Living Heritage: Passing on Traditions, Exploring the UAE’s Cultural Traditions at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

In partnership with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC

The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington was pleased to partner with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC on a panel discussion with three culture bearers representing vital aspects of the UAE’s intangible heritage: pearl diving, falconry, and coffee making. The conversation, part of a program exploring the cultural traditions of the UAE, centered around how these culture bearers reach new audiences and cultivate the next generation of practitioners. Ranging from formalized training structures to relaxed social settings, they transmit cultural knowledge and affirm its relevance to contemporary life.

After a two-year hiatus, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival returns to the National Mall in Washington, DC with a program exploring the cultural traditions of the UAE. The program “United Arab Emirates: Living Landscape | Living Memory” will include over a hundred artisans, culture bearers, musicians, and more.

Festival map and parking instructions

The views represented herein are the author's or speaker's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of AGSI, its staff, or its board of directors.