Abu Dhabi, 13th Nov. 2013 (WAM): Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with guidance from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and support from H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of presidential Affairs, the Higher Organizing Committee for Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival today announced the fourth edition of the festival which will be taking place in Al Wathba from 2nd to 14th December.

This year?s festival will coincide with the U.A.E.?s 42nd National Day, as part of the celebrations held in honor of the founder of the Union, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is held in celebration of the vast successes of the nation. The festival aims to be an educational and cultural source to Abu Dhabi and the U.A.E., as it will showcase images and visual displays about the Emirati heritage and current lifestyle. Through a traditional Emirati setting, the organizing committee seeks to revive local heritage and educate visitors about the efforts and successes of U.A.E.?s ancestors.

Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President, and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, emphasized the importance of the festival as "a place for the children to enjoy the U.A.E.?s authentic heritage, allowing them to compare it to our present and encourage them to work towards a bright future for the nation".

Hameed Al Niadi, Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, commented during a press conference held to announce the festival: "Our heritage is our pride and identity; led by the late Sheikh Zayed, who spent his lifetime educating the U.A.E. on the importance of preserving and enriching our culture and ensuring that it remains a guiding light for our future generations. Sheikh Zayed was always focused on the development of the country, and setting solid foundations which have enabled U.A.E. to become a modern country with a unique identity.""The festival aims to honor the great legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, our founding father, and to celebrate the anniversary of the union of our nation The organizing committee of the festival seeks to showcase the inherited intellectual and cultural heritage of the U.A.E., as well as its rich traditions and diverse communities which reflect the pride of our citizens and residents in our country," he added.

Abdullah Al Muhairi, member of the Higher Committee for the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival and General Coordinator said: "In its 4th edition, the organizing committee of the festival is introducing new activities developed with the highest standards, to provide an outstanding festival that emerges as one of the best authentic heritage events that reflects the identity of the state. The highlights of this year?s festival are "Al Majed Opera" which includes 5,000 Emirati artists physically performing artistic canvases with their bodies, in demonstration of our founding father?s history and integration of our past and present."Visitors will also enjoy an exhibition titled ?A Country?s Memoire?, which will display 500 year old state belongings, which reflect the four elements that formed the UAE society ? marine, mountains, land and agricultural commodities, in addition to the fifth element, "the city and the state", founded by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The festival will also include a museum of the late Sheikh Zayed?s personal belongings, as well as some of his classical car collection and images of him driving them. Cultural shows will include a number of performances held by over 5,000 Emirati and GCC artists, as well as horseback riding and camel shows.

This year?s festival will also include a traditional market, built in line with ancient U.A.E. souks. The market will feature a number of products from various regions of the country, offering visitors a unique educational and entertaining opportunity to experience the U.A.E. heritage and culture.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.