Events Galore At DTCMs Heritage Sites Till February 20

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has lined up a host of events at its heritage sites with a view to present the rich Arabian culture and heritage to visitors this winter season. The events will continue for four weeks till February 20, 2011.

This time of the year, when the weather in the Emirate is extremely pleasant and tourist arrivals soar, various heritage sites in Dubai host exhibitions, entertainment programmes, and shows that depict the rich Arab culture. Growing interest in the Arab heritage has resulted in a continuous increase in the number of tourists to these sites over the years.

“With its varied flavours and deep roots, the Arab culture and hospitality has a special place in the hearts of people worldwide. The DTCM is committed to promote the culture and present a real picture of the ethnicity and also hospitality which is so widely admired. In the past few years, we have witnessed a major increase in the number of tourists to the heritage sites, especially during the winter months, and accordingly the Department is focused on pursuing its aggressive promotional activities,” said Anwar Al Hanai, Director of Heritage and Diving Village.

“The heritage sites give a vivid portrayal of the UAE’s old traditions and history, and it is our strong endeavor to ensure that people of all generations are able to learn more about the Arabian heritage. With this in mind, this year, we have made special efforts so that the visitors would be able to enjoy the activities with a touch of modernity,” he added.

Among the events being held this season are Punitive Institutions Fair, Productive Family Exhibition, National Cuisine, Camel and Horse Riding, Coastal Handicraft Event, Bedouin Handicraft Event, Mountain Handicraft Event, Horse Auction, Antique Fair, National Dishes, Heritage Photography Studio and National Band Shows. Besides, there will be theatre competitions, City Wedding Show, National Game Shows, Arabian Hospitality, Classic Car Fair, Sports Motorcycle Shows and many other events.

These events will be held at the The Heritage and Diving Village, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, and Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House in Al Shindagha Heritage Area daily from 5-10 pm.
 

Dubai Cultures Heritage Week Celebrations Host Thousands Of Visitors

The Heritage Week celebrations organised by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) hosted several thousand visitors including school students who were offered unique glimpses into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the UAE.

The celebrations under the theme, “Dubai: Live Your Heritage,” held at Al Bastakiya, Dubai Public Library, Dubai Culture & Scientific Association, Dubai Women`s Association, Al Lisaili, Hatta National Arts & Cultural Association, Dubai International Airport and The Dubai Mall, provided tremendous insights into the past splendour of the country and the Emirati way of life.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “Our rich heritage and traditions are a national treasure and an invaluable source of inspiration for the young generation. The Heritage Week celebrations were a true demonstration of the multifaceted splendours and strengths of the Emirati identity. The overwhelming response to the activities highlighted the interest of the public, especially the younger generation, in reconnecting with our Emirati roots.”

Al Bastakiya, the cultural nerve-centre of Dubai, hosted an array of activities including traditional games, costume displays, handicrafts display and cultural performances. Students from an average of three to four schools visited Al Bastakiya daily during Heritage Week in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). More than 1,000 students, who visited the heritage site, were briefed extensively on the cultural significance of the activities.

The open air market that showcased traditional Emirati trinkets and artefacts at Al Bastakiya was extremely popular among tourist groups too, several hundred of them touring the site during the week. The activities at Dubai Public Library, Dubai Culture & Scientific Association, Dubai Women`s Association, Al Lisaili, Hatta National Arts & Cultural Association, Dubai International Airport and The Dubai Mall also drew strong attendance.

For literature lovers, the poetry sessions featuring Emirati poets, Rashid Sharar and Alia Alameri “Shojoun Al Dhubyani” provided glimpses into the rich literary heritage of the UAE. Various aspects of the country’s way of life including a live enactment of the old practices of fishing and pearl diving, displayed at The Dubai Mall, were popular among the visitors.

A traditional tent set up at the waiting area of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 welcomed visitors providing them with information on the customs and heritage of the UAE.

 

 

Dubai Culture will roll out several interactive initiatives for the public in the coming months to further highlight the cultural and artistic heritage of the UAE.
 

TRA Showcases Heritage Pieces From Zayed Al Khair Museum On National Day

On December 2 of every year, the United Arab Emirates celebrates National Day in memory of the unity of its emirates and the diminishing of the British Protection. On this day, an agreement was signed between “Emirates of the Trucial Coast”, generating a young country that has boldly marked a radiant history that each Emirati and Arab national humbly brags about.

This year, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) took the initiative of celebrating National Day in a unique way that flatters the spirit of the occasion, reflecting memories of the past and the reminisces of its national heritage that forever remains embedded in the heart of every Emirati. Therefore, and in collaboration with Mr. Ahmed Al Marzouki, the TRA has reached on showcasing pieces of heritage from “Zayed Al Khair Museum” reflecting flashbacks on an era rich with Emirati history and heritage. “Zayed Al khair Museum” is considered one of the unique museums founded by Ahmed Marzouki as gratitude to every contribution His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has attributed to the citizens of the Emirates and Arab region.

