Abu Dhabi’s Al Hosn Festival has returned to the emirate, showcasing a wide variety of cultural elements including installations, performances, film screenings and creative workshops. The popular cultural celebration, set across the buildings and outdoor spaces of Al Hosn district, opened its doors today and will run till 22 January.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, the event is also hosting the Makers Village, featuring items created by local and regional artists and designers.

“Each year, Al Hosn Festival tells the story of Abu Dhabi at its place of origin,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, in a release.

Other on-site activities will include live displays by local artisans with the aim of providing an insight into what life was like in Abu Dhabi before the discovery of oil.

“A key component of our cultural calendar, the festival celebrates Abu Dhabi’s heritage and craftsmanship and connects them with the contemporary art practices of the emirate.

“The festival has quickly become a focus of inspiration and exchange for the emirate’s cultural ecosystem, and a key element of DCT Abu Dhabi’s drive to both preserve the emirate’s treasured heritage and support and grow its new generation of artists and creative practitioners,” added Al Mubarak.

Al Hosn is at the heart of the emirate, and houses the historic Qasr Al Hosn fort, the Cultural Foundation and the House of Artisans.