A lot going on this Ramadan
Entertainment in Ramadan need not be all about the oud. Events managers across the UAE are hoping to bring in customers with a range of cultural events – all in keeping with the spirit of the Islamic holy month.
Rather than allow footfall to slide in a month where most people focus on the nourishment of the spirit, city malls, which have come to serve as Dubai's entertainment arenas, are continuing to keep the stage alive during this time.
The Mall of the Emirates is hosting four live traditional musical performances from around the world.
"Ramadan is the most blessed and spiritually beneficial month of the Islamic year. We would like to create an ambience and feel the mall should reflect this spirit," says Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Vice-President, Mall of the Emirates. "Our line-up of entertainment will provide the perfect backdrop as families and friends spend their evenings shopping and dining in the mall."
All this week, the mall plays host to Harir, a vibrant group inspired by the traditional music of North Africa. It uses instruments such as mandole, keyboards, derbouka, Arabic violin and percussion. Visitors can catch the 20-minute shows at 9.45pm, 10.45pm and 11.45pm.
Next week, one of India's finest sitar exponents, Baluji Srivastav, serves up a mystical and spiritual experience, while from September 22, British rai superstar Abdelkader Saadoun brings his signature blend of traditional Algerian folk and more modern Western styles such as jazz and rap to the stage.
"Mall of the Emirates prides itself on offering entertainment throughout the year. We, therefore, invest only in the best quality of performers from across the world," says Sharaf, who works with an international consultant and a several international agencies to help with the selection process.
Meanwhile, for those complaining there is never enough Arabic cinema on offer, Ibn Battuta Mall is screening classic Arabic blockbusters on weekends during the month. Recently released comedies, Morgan Ahmed Morgan, Matab Sinae and Keda Reda, are among the films.
Across the creek, Uptown Mirdiff is hoping to raise footfall with a month-long exhibition that spotlights such culturally important periods as the Golden Age of Islam and the Islamic Renaissance. From 8pm every day, a timeline route linking famous events and people will be presented by a group of craftsmen, solo musicians and storytellers.
Deira City Centre, meanwhile, is paying homage to Arabic culture this season with a timely display featuring the enduring symbols of the Arab world – the date palm and the camel – to remind visitors of the origins of this now bustling region.
"Sometimes, in the headlong rush to embrace a glittering future, traditions and heritage can be forgotten, as the old gives way to the new. That's why Deira City Centre is paying homage to Arabic culture this Ramadan," says Fuad Al Najjar, Vice-President, Deira City Centre.
Over in Sharjah, the retail-linked 19th Sharjah Ramadan Festival (SRF) is a 40-day celebration of artistic and cultural events, backed by a promotional agenda, much like the various shopping festivals.
"The event is the perfect platform for socialising, business and leisure, showcasing the vibrancy of our emirate," says Hussein Al Mahmoudi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"SRF is a welcome contributor to local economic and business development. It serves as a strong motivator for private organisations and establishments to enhance their role in domestic commerce, as they are provided with various incentives by the local government."
The Ramadaniat Al Qasba at Al Qasba takes its inspiration from the Silk Road, recreating the cultural aspects of the historic trade route between China and Europe in its walkways.
Dina Al Nakhi, events manager at Al Qasba Development Authority, says pavilions representing various countries that were on the medieval route – including India, Iran and the Levant – offer games, shows and food and merchandise kiosks, while a special UAE tent takes visitors through the lives of the Bedouins.
The festival is also host to the Al Eman Oasis. Open to visitors of all faiths are a series of bilingual talks by prominent Muslim scholars and an Islamic library.
Finally, the Arabian Melodies Festival in Abu Dhabi puts religious chanting at the centre of the capital's Ramadan activities.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, it features chanting groups from all over the Arab world on Sundays and Thursdays. |