Commenting on this exceptional occasion, His Excellency Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of TRA, stated that: “The National Day of the UAE is a day on which we exalt our pride in our country – our country that has dazzled the world through its record-breaking accomplishments. Every achievement our country attains, we feel thankful and gratefule to each and every contribution His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has given us, both as leader and as a father who realized through his great insight and sharp vision that unity is the first step across the path towards glory and elevation.”

Al Ghanim added: “We promise H.H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai that we will exert more effort in order to achieve prosperity to our beloved country. We will follow your vision till we reach the desired progress”.

His Highness Sheikh Zayed highlighted the importance of the Emirati heritage saying: “Our ancestors have passed onto us a national tradition that grants us the full right to be proud of, preserve it as well as enrich it, so it remains a priceless treasure for this country and the generations yet to come.” In faith of the core meaning of these words, the regulatory decided celebrating National Day in a sense that makes every individual contemplate our national legacy. This legacy is considered the heritage that incorporates our identity and embodies the power that has become our present reference.

TRA’s celebration of the 39th National Day represents an invitation for everyone to learn about our heritage and culture, an invitation for every person living on the land of the UAE to deeply indulge in our past and learn how our ancestors had lived, and an invitation to preserve our rock-solid identity in light of the current and future challenges.
 

Heritage Display Area At Modhesh World Takes Visitors To The Past

Modhesh World has brought alive the magnificence of the Emarati past through the Heritage Display Area. The Area, aimed at familiarizing people with the culture of UAE, is aimed at bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

An integral part of Modhesh World and located in the West Hall, the Heritage Display attracts thousands of visitors every year and takes on a new concept each time. This year, the area has taken on the setting of a typical Emarati village.

Arish, a coastal home used by Arabs till a few decades back, is featured along with the Bait Al Arish – a dwelling in the desert. The Arish is made of fronds of palm trees known as combar and rope. Traditionally, palm trees were used to meet most daily needs, from the roof of the home, food, clothing, and kitchen utensils, among others.

Visitors are also drawn to watch Haji Ali Abdullah, who comes daily to Heritage Zone in Modhesh World. He starts his day making the Arish, a craft he learned from his father and grandfathers. The Heritage Zone captivates visitors with the treasures that make up the heritage of the UAE. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee or the ghava and dates which are usually offered to guests in most homes.

Umm Ghaith serves one of the most popular desserts loved by children and adults. Her stall selling lugaymat is thronged with visitors, both Arabs and other nationalities, waiting for her to serve the delicious preparation. Visitors can also relish Namlit – the popular drink made by mixing different fruit juices.

The tradition of UAE is not complete without henna designing. Female visitors eagerly and patiently wait while the detailed designs are drawn on their hands. Visitors can choose which design they want done. A henna artist is stationed continuously at the zone.

A shop selling authentic traditional wear is also located at the zone. Visitors can choose from a variety of designs, and types of fabrics boasting beautiful embroidery work. Designs are known as Boutira Boglaim meaning ‘striped cloth’, Bonnira meaning ‘cloth with small circles’, Buthila meaning ‘designs of large circles’. Al Chilat is a type of sheila which is a headdress made of silver and worn on special occasions and weddings.

H. B. Leisure, DWTC, Coco-Cola, Magic Planet, Emirates, Masafi and Union Co-operative are the sponsor s of Modhesh World. Modhesh World doors are open from 10.00am to 10:00pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 10:00am to midnight (Thursdays), and 3:00pm to midnight on Fridays. Tickets to the venue are priced at AED 10 for adults and AED 15 for children with numerous free zones and exciting activities.
 

Dubai Electricity And Water Authority Participates In ’Yesterday’s Heritage For Tomorrow’s Generation’

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) today announced its participation in the summer activities organized by the Architectural Heritage department of Dubai Municipality by hosting special activities for children on the importance of protecting the environment through energy conservation.

Held at the ‘Dar Al Nadwa’ in the Bastakiya District, the activities are open to students and the children of DEWA employees for three days a week from 5 – 30 July, 2009.

‘Splashy’ and ‘Sparky’, DEWA’s mascots representing water and electricity, are adding to the edutainment part of the event with their exciting presence. Distributing gifts such as books, clothing apparel and toys, both characters are contributing to raising awareness among children on the need to save energy.

DEWA’s participation comes as part of its emirate-wide endeavour to offer advice on the methods of conserving energy and encouraging consumers to reduce their consumption rates during the peak summer hours.

Amal Koshak, Senior Manager – Demand and Tariff Management, DEWA, said: “There is no doubt that protecting the environment by not depleting our natural resources is an urgent national priority. We urge every segment of society to support us in this noble cause and help us disseminate the message to the largest number of stakeholders.

“Our participation in ‘Yesterday’s Heritage for Tomorrow’s Generation’ stems from our deep conviction in the value of educating the community on various energy conservation methods. Instilling the habit of saving power to reduce environmental damage among children will significantly help shape a healthy environment for the next generation.”

