Preparations for the Qasr Al Hosn festival are getting underway with the plan set out for its cultural shows. The festival is scheduled to commence from 20 February – 1 March 2014. TCA Abu Dhabi recently announced the programmes which include guided tours of the fort, public programmes and an internationally renowned show. On 21 February, Qasr Al Hosn Festival will be open to women and children only. The event is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said: “The festival is an annual opportunity to celebrate the national monument of Abu Dhabi’s history and identity. The public programme of this year reflects a holistic vision of culture, which embraces both tangible and intangible heritage. The festival is also a key part of the authority’s commitment to the preservation of architectural and archaeological assets.” The interior foyer will be partially open to festival visitors on guided tours and educational activities for children and youth. Throughout the celebrations, a team of Emirati ‘Ambassadors’ from different educational institutions around the UAE will be on site to guide visitors through various elements of the festival public programme. Source: Travel Daily