Workshops
Visitors participated in workshops and learnt traditional skills.
At the Qasr al Hosn Festival 2014 there was a variety of traditional workshops visitors could attend across the Oasis, Desert, Marine and Abu Dhabi Island areas, as well as at the Cultural Foundation Building.
Friendly and informal teaching sessions with local experts helped visitors to learn new skills and learn about the UAE’s heritage and culture.
WORKSHOP BOOKINGS
All our workshops were offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
Workshop Booking Agents were located at:
- Information booths at the entrance to the Festival
- Workshop houses across the Desert, Oasis, Abu Dhabi Island and Marine Zones
- The Reception Desk in the Cultural Foundation building
Please click here for the 2014 Festival Workshop Schedule
Workshops
ABU DHABI ISLAND
Ajfaa
Al Ajfaa is a traditional way for young Emirati girls to scent and style their hair with natural ingredients. It's popular for special occasions such as weddings or celebrations. Partipants learnt how to mix herbs to scent and style their hair for special occasions.
Sadu
Participants learnt how to create Sadu, a traditional form of weaving. It is used to produce furnishings and decorative accessories for camels and horses.
Henna
Participants learnt the traditional art of henna, with the traditional Emirati patterns. A truly unique reminder of the festival, and a memorable experience.
Dukhoun
Participants learnt how this traditional scent or incense is prepared.
Telli
Participants learnt how to make telli, a kind of embroidery that is made with braided coloured threads. It is commonly used to adorn the bodice and sleeves of Emirati women’s traditional dress.
Emirati cuisine
Participants learnt how to cook traditional Emirati specialties taught by famous Emirati chefs.
DESERT
Kandoora Dying
Participants learnt some of the history of Kandoora dying, why and when it was done, the different ingredients and where they came from. They then mixed their own colours and dyed a small piece of cloth which they could then take home to soak and dry.
Burga Making
Participants learnt about some of the history of the Burga, why and how it was used, then created their own.
Khoos (Palm Weaving)
Every part of the date palm was used in the resourceful and frugal oases. Participants learnt how to create beautiful items for home accessories from the leaves of this special tree.
Gahwa (Coffee)
Participants learnt about the different kinds of Gahwa pots, their names and what they are used for, then how to roast and crush the beans before boiling the coffee. Instructors explained the etiquette about serving and drinking the coffee the traditional way. Workshop participants were then able to share and serve coffee with other visitors.
Henna
Participants learnt the traditional art of henna, with the traditional Emirati patterns. A truly unique reminder of the festival, and a memorable experience.
Dukhoun
Participants learnt how this traditional scent or incense is prepared.
MARINE
Fishnet Making
Participants learnt how to weave fishnets from skilled fishermen.
Al Gargour (Fish Trap Making)
Participants learnt how this traditional apparatus for catching fish is made.
OASIS
Khoos (Palm Weaving)
Every part of the date palm was used in the resourceful and frugal oases. Participants learnt how to create beautiful items for the home from the leaves of this special tree, from skilled craftswomen.
CULTURAL FOUNDATION
Zone 1 – Traditional Handicrafts
Note: These workshops were for children.
Sadu Weaving for Kids
Children learnt the basic technique of sadu, a traditional form of weaving in the UAE. They learnt how to weave on small looms, using thick wool and a wooden needle.
Khoos for Kids
Children learnt how to make simple khoos creations by braiding palm tree fronds to make small boats, bookmarks, and baskets.
Telli for Kids
Cildren learnt how to make telli, a traditional form of Emirati embroidery. Sitting at a traditional “Kajuja”, they used multi-coloured metallic threads to make a small friendship bracelet, bookmark, or simple tassel.
Zone 2 – Traditional Clothing & Accessories
Note: These workshops were for all ages.
Discover the Scents of the UAE
Participants learnt about the tradition of perfume and incense in the UAE and created their own personalized scents using a variety of traditional oils.
Burga Making for Kids
Participants learnt about the history of the Burga and about the shape and traditional materials used to create an authentic piece, and created their own Burga.
Traditional Clothing for Kids
Children of all ages had the opportunity to try on traditional clothing of the UAE. This area was a “photo stop” so that children could take home a photograph of themselves dressed in traditional UAE clothing.
Zone 3 – Traditional Toys
Note: These workshops were for children.
Traditional Toys for Kids
Children learnt how to make traditional toys of the UAE using palm branches, boxes and commonly used and found materials.
Create Your Own Emirati Doll
Children learnt how to make a special handstitched doll out of cloth and personalize their creations by choosing from a variety of doll-sized clothing including Abayas, Sheilas, and Burgas.
Zone 4 – Pottery
Pottery is regarded as one of the oldest handicrafts in the UAE and was the basis for a significantly large industry during the pre-oil era. The mountains of Ras al Khaimah produced the stones that were ground to make clay pots that carried water across the region.
Note: These workshops were for all ages.
Pottery for Kids
Pottery is considered as one of the oldest handicrafts in the UAE. Children could paint a clay pot (recommended for young children) or create a small vessel by using traditional hand building techniques of the region.
Pottery Making
This pottery workshop introduced teens and adults to traditional hand-building techniques of the region. They learnt how to make their own pot by layering rolls of clay and using seashells to shape.
CONSERVATION WORKSHOPS
Visitors could join a Conservation Workshop lead by the Conservation Specialists of TCA Abu Dhabi Culture Sector. The workshop offered an opportunity for professionals and academics to discuss philosophical and theoretical aspects of architectural conservation with reflection on Qasr al Hosn. In 2014, the workshop focused on the issue of “Authenticity” as it pertains to Qasr al Hosn on different levels: the urban block, different historic buildings, architectural, decorative and structural elements as well as materials and techniques. The workshop offered a rare opportunity for people to observe and discuss the progress of conservation works of Qasr al Hosn.
Disclaimer: Workshop and Workshop times are subject to change
