Abu Dhabi culture projected in Shawati magazine

The magazine includes an interview with Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who talks about the importance of cultural values and upbringing of the new generations based on moral values and high ideals.

During the interview, Sheikh Hamed expressed his desire to launch a project to promote traditional crafts and form a group of young talents interested in the art of making traditional swords, daggers and spears.

The magazine's first page includes a memorable quote by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the importance of books.

"We can only look with admiration at the growth of the UAE as a centre that attracts the largest cultural events and major art exhibits in the world, thanks to the successful initiatives of Abu Dhabi,"

said Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH).

"As people around the world struggle to find their own identities, Abu Dhabi searches for its rich heritage and revives it through many initiatives, some of which are published by Shawati magazine, to trace our deep roots which serve as a valuable source of inspiration for our artists and intellectuals," he added.

The magazine, which is sponsored by Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman ADACH, explores various cultural issues including the art henna tattoos, the 'Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival 2008'.

The magazine also provides its readers with interviews with UAE artists, who combine their artistic heritage and traditional methods with contemporary ideas to put local art on display with their international counterparts.

With regard to literary creativity, the magazine highlighted the efforts to integrate words with art in the form of calligraphically written poetry, plus a general analysis of contemporary literature.

The magazine, which is published by ADACH, has also sought to explain how the impact of Abu Dhabi's 'Kalima' translation initiative, which sets to consolidate the UAE position in international cultural, literary and forums.

On a less sophisticated side, the magazine expanded a section on daily life in Abu Dhabi, which, in this issue, seeks to attract yachts and boats tourists.