The United Arab Emirates celebrated its shared camel heritage with Morocco at the 19th Tan-Tan Moussem, a cultural event held in Morocco. The UAE's participation was organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in collaboration with several heritage organizations. The event featured camel competitions, including camel races, camel Mazayna, and a milking competition. These activities aimed to promote Emirati heritage, highlight cultural traditions shared by the UAE and Morocco, and encourage knowledge exchange in heritage preservation.
The camel competitions drew keen interest from participants and visitors, offering a glimpse into the traditional practices, knowledge, and skills preserved over time. Camel racing, a longstanding sporting tradition, reflected the spirit of competition and pride in customs preserved over generations. The Mazayna contests showcased the knowledge and expertise of camel owners, particularly their understanding of the qualities and characteristics that define a camel's aesthetic appeal.
The milking competition provided insight into another traditional practice, underscoring the role of camel breeding in the daily life of desert communities. The events highlighted the rich heritage surrounding camels and their central place in the lives of desert communities. The competitions also supported efforts to preserve purebred camel breeds and provided a platform for camel owners and enthusiasts to connect and exchange knowledge and expertise.
The final camel race took place at the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Camel Racing Track, followed by an awards ceremony honoring the winners. The ceremony was attended by Abdullah Chater, Governor of Tan-Tan Province; Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority; Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Heritage Awareness and Knowledge Sector at the Authority; and Omar El Bardiji, President of the Moroccan Camel Racing Federation, along with other officials and camel racing enthusiasts.
The UAE pavilion at the Moussem hosted award ceremonies for the winners of the camel beauty contests and milking competition. The ceremonies celebrated the rich heritage associated with camels and highlighted the range of traditional practices linked to them. The events also emphasized the importance of preserving this heritage and passing it on to future generations.
The UAE's participation in the 19th Tan-Tan Moussem builds on its longstanding cultural and heritage ties with Morocco. The event provided an opportunity for the UAE to share the richness and diversity of Emirati heritage with international audiences. Through the activities, displays, and interactive experiences at the UAE pavilion, visitors could discover the traditions that shape the country's national identity and reflect the richness of its popular heritage.
The participation in the Tan-Tan Moussem creates opportunities for exchanging knowledge and expertise in heritage preservation and promoting greater international appreciation of Emirati heritage. The camel competitions and traditional practices showcased at the event underscore the importance of camel heritage in both the UAE and Morocco, highlighting the shared traditions surrounding camel breeding and care.
Key points
- The UAE participated in the 19th Tan-Tan Moussem in Morocco to promote Emirati heritage and cultural exchange.
- Camel competitions, including camel races, camel Mazayna, and a milking competition, were held as part of the event.
- The event highlighted the rich heritage surrounding camels and their central place in the lives of desert communities.
