Abu Dhabi, April 21 (IANS/WAM) Musicians across the Gulf region will gather here in May for a music festival that aims to promote traditional Arabic music.

The 10-day 'Sounds of Arabia' music festival will be held May 6-16 and will include a special concert titled 'Sound of Emirates'.

The 'Sound of Emirates' aims to highlight the diverse music of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), promote old masterpieces and the spirit of original and traditional Arabic music, Abdullah Al Ameri, director of the department of Culture and Arts at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) said Wednesday.

The festival is being held "to preserve the music and artistic heritage of the UAE and support, strengthen and consolidate the music in the society", he said.

"It also aims to protect our creative artistes from being forgotten. This effort is to support and highlight UAE art and introduce Emirati artiste to the public," he said.