DTCM recreates Emirati culture and builds bridge with cosmopolitan population during 10th Dubai Shopping Festival

The wide range of cultural activities lined up by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) as part of its support to the tenth edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has generated an enthusiastic response from visitors.

The events organised by the DTCM at 10 different venues, including different sites at Al Shindagha area and shopping malls, explore the UAE's rich heritage and culture. Key events include exhibitions on 'Discover our Values', 'UAE women's role in Nation-building', 'Traditional Weaving', 'Ancient traditional markets of the UAE', 'History of Postage Stamps of Dubai' and 'Calligraphy'.

"Dubai Shopping Festival is an ideal platform to showcase the rich culture of the UAE. With millions of visitors descending on Dubai during the month-long festival, it presents us with an ideal opportunity to highlight the diversity of our traditions and customs to them," said DTCM Director General Mr. Khalid bin Sulayem. "We have put together a variety of programmes that recreate Emirati culture and build a bridge with the cosmopolitan population of the UAE as well as global visitors."

The "Discover our Values" exhibition, held at the Sheikh Obaid Thani House in Al Shindagha, is a unique exhibition showcasing interesting aspects of the Islamic and Arab values and the UAE society. It focuses on the history of the region, social landscape, Islamic values and teachings and lifestyles of the ancient people before the discovery of oil.

Another exhibition, held at the Grand hall of the Heritage Village in Al Shindagha, highlights the remarkable contribution of UAE women in nation-building. It features workshops on handicrafts by women's associations. There is a section devoted to herbal medicines and traditional perfumes. It also highlights traditional clothes worn by Emirati women in their daily lives.

The DTCM has also organised an exhibition on Traditional Weaving for the second successive year. Visitors are able not only to see and buy samples of the woven products but can also take part in the live workshops. It is being held at the Heritage & Diving Village till the end of DSF.

The photographic talents of UAE nationals were on display at an exhibition organised by DTCM at the New BurJuman Centre till 26 January. The UAE Photographers Group Exhibition featured an impressive collection of photographs providing glimpses into the UAE architecture, lifestyles, traditions, jewellery, people and DSF. Over 40 large-size photographs were on display at the 10-day show.

"We wanted to create something impressive and memorable during the tenth DSF and discard the misconception that cultural activities do not attract visitors," said bin Sulayem. "We are delighted by the response and are pleased that through our activities we were able to create a better understanding of our traditions among the younger generation."

DTCM had allocated a budget of AED 4.2 million for cultural activities and AED 1 million for prizes for public competitions. The activities were supported by private sponsors Philips, Patchi, Paris Gallery and IFFCO.

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