ABU DHABI:  Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Al Jahili Fort is set to reintroduce a weekly programme of activities and events as part of the ongoing 2017/18 Cultural Programme’s extensive calendar.

 With sessions on traditional handicrafts and intangible heritage, a police dog show and military band performances, Al Jahili Fort will provide a cultural and historical experience for the whole family.

 Celebrating Emirati heritage and traditional skills and crafts, the interactive sessions will show visitors how to use elements of the environment to create handicrafts every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm in 2018.

These sessions will also focus on the art and heritage of Emirati history alongside the home-made crafts that aided trade and daily life.

In partnership with the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police to educate the public of Al Ain about national police work, the fort will also be hosting Police Dog Shows every Wednesday from 5pm – 6pm until April 2018. With the police force’s top sniffer dogs in attendance, the dog shows will focus on their abilities and duties, including protection, hunting and the detection of drugs and explosives. The shows are organised by the Department to reflect the importance of the police force’s role and the history of dogs in Emirati history.

In an additional initiative in partnership with the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police, Military Band Performances will be also held at the fort courtyard every Thursday from 5pm – 6pm until April 2018 to showcase the songs and music used in military exercises, national celebrations, state visits and more. The music composed by the military reflects an integral part of Emirati cultural and artistic heritage, offering messages of patriotism, tolerance and peace to all.

The programme is designed to provide a variety of platforms to celebrate the emirate’s cherished history, while interacting with communities who play a key role in preserving and embodying the richness of the country’s past.

Al Ain is one of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements and home to the UAE’s only Unesco World Heritage site. Also known as the Oasis City, Al Ain preserves and promotes historic sites and celebrates the UAE’s tangible and intangible heritage.

All events at Al Jahili Fort are open to all and are free.