ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE

by - 12:17 PM

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. 


ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
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.

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
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.

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
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.

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
THE BREAKWATER
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
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.

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGEABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
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.

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
THE SKYSCRAPERS
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
DOCKED TRADITIONAL CANOES
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
THE COAST PEOPLE'S HOUSE
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
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.

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
THE GREAT EMIRATI LEADER
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
FOR THE WATCH COLLECTORS
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
THE OLD BOOKS

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGEABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
THE OPEN SPACE MUSEUM
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
FINDING COMFORT ON AN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGEABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE

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. 

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
ABU DHABI THEATER
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
THE OLD VILLAGE
ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE
WALKING THROUGH THE VILLAGE

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