TOKYO: The UAE Cultural Festival 2024, which lasted for two days in the Roppongi area in the center of the Japanese capital, concluded with thousands of visitors experiencing various aspects of the Emirates’ cultural heritage firsthand.

The festival, a collaborative effort between the UAE Embassy in Tokyo and the UAE Ministry of Culture, was a showcase of cultural events, heritage shows, and handicrafts.

The festival featured folkloric musical performances by the Mubarak Al Otaiba Arts and Heritage Band, pictures, and exhibits about oyster fishing and pearl making, explaining their history throughout the ages.

At the opening of the ceremony, the UAE Ambassador Shihab Al Fahim warmly welcomed the attendees, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering a cultural exchange that serves as a bridge of mutual respect and understanding between the UAE and Japan.

One of the unique features of the festival was a review of the virtual reality experience and the collaboration in space between the UAE and Japan, which added a modern twist to the celebration of cultural heritage.

The attendees reveled in the event, marveling at the handicrafts, henna, and bamboo products made by women in traditional costumes. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with the aroma of incense, was a testament to the joy and excitement that filled the air.