Ramadan and Eid Festival set to open

The seventh annual Ramadan and Eid Festival, organised by the General Exhibitions Centre (GEC) and the Red Crescent Authority (RCA), will be held at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition and Conference Centre from November 9 to December 2.

Announcing details of the festival yesterday, Ahmed Al Mazrouie, Acting Director of the GEC, said the festival will be a direct portal for donations to be used to fund humanitarian and charitable projects.

He said: "The Ramadan and Eid Festival aims to provide a hospitable, active and fun event that will spread some joy and benefit to the needy. At the same time, the event will feature games, shows, a trade exhibition, an art corner, culinary village and many more activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to donate some money for charity at the different venues of the festival."

According to the GEC and the RCA, this year's festival is set to have 421 exhibitors, eight national pavilions and 19 participating countries.

Poland and France will take part for the first time.

Dr Hamdan Al Mazrouie, Assistant Secretary General for Local Aid at the UAE RCA, said the proceeds will go to people with special needs and rehabilitation centres in the UAE.

Last year's proceeds, which amounted to Dh9 million, went to children in Iraq.

He said: "We will be able to fund many rehabilitation centres in need of facilities. Donations will also help pay for the education of people with special needs whose families cannot afford to send them to school."