Business | General
Eid in Dubai initiative launched to promote Dubai as tourism hub
Shaikh Ahmad launches new initiative to promote city as top tourist destination
- Staff Report
- Published: 14:07 September 13, 2008
- Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
- Residents shopping ahead of Ramadan at the Lulu hypermarket in the Al Wahda mall in Abu Dhabi. Eid in Dubai will highlight tradition and will be an addition to the calendar of festive events hosted by Dubai throughout the year.
Dubai: Dubai on Saturday unveiled a new initiative, Eid in Dubai, that will promote the city as the premier destination of the region during Eid celebrations.
The new event is expected to strengthen the city's position as the leisure, tourism and cultural hub of the Middle East.
The new initiative was announced by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office (DSFO) Supreme Committee.
"Eid in Dubai is another initiative that will further support our relentless efforts towards achieving the larger aim of positioning Dubai as a year-round premier tourist destination, thus adding another important step in our path to reach the 15 million mark of tourists in Dubai by the year 2015," said Shaikh Ahmad.
"It is also designed to augment the buoyant and unique atmosphere created in Dubai during celebrations marking Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha," he said.
The new concept is expected to be eagerly welcomed by the different business sectors in the emirate, including the retail and hospitality sectors, and will certainly enhance their contributions to Dubai's GDP.
"Dubai has firmly acquired its reputation as a great success story among its peers of leading cities around the world in terms of economy boom, legendary landmarks, state-of-art infrastructure and prosperous civility. Yet the social and cultural side of the city is nothing short of an achievement on itself, with more than 200 nationalities living together and celebrating their festivities together in peace and harmony", Shaikh Ahmad said.
"Eid in Dubai will be another bond that brings people in Dubai together amidst true Islamic values and traditions while celebrating both Eids," he added.
The new initiative expected to complement all the other successful initiatives launched by the Government of Dubai, and will be an addition to the calendar of festive events hosted by Dubai throughout the year.
"It's all about showing the world Dubai's unique way of celebrating Eid. We will be highlighting some of the true traditions of celebrating Eid in addition to presenting a comprehensive festivities programme to attract families locally and regionally" said, Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Shopping Festival.
"Eidakom Mubarak, which is wishing a blessed Eid for every one, will be used widely in the service and hospitality sectors for welcoming all visitors to further spread the Eid spirit among all," she said.
Though the official 'Eid in Dubai' event will commence with the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, which marks the first day of Eid Al Fitr, the latter half of Ramadan will witness Eid promotional offers in shopping malls and different retail stores, notably gold and jewellery outlets, which will be attract families that want to shop for Eid.
"Preparations for 'Eid in Dubai' are in its final stages and we are confident of delivering an event that will relate to residents and visitors in Dubai while spreading the true values of Eid at the same time," concluded Suhail.
"Eid in Dubai is being organised with National Bonds as a founder sponsor, in addition to ARY Jewellery, Dubai Festival City, Emirates and Dubai World Trade Centre as key sponsors, and in association with Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) and Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group," she said.
EVENTS TO CATER TO ALL
Barney's Musical Castle: Barney's Show is popular around the world as the fun-loving purple dinosaur cartoon character in the children's television show Barney & Friends. Targeted at children and families, the Barney's Musical Castle Show will incorporate elements of the television series to present an edutainment show that will appeal to all.
Return of the Phoenix: In its first debut out of Lebanon, the critically acclaimed Musical saga Return of the Phoenix will be one of the main highlights of Eid in Dubai. Written, composed and directed by the famous Rahbani Family, this masterpiece is a sure crowd puller for all genders and nationalities.
International concerts: Featuring a combination of Arab, Persian, and Asian star artists, various concerts during Eid will be held to suit the tastes of all music lovers. Spanning different genres, these concerts will enhance the spirit of 'Eid in Dubai'.
Children theatrical plays: Kids will also have their share of fun with several entertaining theatrical performances for children. Local and regional theatre hits will add excitement and joy to all children celebrating Eid in Dubai.
Festival District at Dubai Festival City: The Festival District will feature as one among the main entertainment venues during the event, hosting family oriented activities and cultural programmes.
Parks and Heritage and Diving Village events:
Dubai's numerous parks and the Heritage and Diving Village host Eid events every year and in the first edition of 'Eid in Dubai', these venues will be additional great family venues through the Eid celebrations.
Eid fireworks: Fireworks are a hallmark of festivities in Dubai and it will now lend its dazzling colours to 'Eid in Dubai' by lighting up the night sky each evening during Eid. The spectacular fireworks show will be held at the Dubai Festival City waterfront and go on for twenty minutes.
Fuwallat-Al-Eid - Eid confectionery platter: Whether in Dubai Airport, shopping malls or the main venues of the event, visitors will be greeted with a warm Eid welcome and a smile while being offered Arabic incense and sweets in addition to Fuwallat-Al-Eid. Fuwallat-Al-Eid is a custom that has been recorded in local tradition spanning many generations. It is centered on welcoming guests on the day of Eid-Al Fitr with Eid food and sweets.
Eid promotions: Eid shopping is another long lasting Eid tradition, where families rush to buy gifts, clothes, jewellery and various other offerings. Eid in Dubai will boost Eid shopping by presenting a range of tempting promotions that will span across the last two weeks of Ramadan building up to Eid.
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