DCT Abu Dhabi Unveils Diverse Cultural Events Programme For Ramadan 2025 Celebrations

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a month-long series of cultural events for Ramadan 2025. This programme aims to celebrate the traditions and spirit of the holy month, offering residents and visitors a chance to engage with Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage. Through various activities, DCT Abu Dhabi seeks to promote creativity and community involvement while highlighting the emirate’s traditions, arts, literature, and culinary heritage.

Al Ain Oasis will host Ramadan’s Harees every Friday, reviving the tradition of preparing and distributing this staple Emirati dish. Visitors can learn about its cultural significance and preparation methods while enjoying this dish, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023. Meanwhile, Before Suhoor at Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa will offer a blend of cultural entertainment and interactive experiences every weekend until 15th March.

At Al Jahili Fort, from 12th to 15th March, the Traditional Games Championships will celebrate Emirati heritage through individual and group games. Public challenges and educational workshops will be held, with prizes awarded to competition winners. In Al Dhafra, Ramadan at Al Dhafra Fort on 11th and 12th March will bring together the community for iftar gatherings, panel discussions, children’s activities, and a contest highlighting traditional Emirati attire.

Ramadan Nights at Heritage Village will run from 14th to 21st March. This event offers an immersive experience into UAE heritage through interactive entertainment, workshops, and culinary experiences. These activities aim to provide a deeper understanding of local traditions while engaging participants in meaningful ways.

Ramadan at Al Hosn is scheduled from 8th to 23rd March. It offers a nostalgic glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s past with Majalis Ramadan gatherings, retail stalls, workshops, and entertainment suitable for all ages. A special session at the Cultural Foundation on 8th March will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Salon Al Multaqa literary platform.

The Prophetic Etiquette discussion at Zayed Central Library on 15th March will explore etiquette values from the Prophet’s biography. This exclusive women’s session will be led by author Dr. Ghosna Al-Amri. Another panel discussion titled The Language of the Qur’an and Early Arab Beliefs will take place at the Cultural Foundation on 20th March.

Interactive Experiences for All Ages

For those seeking lively interaction, Ramadan Arcade at Manarat Al Saadiyat returns from 15th to 25th March. This modern community gathering blends arcade games with board games, live performances, art installations, and creative workshops. It provides an engaging environment for people of all ages to enjoy during Ramadan.

Poetry and storytelling are also featured in the programme. On 14th March at ZOI Café in Al Ain, World Poetry Day will be celebrated with Mohammed Al-Neyadi, Al-Hath Al-Kuwaiti, and Sheikha Al-Jaberi participating in an event titled "Al Ain in the Memory of its People." Additionally, Ramadan Islamic Philosophy Talks at Louvre Abu Dhabi on 8th and 15th March will explore Islamic thought's influence on global narratives.

Creative Workshops Enhancing Artistic Expression

Suhour wa Fanoon is a series of artist-led workshops by Guggenheim Abu Dhabi encouraging artistic exploration during Ramadan. On 13th March at the Cultural Foundation, artist Khalid Al Banna will lead a monoprinting workshop where participants can experiment with layering colours and textures to create unique prints.

On 18th March calligraphy artist Diaa Allam will guide a session on abstract Arabic calligraphy allowing participants to explore expressive lettering styles. Meanwhile on 20th March artist Asma Belhamar will conduct a workshop on abstract architectural drawing combining structured techniques with freehand expression exploring space-form relationships.

A literary session hosted by MAKTABA on 13th March features author Dr. Omar Al Amiri discussing his journey as a writer highlighting reading's pivotal role in shaping his career as a short story author-novelist.

With inputs from WAM