Al Ain’s Souq Al Qattara to reopen
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Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) will next week reopen, after renovation, Al Ain city’s historic Souq Al Qattara, which dates back to the mid-20th century.
The souq was founded by the late Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a former ruler of Abu Dhabi, midway on the palm-lined road linking Al Qattara and Al Jimi oases.
HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “The souq played an important social and commercial role for the population of Al Ain in the early part of the 20th century. The souq is a physical testimony to a past time of renaissance much as we begin to celebrate the renaissance of the Emirati people with the foundation of the Federation.”
The Souq is typical traditional market found at the heart of every Arab city. Besides being a commercial centre, it was an important meeting point for local community. The souq underwent renovation in the 1970s on the directives of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s representative in the Eastern Region.