Popular Austrian show to be staged today

The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced the staging of Musikantenstadl - the popular cultural show organised by Austrian television (ORF) and presented by the famous Karl Moik - in Dubai at the Creek Park today.

"Musikantenstadl is a highly popular programme watched by millions around the world and mainly across Europe. We welcome the decision of the organisers to select Dubai as the venue for the first time that the event is being held in the Middle East," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem, in a written statement.

Bin Sulayem noted that the programme has been presented for the last 20 years and the Dubai event marks the 20th anniversary.

Musikantenstadl attracts a wide viewership in excess of 50 million viewers from west of UK to the east of Russia, and from the north of Scandinavia to Mediterranean south, with a two-hour broadcast on Austria's ORF, Germany's RTL TV and Switzerland's SF-DRS TV," he noted.

As many as 150 technicians have flown to Dubai for the event.

In addition to the technicians, 150 musicians and singers, as well as two orchestras and brass bands, will perform in the emirate.

Speaking to reporters at the press conference, DTCM Manager Heritage Site and Events, Awadh Al Seghayer, said: "Musikantenstadl attracts its own fan following and the programme in Dubai will be watched live by more than 3,000 fans who have specially flown to Dubai from Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and other parts of the world to watch the event."

Al Seghayer added that choosing Dubai as the place for organising the most popular musical show means that Dubai is still one of the best tourism destinations even after the September 11 attacks in the U.S.A.

"Dubai is still a secure and safe place where tourists can enjoy a splendid trip. After the 11th of September crisis, many reservations made by the show's fans were cancelled. However, a large number of fans, an approximate 80 per cent who cancelled their reservations, decided to rebook to travel to Dubai again."

He noted that Musikantenstadl is organised five times a year in Europe and once in an international destination.

"The programme that is scheduled for a December 8 worldwide broadcast, and in the beginning of November on Dubai TV, will be aired two hours non-stop without commercial breaks and will primary display the cultural performances while also focusing on the UAE -the host country – through scenes and images shown during the programme."

The popular presenter, Karl Moik, will present hits, folklore, folk and easy listening pop songs in an original and convivial setting.