families in the village own their desert farms. The camels of the respective families participate in different races. In fact, camel racing is one of the main interests of the Emiratis.
Local Collectible Market Inside the Heritage Village
In the Heritage Village, you will also find an ethnic Arabian restaurant to satiate the demons of your stomach. The cooling tower is another specialty of the region. There is also a very iconic and beautiful area of the white sand beach. The turquoise waters, power boats, jet skis and water-front make sure that you spend a relaxing and enjoyable time with your friends and family. You can grab a drink or munch some snacks from the local stall owners on the beach. This beach is an ideal place to see the skyline of Abu Dhabi. There are also a few traditional dhows which can take you to the center of the blue waters. The gorgeous turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf are highly scenic and beautiful.
The Heritage Village is usually operational from Saturdays to Thursdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. On Fridays, it is functional from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Entrance is absolutely free. The classic Marina Mall is only a few minutes away from the village. You can have a fun time with your peers at this ethnic and traditional village. It is an ideal place to head to for some peace and solace.