DEWA recently participated for the sixth consecutive year at the annual Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) extravaganza through leveraging its presence at Modhesh World to educate the general public on the importance of energy conservation. In addition, it is aggressively hosting a spectrum of other activities to educate the residents of Dubai on the importance of conserving natural resources, including distributing devices that help reduce water and electricity consumption at home.

RTA Takes Part In DSS 2009 With A Historical And Heritage Expo

Mr. Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan CEO of RTA’s Licensing Agency and Mr. Yousef Sharaf, Deputy Executive Director of Aswaaq Centers inaugurated "Al Maktoum & Dubai Exhibition" held at the Aswaaq Centers in Al Mizhar Area as part of RTA’s activity in the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2009. The exhibition will run for two weeks.

Bahrozyan stated that the Exhibition, which is organized by the Licensing Agency under the title "Al Maktoum & Dubai," embodies the history and heritage of the Dubai Emirate since the era of the fifties through to the sixties and until emergence of the UAE Union at beginning of the seventies. The Agency offers rare heritage collections giving the visitors an overview of the Al-Maktoum and the emirate of Dubai in that period of time.

He explained that the collections include books, coins, stamps, medals and old posters of the Al Maktoum and the emirate of Dubai. The exhibition also includes Arabic and foreign books narrating about HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in addition to glass collections decorated with the portraits of Sheikh Rashid. The stamps carry pictures of Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event also includes ancient coins and military medals that were used in the Emirate of Dubai during that time.

For his part, Mr. Nabeel Yousef Al Ali, Director of Control and Inspection at the Licensing Agency said that the Agency is partaking in the exhibition with a history of driving license in Dubai Driving license’s developmental phases, and various forms and designs were showcased. The Agency is also reviewing through the plate numbers the vision that can be adopted after the use of Latin alphabets (A, B, C…) carried by the plate numbers in Dubai.

It is worth mentioning that the exhibition is open to visitors from 9 am to 9 pm.

Reminiscing The Glorious Past At Heritage Display Area

The Heritage Display Area at Modhesh World truly displays the bygone heritage and culture of the UAE. A replica of a Bedouin tent, it is complete with a cane cradle, bed and the traditional low seating. The lawn or foyer of the tent has a well and traditional rope swings all taking people back to the past of the young nation.

Ahmad Ali, Supervisor of Modhesh World said “With the changing lifestyle and globalization, it is important that children remember their roots and identify with them. This is just one of the efforts in that direction. Additionally, UAE is home to many expats and we as Emiratis are proud of our culture and heritage and the Heritage Display Area will give them an opportunity to learn about our rich and colourful past.”

The paintings of budding Emirati photographers all depicting the rustic terrain or the rural way of life are also on display. Each piece of art speaks silently of the patriotism and the devotion for their land. The exhibits can also be bought with prices ranging from AED 200 to 500 only.

Issa Abdul who is a painter and has 3 of his works displayed at the Heritage Display Areaa said, “I am 26 now, when I see all these displays and the children playing I feel it was just a few days ago when I was like them, playing in the lawns of my home. I wish those days would come back, that life would come back, today everything is so hi tech, life looks a little too unreal.”

The area not only displays but also sells some small knick knacks which still are an important part of any Arab household in the UAE. Straw woven baskets for storing breads, bukhoor stands, the National Flag, walking sticks, and earthen pots are some of the memorabilia that one can take home. Fermented mango and chilies similar to pickles, Arabic sweets that are still a delight among young and old including halwa, labaneh, maqsa, and hub, on sale are quickly picked up and even more quickly finished!

Baharat which is an assortment of indigenous fragrances like loban, bakhur and dried flowers to add to bathing water bring back the mystical and romantic past of the region. Henna and kajal which are traditional make up components are also available. The Al Arousha which is a see through traditional gown worn over clothes during different celebrations including marriages and National Day is also available for purchase.

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.

du’s Ramadan Tent 2008 concept wins at Middle East Awards 2009

du today announced that the concept of du Ramadan tent in 2008 has won an award for the most ‘Outstanding use of a temporary venue/structure or space’ at Middle East Awards 2009. du’s event partner Action Impact , which conceptualized and executed the brief won this award amidst stiff competition from over 30 entries in the region.

The award recognized the du Ramadan tent’s distinctive design and the rich cultural and social experience that it offered to people in the UAE.

Hala Badri, EVP Brand and Communications, du, said: “It is an honour to have been recognized alongside Action Impact for our work during Ramadan through the du Ramadan Tent, which blended the traditional look of Ramadan with the innovative vision of the du brand through, creative design and stunning aesthetics. As a UAE national company, we are proud of our heritage; and as such it is our pleasure each year to provide a setting where all residents and visitors from across the country can join together and have a truly unique experience with du.”

The du Ramadan Tent – ‘Al Majlis’ – was designed to provide a glimpse of traditional UAE environment for visitors to immerse themselves in and welcomed up to 1000 guests per night.