Fishing lessons, traditional UAE games: 5 things to do at Abu Dhabi’s Maritime Heritage Festival

Fishing lessons, traditional UAE games: 5 things to do at Abu Dhabi’s Maritime Heritage Festival

The event opened its doors on February 17 and runs until February 26

Published: Tue 21 Feb 2023, 1:26 PM

Abu Dhabi’s latest heritage event, the Maritime Heritage Festival, opened its doors on February 17.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the event celebrates traditional Emirati coastal life, recreating a historic shoreline trading community where visitors can witness ancient skills such as dhow-building. The ten-day event features a thrilling blend of tales from the past, historical re-enactments, children’s workshops, exclusive merchandise, souqs, traditional games, and local cuisine.

The festival is divided into various areas, including a Fishing Village and a Trading Village. Here is a breakdown of the top activities taking place during the festival, which runs until February 26, 2023.

1. Fishing Village

The Fishing Village features several fish-focused activities, including a fisherman’s market where visitors can learn how fish used to be caught and auctioned back in the early days. There is a daily auction where visitors learn about fish salting and spicing, and the characteristics that made fish more or less expensive to businesses and retailers.

The highlight is the chance to taste the catch at its freshest state at a live cooking station kiosk, where