Emarati Traditions Come To The Fore As DSS 2009 Min Bladi Al Emarat Begins July 1

Min Bladi Al Emarat, a DSS 2009 Signature Event and a folkloric festivity showcasing the tradition and culture of UAE, kicks off on Wednesday, July 1, at Dubai Marina Mall, a member of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group. The event is a much-awaited festivity of local traditions and customs and will go on till July 10.

This year’s Min Bladi sees the inclusion of numerous activities in addition to the popular competitions that have been a characteristic of the event since its start. A Heritage Oasis, Traditional Craftsmen, a Hospitality Tent, and Traditional Shows are part of the attractions this year. While these activities will begin on July 1, the competitions will start off on July 6.

Maitha Gobash, Events Services Manager at DSF Office said, "Min Bladi aims at raising awareness amongst visitors, residents, and UAE nationals about the heritage, customs, and traditions of UAE. Our goal through this event is to revive UAE heritage and in the process also create a platform for the exchange of cultures and instill a sense of identity among the young generations. We want to convey to them a clear-cut, all-embracing image of the deeply-rooted traditions of our forefathers."

Competitions within Min Bladi have been categorized as follows:
The competitions for this year are mainly focused on local food and tradition. Contests for the Best Perfume and the Best Harees (local food), will be held on July 6. The following day, contestants will compete in the Best Incense and Best Aseeda (local food) categories.

The Best Balaleeth (local food) contest will be the highlight for July 8 followed by the Best Legyumat (local food) on July 9. The last day of the competition will witness contests in the Best Henna Design and the Best Khabees (local food).

DEWA Brings Energy Conservation To The Fore At Modhesh World

The West Zone at Modhesh World sees DEWA officials bursting with energy as they step up their efforts to achieve a crucial goal – conservation of water and electricity. DEWA is a member of the DSS 2009 Organizing Committee and is showcasing numerous activities through its zone at Modhesh World this DSS.

Targeted at both young chihldren and adults, a variety of activities addressing different issues are presented. DEWA’s campaign called ‘Your Decision’ is also an important feature at Modhesh World. Home owners can register at the DEWA stand to be apart of the campaign to win AED 22,000 if their water and electricity usage show a drastic fall from the time of registration to the campaign.

Pledge boards are made by children using their hand prints under the words “I Pledge to Save Water and Electricity.” They can also write similar lines around their hand prints connecting emotion with conserving nature. Besides this art and craft workshops revolving around ‘Splash’ and ‘Sparky’, DEWA’s mascots, the workshop use innovative mediums of colour and txture including grains and paper balls to engage and educate children.

Many interesting games for children are played including an adapted version of snakes and ladders where each player moves closer to the finish if he or she answers questions correctly about saving water and electricity.

Gifts are given to every child that comes to the DEWA exhibit including soft toys of ‘Splashy’ and ‘Sparky’, a pack of five finger puppets of Abu Saeed Family, colour-story books that educate children to save water and electricity. Squeeze cubes with tips to save water and electricity as well as brochures are distributed to the adults who visit the stand.

A prominent display on another important initiative of DEWA, the Green Building also directed towards adults gives tips like remove carpets during summer to reduce heat and fill up the walls with a lot of oil paintings in winter to absorb heat and keep a room warm.

DEWA’s mascots ‘Splashy’ and ‘Sparky’ are also visit the stand on weekends and while enjoying a meet and greet with them children share information on the use and preservation of water and electricity in a fun way.

Modhesh World doors open at 10.00am – 10:00pm from Saturdays to Wednesdays, from 10:00am – 12midnight on Thursdays, 3:00pm – 12midnight on Fridays. Tickets to the venue are priced at AED 10 – adults and 15 for kids with numerous free games and rides.