December 7, 2021/ Socotra Online
Coverage and photography: Saad Muhammad Taha – Muhammad bin Muhaimid
The Sultan Ali Essa Al Afrar Heritage Festival achieved great success in terms of organization and large public attendance, as it gave the festival a more beautiful heritage taste.
Where official and popular leaders praised the efforts of the management of the festival, which was held with the support of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and in coordination with the office of the Ministry of Culture, and the distinctive heritage and entertainment it included. It was witnessed by heritage activities throughout the festival, which reflected the civilization and heritage of the Socotri man, the aesthetics of his customs and traditions, and the nature of his beautiful daily life.
Al-Thaqali praised the efforts of the organizers and supporters of the festival for their tireless work in collecting these ancient customs and encouraging the establishment of such festivals that have an effective impact on preserving the Socotra heritage.
For his part, the first representative of the governorate, Raed Al-Juraibi, said that he was pleased with his attendance at the festival and the participation of the people and visitors.. Pointing out that the festival has a good impact on preserving the Socotra cultural heritage and encouraging children and the new generation to know the reality and lifestyle of their ancestors, which is characterized by many distinctive customs. Khalifa of the festival and its permanent interest in the cultural and entertainment aspect in the province.
Sheikh Yahya Badabeh indicated that the Sultan Ali Bin Afrar Festival is one of the best heritage festivals that gave a clear picture of the rare and unique Socotra cultural heritage.
He said that what distinguishes the Sultan Bin Afrar Festival is the organization of a Socotra poet competition for the children’s category to encourage children to take an interest in poetry and the Socotri language and to preserve it from the danger of extinction.
Lt. Col. Zayed Salem, Deputy Director of Socotra Police for Security Affairs, expressed his great happiness with the efforts made by the festival administration in presenting distinctive heritage contents on the history and civilization of the island to preserve it from oblivion.
He extended his thanks to the UAE and the Khalifa Humanitarian Foundation for the attention and support we are accustomed to in all aspects, including the cultural field, which received great attention.
Abdul Salam Murshid, said that I am happy today to attend this important cultural event, which is supported by the Khalifa Humanitarian Foundation, to highlight the Socotra heritage to the world. He pointed out that this festival and the heritage materials it contains are an opportunity for the official authorities and those interested in this regard to document the history of the Socotra man and his ancient civilization, extending his thanks and gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for the constant attention it provides to the people of Socotra.
The participant, Zina Jamaan Makkandouh, expressed her great satisfaction with this festival, which represented a beautiful oasis of the legacy of Socotra and created a great outlet for families since its inception, praising the generous support provided by the Khalifa Humanitarian Foundation for Socotra people.
The participant, Wafa Abdullah Shawqi, said that the Sultan Bin Afrar Heritage Festival is one of the most successful festivals that presented a variety of heritage activities. She added that she is happy to participate in the festival and contribute to presenting a beautiful image of the unique and authentic Socotri heritage.
For more than a month, the festival included various daily shows, competitions, prizes for the public, and participation by folk and artistic teams, including the Socotra poet competition (Tanotr) for the children category, a camel competition for different age groups, daily performances for the agricultural and fisheries sector of the Khalifa Foundation, displaying crafts and handicrafts for women, and training young girls on the most important crafts And ancient handicrafts, and performances by folk art teams with the participation of various teams from different regions of Socotra by presenting folk art and displaying the ancient Socotri costume for men and women embodied in young people, and performances by the University of Socotra Archipelago, Socotra Center for Training and Consultations, participations by Ataya Model School and providing daily financial prizes to the public through Provide various introductory questions.
