Over 300 university students from across Abu Dhabi have been selected to act as ambassadors for the annual Qasr Al Hosn Festival to help enhance visitors’ experience in learning about Emirati history and heritage during the annual event.

Running till February 13, the Qasr Al Hosn Festival – organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) - celebrates the history of the Fort and centuries of Emirati culture. The event brings people together to experience the history of the UAE through interactive experiences and storytelling and a rich and diverse programme of inspiring activities, live performances and workshops that reflect different cultural elements of the Festival’s programme.

Reem Al Mansouri, public engagement programmer in TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “The Ambassador Programme is a vital initiative aimed at working with Abu Dhabi’s younger generation to help raise awareness of the history, traditions and culture of the Emirate dating back to the time when Qasr Al Hosn became the first permanent structure on Abu Dhabi Island. By involving the youth, we are helping to transfer the knowledge of our rich heritage, and instilling a sense of pride and belonging among future generations”.

Since its pilot in 2014, the programme has grown from attracting 160 in its first year to over 300 students this year.

“We’ve seen a 25 per cent increase in participation number and the growing popularity of the Ambassador Programme shows the high level of enthusiasm we see from the university students in learning more about the UAE’s cultural heritage and their commitment to preserve it,” Al Mansouri added.

A large number of students will be on-site during the festival days to guide visitors throughout their visit. The students will interact with the audience in the Cultural Foundation Building and  throughout the festival’s themed zones and introduce them to the festival’s public programme, helping with activities including dhow building, palm weaving, sea chanting, falconry, tree climbing, and even making Gahwa (traditional Emirati coffee).

Amna Al Zaabi, a student from Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi who took part in last year’s programme, said: “Being an Ambassador at the Qasr Al Hosn Festival is an amazing and rewarding experience and I was able to learn a lot about my heritage. I’m proud to return this year to share this knowledge with others and contribute to preserving our culture.”

Students enrolled in the Ambassador Programme are receiving extensive training from cultural experts and Festival organisers, where they will learn about the history of the Fort, Emirati heritage, and the different elements of the Festival’s workshops, cultural activities, traditional performances and interactive learning experiences.

Participating Ambassadors represent nine universities from across the Emirate, including: Zayed University, United Arab Emirates University, the Higher Colleges of Technology, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Al Hosn University, Emirates College for Advanced Education, the Petroleum Institute, Khalifa University, and Abu Dhabi University. – TradeArabia News Service