DTCM ANNOUNCES AN ARRAY OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES FOR NATIONAL DAY & EID CELEBRATIONS

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced a wide array of events and activities for the forthcoming 30th National Day and Eid celebrations at a press conference in the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House on November 30th. Scheduled to begin from the first day of Eid, the festivities will last till the weekend (21st December).

Speaking to reporters at the venue, DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem said, "Our nation has made great progress in all spheres in the last three decades thanks to the wise leadership of Their Highnesses Sheikh Zayed bin Zultan Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai as well as the rulers of the other five emirates."

He added that it was largely their commitment, contributions, innovations and leadership that have shaped and improved the UAE's future to the extent that the country is now successfully competing in the global economy.

Mr. bin Sulayem noted that the National Day celebrations have been deferred and combined with the Eid festivities because of the holy month of Ramadan.

Announcing the key events from the comprehensive calendar that included more than 40 events and activities, Mr. bin Sulayem said, "A laser show, a carnival of classic cars and motorbikes, a police cavaliers show, parachuting aerobatics, firework displays and a camel race will be some of the major attractions this year."

"The majestic desert has long been the scene of epic sporting encounters, and camel racing is a highly popular sport throughout the Gulf, specially in the winter months and the sport still enjoys enormous popularity in the UAE," remarked Mr. bin Sulayem.

Total prize money of AED 110,000 is on offer on the 17th of December at the race that will take place at the Nad Al Sheba Racing Track. "Dubai is a forward-looking and modern emirate however, we value our rich cultural heritage and this is evident from the fact that we admire our traditional appeal," stressed Mr. bin Sulayem.

DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb observed that the country's culture and heritage would be on full display at all the heritage sites in Dubai and has been extended to include the Hatta Heritage Village this year.

"Our celebrations will demonstrate the country's rich and unique heritage with ample displays of music, handicraft and performing arts," said Mr. bin Hareb.

He added that there would be exhibitions of precious jewellery, Arabian horses, books and documentaries and traditional perfumes among others. Spectacular fireworks will light up the skies above the Shindagha promenade for 15 minutes every evening starting at 8.00 PM.

Other activities include performances by live music bands from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. In addition, traditional games and competitions will be conducted on specially erected podiums within the Heritage and Diving Village and handicrafts will be on display flanking shops selling traditional Arabic cuisine.

As a socially responsible corporate entity the DTCM has also made provisions to incorporate an exhibition of products produced by inmates from Dubai's prisons as well as three stage performances by members of the Handicapped Association of Dubai.

DTCM Manager Heritage Sites and Events, Awadh Al Seghayer assured that young ones would be well catered for during the celebrations with an art workshop, a fun city as well as camel and pony rides.

"There will be a number of quizzes and competitions including the Philips Traditional Gulf Dishes Competition, a poetry recitation event, a best traditional dress event and the win-a-pearl competition that has proved very popular in the past," stressed Mr. Seghayer.

He noted that a unique event being staged this year was the laser show that would reproduce images of Their Highnesses Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Maktoum using laser beams on the walls of the Sheikh Saeed House.

Mr. Seghayer thanked the co-sponsors including Dubai Ports Authority, Emarat, Emirates, Emirates Bank International and Jumeirah International for their co-operation and support.