Discover the oldest landmark in the capital
Each winter, as the evenings cool and Abu Dhabi slips into its most pleasant season, Qasr Al Hosn once again becomes the setting for one of the capital’s most anticipated cultural gatherings. Running until February 1, Al Hosn Festival returns with a packed programme celebrating Emirati heritage – and this year, the food alone is reason enough to go.
At Al Hosn Festival, culture begins with hospitality. Food is not treated as a side attraction but as a central expression of Emirati identity, generosity and community. Across the festival grounds, the Emirati Kitchen introduces visitors to heritage dishes rooted in daily life and special occasions, alongside demonstrations of al-fuwalah – the traditional practice of welcoming guests with food and drink.
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Expect comforting classics such as harees, freshly made regag bread, and golden luqaimat, prepared using traditional techniques and shared in an open-air setting that encourages lingering. Families gather over plates, elders explain recipes to younger generations, and visitors quickly realise that here, food is a language of memory and belonging.
Beyond the heritage kitchen, the Local Market connects guests directly with Emirati agricultural producers, while the contemporary Bazaar blends heritage-inspired makers with modern culinary pop-ups. More than 60 restaurants and food trucks operate across the site, offering everything from traditional flavours to modern interpretations, making it easy to turn an evening visit into a long, leisurely feast.
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Beyond the Plate
Once you’ve eaten your fill, the festival opens up into a rich cultural landscape. Al Hosn is organised into distinct zones that reflect traditional Emirati life – from desert and coastal traditions to oasis culture.
Visitors can explore artisan workshops showcasing crafts such as Al Sadu weaving, palm-leaf (Al Khoos) work, pottery, calligraphy and incense-making, all presented as living practices rather than museum pieces. Hands-on sessions allow guests to try their hand at spinning, bracelet-making and traditional construction techniques using palm fronds and stone.
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For families, children’s areas feature heritage games, creative workshops in collaboration with major Abu Dhabi museums, and interactive learning experiences that introduce culture through play.
After Dark
Throughout the day and into the evening, traditional performances bring the site to life. Expect Al Ayyala, Al Razfa and poetry sessions, alongside intimate music performances in the Falaj and courtyard stages. As night falls, Qasr Al Hosn itself becomes part of the storytelling, illuminated through projection and live performance in a main show tracing the origins of Abu Dhabi and its early communities.
While open to everyone, Al Hosn Festival remains deeply Emirati at heart. From the voices you hear to the food you taste, the experience feels personal, proud and rooted in place. It’s not just about observing culture – it’s about sitting with it, eating it, and sharing it.
If you’re looking for a January outing that combines exceptional food with meaningful cultural experiences, Al Hosn Festival delivers on both.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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