Are you interested to learn about the aesthetics of nomadism? Or you may like to do some shopping picking up handcrafted soaps, crafts, ceramics and metal home décor or some hand made jewellery! The Heritage village, located near Marina Mallin Abu Dhabi is like a museum that represents traditional art and crafts, architecture and lifestyle. You can even learn trades like ceramics, weaving and spinning here.
Here is a reconstructed village that gives you a clear view of living near the oasis long time back in the Emirates. You can have a great idea about their nomadic lifestyle before the life and living in the skyscrapers, in the pre oil days. A visit to the Heritage Village is a way to great and insight into their nomadic way of living as well as buy and learn some age-old handicrafts and architecture.
History
The Heritage Village came into existence in the year 1997. There was a move to learn about the historic heritage of the Emirates and so very close to the Diving Village near Al Shingdaha, the Heritage Village was set up. It had a mission to exhibit the old days of UAE, presenting the traditional customs of the country. All of that was represented in the old houses and buildings, in the architecture, handicrafts and their forms of living.
Things to do at the Heritage Village
- The cultural and ethnic aspects of Nomadism is truly represented here and you can spend time looking into it and going on a thorough research to cultivate more.
- The houses made of stones and the thatched huts are things to explore in the village in order to gain an insight into the Nomadic way of life and living in yesteryears.
- Adorn your hands and feet with henna tattoos.
- Go shopping for some unique décor in ceramics that are made here or some clothing, metal jewellery and hand made herbal soaps.
- If you are looking to learn the traditional vocation of the nomads like weaving, working with ceramics, spinning and such old trades, you are welcome to the Heritage Village.
- Enjoy the picturesque captivating views around and indulge in good photography.
How to Reach?
- By Metro: A very easy way is to take a Metro to the destination at Ghubaiba Metro station.
- By Bus: Any bus with the numbers, 21, 8, 29, X13, E306 will take you to your desired destination. You may also take a rented car to the place.
What is the Tickets Price?
- The Admission to the Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi is free.
Timing
- Sunday to Thursday – 9 am to 4 pm
- Friday – 3.30 pm to 9 pm
- Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays attract a lot of visitors.
- This hamlet of a village can be explored in one and half hours.
Things to explore nearby Heritage Village
1. The Beach near Heritage Village
The beach near the Village is a favourite destination among the travellers because of its mesmeric views of the Arabian Gulf. While taking a leisurely stroll along the beach, don’t miss out on the dhows and the old ships on the white sand. Standing on the beach and looking around you, catch a glimpse of the Abu Dhabi city at a distance which is a heartrending view. The beach activities will keep you going on your weekend retreat. The simple village life around along with natural scenic beauty of the beach and the seascape will be worthy of remembrance!
2. The Cooling Tower
The cooling tower is also a heart-warming spectacle. It is almost a painting here with the turquoise water, the jet ski, the boats and the merry folks around all in a fit of merriment and revelry. You can see the expansive skyline very well from the beach. You can reach out to the middle of the mighty ocean on the dhows to be a part of an immersive experience at sea.
3. Museum of the Heritage Village
The ethnic jewellery of the Nomads, the antique weapons and the ceramic decors speak volumes about the old culture and civilization of the Emirati way of life in the past. This has been meticulously preserved in the museum for the spectators. This brings forth the information how there has been a change from the nomadic life in a peaceful village to an avantgarde city, a great metropolis. The visitors are fascinated by the local exhibits. The Quran has also been represented here. The irrigation system that is used by UAE, generally for the cultivation of the palm trees is also depicted in the presentation.
4. Souk
Traditional handicrafts, artifacts and jewelery can be purchased here. The spice shop also sells herbs, spices and hand-made soaps of good quality. You can haggle at the nearby market with the prices and buy purses, henna, silver jewellery, woolen rugs of varied colors, local clothing spun out by natives, keychains and T shirts to take home as souvenirs from the Heritage Village.
5. The Corniche
The Corniche is a promenade near the Heritage Village. It is a six kilometers long walk and a place of interest to all tourists in Abu Dhabi. The place is lined up with suave hotels and restaurants and also malls of great stature. The place also is meant for jogging, walking, strolling and hosts of other sports activities for tourists and locals. There is also a good stretch of parks, beaches for entertainments as well as bike shops on hire for a good round of cycling and exploring. It is a long road lined with attractive places which leads you to the Heritage Village.
Conclusion
The Heritage Village is a fascinating cultural attraction. It depicts the lifestyle of the Emirati village before the coming in of oil in the UAE. The village takes you to the root of the Emirati culture that is still inbred in the art and architecture here. This traditional Oasis Village in Abu Dhabi helps look into the history of the place. The artefacts, jewellery, pottery, metal work, handmade spices and soaps are wonderful memories to carry home as priceless souvenirs.In short, the Heritage Village with its innate ethnicity and simplistic approach is a must visit place for tourists in Abu Dhabi.
