The sounds of Emirati music and the rhythm of traditional dance have filled one of Moscow’s central public spaces as Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage takes the spotlight at a festival in the Russian capital.
Traditional Emirati performers have been entertaining visitors at the Doorway to Abu Dhabi festival at Manezhnaya Square, offering audiences a glimpse into the customs and traditions that continue to shape the UAE’s cultural identity.
The five day event, running from August 19 to 23, is part of Moscow’s Summer in Moscow programme and is giving visitors an opportunity to experience different aspects of Abu Dhabi without leaving the Russian capital.
Traditional performances draw attention
Among the most visible elements of the festival are performances of Al-Ayyala and Al-Harbiya, traditional Emirati forms of music and dance.
Al-Ayyala features performers moving in coordinated formations to rhythmic music, creating a distinctive group performance often associated with celebrations and important social occasions.
The performance is more than entertainment. It reflects values such as unity, cooperation and community and remains an important part of Emirati cultural life.
Al-Ayyala has also received international recognition and is included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In Moscow, the traditional performances are being presented in a very different setting, surrounded by the architecture and busy atmosphere of the Russian capital. The contrast gives visitors a particularly visual introduction to Emirati culture.
Bringing Abu Dhabi closer to Moscow
The festival offers more than live performances.
Visitors can explore elements of traditional Emirati craftsmanship, with demonstrations highlighting techniques that have been passed down through generations.
The House of Artisans features crafts including talli, khoos, sadu weaving and pottery. Workshops and demonstrations give visitors the chance to see artisans at work and learn about the cultural stories behind the crafts.
The event also introduces visitors to the traditions surrounding Arabic coffee, including how it is prepared and served in an Emirati majlis.
Hospitality is an important part of Emirati culture, and the coffee experience provides visitors with a simple way to understand how welcoming guests has long been woven into social life in the UAE.
A glimpse of the UAE’s maritime past
The festival also looks back at Abu Dhabi’s relationship with the sea.
A dedicated maritime display introduces visitors to traditional activities such as pearl diving and fishing, which played an important role in the history of communities along the UAE’s coast.
Visitors can see examples of traditional equipment, including fishing nets and gargoor, or fish traps, while learning more about the livelihoods that once depended heavily on the sea.
The maritime element adds another dimension to the festival, showing that Abu Dhabi’s heritage extends well beyond its modern skyline and contemporary attractions.
Emirati flavours make an appearance
Food is another way the festival is introducing visitors to the UAE.
Traditional Emirati dishes and sweets are being showcased as part of the cultural experience, allowing visitors to discover flavours associated with the country’s culinary heritage.
Fresh dates and traditional treats such as luqaimat are also featured, alongside other Emirati dishes.
Visitors can additionally browse traditional products, handcrafted items and UAE perfumes, providing opportunities to discover more of the country’s craftsmanship and cultural traditions.
A modern look at Abu Dhabi
The festival combines heritage with technology to present a broader picture of Abu Dhabi.
An immersive pavilion uses 360 degree projections to take visitors on a visual journey through the emirate, featuring its landmarks, landscapes and cultural attractions.
The experience gives audiences an introduction to Abu Dhabi as both a destination rooted in history and a modern city with a growing international profile.
Strengthening cultural connections
The Doorway to Abu Dhabi festival is also creating an opportunity for people in Moscow to engage with Emirati culture directly.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism ,Abu Dhabi with support from the Government of Moscow and the UAE Embassy in the Russian Federation, the event brings together cultural performances, traditional crafts, food and interactive experiences.
For Abu Dhabi, taking its heritage to Moscow provides a platform to connect with a new audience and highlight the traditions behind the emirate’s modern identity.
For Moscow residents and visitors, it offers an opportunity to encounter Emirati culture in an accessible and lively setting.
The festival is free to attend and continues at Manezhnaya Square until August 23.
With Emirati performers taking the stage against the backdrop of Moscow, the event creates a distinctive cultural exchange, giving visitors a closer look at the UAE’s traditions while bringing a piece of Abu Dhabi to the heart of the Russian capital.