ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
One
of the world’s tallest flagpoles is the marker to reach the Heritage Village of
Abu Dhabi. Temperature has risen from
40-degrees to 46-degrees, as the monitor displays so and I have actually walked
from the Heritage Village going back to Marina Mall for lack of taxi cabs. But is it worth the endless perspiration?
It’s a yes for me.
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| WELCOME TO THE HERITAGE VILLAGE |
After
a 2-dirham (approximate PhP26.00) Bus No. 7 ride from Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
Downtown, I reached Marina Mall. I
should have stayed at Marina Mall for a number of hours and have my lunch
before I go direct to Dubai, but I found something that needs to be discovered
as I roam around the mall. I saw a stall
of a bus tour manned by Filipinos, I quickly grasped at the brochure and
immediately asked where the Heritage Village of Abu Dhabi is. The Filipino tour agents offered me a
discounted rate but I dismissed the offer for time constraints and soon they
pointed to me where the village is – a few distance from Marina Mall where a
flagpole is visible. I took the taxi cab
going there but outbound is a different scenario.
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| THE YACHT CLUB |
The
brick-made arch that welcomes guests to the village prominently writes The U.A.E. Heritage Village run by the
Emirates Heritage Club. Since Dubai
has a heritage village as well, I would personally refer this one as the Abu
Dhabi Heritage Village.
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| ENTRANCE TO THE VILLAGE |
Situated
on the breakwater where yacht club surrounds and a beach area, the enclosed
area gives a glimpse of the traditional Emirati life, displaying Bedouin tents,
palm-frond houses (referred to as ‘arish’),
stone houses from the mountains, old fishing villages and traditional souqs (markets). This is free of admission.
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| THE BREAKWATER |
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| A TYPICAL SIGHTING AT THE VILLAGE |
The
entrance however is a typical commercial area where souvenir items are in
store. Across is the women’s handicraft
center run by Abu Dhabi Women’s Association where local women are given the
opportunity to display their wares ranging from perfumed oils to local
clothing, woven mats, household goods and even pottery. Some are available for sale.
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| SOUVENIR SHOP |
Maritime
tradition is an inevitable feature given its location at the seafront. The modern skyscrapers are likewise a treat
as you feel the fine sand near a restaurant where docked traditional canoes
became an instant artifact.
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| THE SKYSCRAPERS |
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| DOCKED TRADITIONAL CANOES |
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| THE COAST PEOPLE'S HOUSE |
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| TRADITIONAL HOUSE |
There
are varied museums as well showcasing the life of the traditional Emirati and a
memorabilia of the great Emirati leaders.
As I walked through the said museums, I realized how almost all nations
are the same on what to preserve for a museum.
The kitchen utensils and the cauldrons is always a no-brainer display. The Southeast Asian culture is defined and so
as with that of the Middle East.
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| THE GREAT EMIRATI LEADER |
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| FOR THE WATCH COLLECTORS |
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| THE OLD BOOKS |
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| THE OPEN SPACE MUSEUM |
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| FINDING COMFORT ON AN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM |
Adjacent
to the Heritage Village is the Abu Dhabi Theater with a good vantage of the
city’s seascape and towering skyscrapers.
As I leave the heritage village under the scorching heat of the midday
sun, I feel contented of the brief insights gained of the country’s history.
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| ABU DHABI THEATER |
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| THE OLD VILLAGE |
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| WALKING THROUGH THE VILLAGE |
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