Lilting strains of music lure me to the Saudi pavilion. The Al Hajabane band is attracting huge numbers of visitors.
Fahad Bumarerah, 28, a senior dancer, said, "Our band is one of Saudi Arabia's famous traditional dancing bands. It consists of 22 dancers. Mainly we perform at festivals in many countries, and this is the fourth time we are participating in DSF.
"We perform many different types of traditional dances such as Al Najdeya, Al Harbeya, Al Rayeh, Al Rajee, Al Samree, Al Khibaite and Al Aaredh.
"The public always demand these dances and we always give them what they want. Sometimes we do all these types of dances in one night.
"The costume we wear is called Al Najdeya and it is famous in the Al Najed area along with the Saudi khanjar (dagger) which is part of our heritage.
"We don't start dancing at the same time. There are rules for these dances. For example, the bandleader starts the dance and then the rest of the band divides into two groups. Some play the music while the rest follow the leader and dance behind him."
Another attraction at the Saudi pavilion is the Al Haramain Perfumes shop which sells Arabic perfumes along with oudh (aloes in Arabic) and incense.
Managing Director Mahtabur Rahman said, "We sell different types of Arabic perfumes and incense which are very popular in the Gulf.
"Prices vary depending on the quality and type of perfume. The most expensive is 'Dehen Al Oudh' which is available in different qualities. The price varies from Dh100 to Dh2,500, and the difference is because some varieties last for five days when worn while others don't.
"Our other famous product is oudh, and there are different types such as the Indian, Cambodian, etc."
Pavilion organiser Mahmood Al Howare said, "This is the fifth time that Saudi Arabia is participating in the DSF, and this year we have 36 stalls offering Arabic perfumes, silver products and dates. The number of people visiting the pavilion is very large. Mainly they are attracted by the band."
