UAE | Heritage and Culture

So, what's your wish?

Mercato mall and its sister mall, Town Centre Jumeirah, are observing Ramadan in traditional Arabic style with many charitable activities.

  • Staff Report
  • Published: 23:21 September 19, 2007
  • Tabloid

  • Image Credit: Supplied photo

 

Mercato mall and its sister mall, Town Centre Jumeirah, are observing Ramadan in traditional Arabic style with many charitable activities.

Bronwyn Redding-Jones, marketing & events manager of Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah, said, "During this month of caring, all visitors will be able to contribute to charity and at the same time be sure to receive a taste of traditional Ramadan".

Hospitality

A hospitality area is set up at the ground floor of Mercato to welcome all for coffee and dates at iftar, while listening to live gentle oud and qanoon music.

Gifts and messages

People are also encouraged to bring all their loose coins, which they can throw in the main fountains at Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah, to make a wish for those less fortunate. People can also bring used toys and clothes and place them in the giant shopping bag, ensuring that a mountain of gifts is collected. All proceeds will be donated to orphanages through the Beit Al Khair Society.

Visitors can write messages and good wishes for local orphans in a large greeting card, the Beit Al Khair Giant Greeting Card.

Henna

With large lanterns and lights, the malls are adorned with Ramadan-themed walls adorning the malls, there are also henna tents where visitors can apply designs of this ancient art.

Large lanterns and lights in the shape of coffee pots and other items are displayed, serving as a beacon on Jumeirah Beach Road.

Mall timings

The opening hours for Mercato and Town centre Jumerah are as follows:

  • Saturday-Thursday
  • Retail outlets 10am-1pm and iftar-midnight.
  • Food outlets - iIftar till midnight.
  • On Friday food and retail outlets - iftar-midnight

Go with an open mind

Ibn Battuta mall is providing visitors a unique insight into emirati culture

This Ramadan Ibn Battuta mall has partnered with the Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) to host the "Open Doors. Open Minds" initiative - providing the opportunity for visitors to experience authentic Arabian culture and meet with UAE nationals.

Meaning of Ramadan

Till Eid Al Fitr, representatives of the SMCCU Communication Majilis will be available to educate visitors on why Muslims fast, explain the meaning of Ramadan and to discuss the real values behind Ramadan.

Commenting on the programme Ibn Battuta Mall will host during Ramadan, Colin Fenton, mall manager said, "This is the second time that we are joining with SMCCU following huge community interest during Ramadan last year. We hope to give UAE residents and tourists alike a unique insight into the Arabian culture and wholly embrace this opportunity to share customs and experiences from around the world."

Lower cultural barriers

The SMCCU is under the patronage of His ighness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who saw the need to lower the cultural barriers between families and to help expatriates understand the traditions and customs of the UAE.

Authentic iftar

As part of the Ibn Battuta Mall Ramadan programme, visitors will also have the opportunity to register for an exclusive invitation to an authentic iftar dinner, to be hosted by Emirati nationals and held at the Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding.

Special mosque tours will take place four days a week at 10am with extra tours planned in the evenings after prayer times.

 

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