The first edition of the Al-Hosn Festival will kick off on Thursday The event aims to showcase the emirate’s diverse culture DUBAI: The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi is set to inaugurate the first edition of the Al-Hosn Festival on Thursday. It will run until Dec. 19. Spread throughout Al-Hosn’s multiple components — including Qasr Al-Hosn, House of Artisans, the Cultural Foundation and outdoor areas — the festival is an eight-day celebration of the emirate’s heritage, offering a daily program of art, design, cuisine, performance and more. The event aims to showcase the emirate’s diverse culture — from its history and heritage, to the contemporary cross-cultural exchange depicted within the art installations, interactive workshops and performances. At Qasr Al-Hosn, guests will be able to visit “The Living Museum,” which will have live actors depicting the daily life of previous eras. “The Living Heritage Souq” is a where stall-keepers produce and sell traditional goods, including perfumes, spices and clothing. At the “Emirati Culinary Challenge,” chefs will cook traditional and contemporary Emirati dishes. Cultural Foundation will kick off the performing arts element of the festival on Thursday evening with a performance by Arab rock band Jadal.