Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography

Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi – the former home of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The interior courtyard is a haven of tranquility in traditional Arab style, in marked contrast with the glass and concrete of the modern city beyond its walls. The original form was built in 1793 as the residence of the ruling family and the seat of government, remaining the royal palace and seat of government until 1966. In 1980, the Palace was lovingly restored and is now back to its original shape and form.

The 2015 version of this annual festival featured a rich cultural programme inspired by two themes: Abu Dhabi’s traditional heritage – which is epitomized by the iconic Qasr Al Hosn and its surroundings – and the importance of the modern heritage of Abu Dhabi showcased in the Cultural Foundation Building.

The mediating landscape of grounds between these two landmarks hosted a variety of experiences to showcase and celebrate the heritage of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.

It was a true pleasure wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere of this stunning festival which showcased Emirati heritage at its best. Here’s just a selection of my photographic observations. I hope you enjoy…

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik PhotographyQasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik PhotographyQasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik PhotographyQasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik PhotographyQasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik PhotographyQasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik PhotographyQasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

And to end… My own Emirati-born little ones enjoying a fantastic traditional dress up…

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2015 | Abu Dhabi Lifestyle Family Photography » Victoria Akbik Photography

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Hello, my name is Victoria and I am a lifestyle family photographer based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.  For me, Photography is an essential way to preserve priceless memories and freeze moments in life. Time is all too fleeting and before we know it, the years pass by and we look back and wonder where the time went. We can’t stop time, but maybe – if I had a super power – that is what I’d wish for.  Our best chance is to document our lives so we have a window into our past that we can visit whenever we like. I find so much joy in using my skills to create priceless memories for others. It challenges my mind and breathes energy into my soul.  I celebrate freezing those moments to capture not only the big picture, but also the beautiful details and time-capsule minutiae, to celebrate the love and connections within family and kinship.

 

Comments

comments

  • February 24, 2015 - 8:51 am

    Catherine Sallah - Fabulous photos. Wish we’d made it to the festival. I hope it’s an annual event.ReplyCancel

    • February 24, 2015 - 11:42 am

      victoria.akbik@gmail.com - Thank you for taking the time to visit, Catherine. Yes, the good news is it is an annual event – I’d totally recommend it! xXxReplyCancel

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