DTCM, like the previous years, has utilized the DSF-2010 to showcase Dubai’s rich past to the present generation of Emiratis and the cosmopolitan population of the emirate.
In order to reach out to more people, the department has included The Walk JBR in Dubai Marina in the list of venues for this year’s activities.
Mr. Nasser Juma, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee for DSF Heritage Events for DSF-2010, said the response to the heritage and cultural events has been overwhelming.
The heritage events at The Walk JBR are being held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. An entire Heritage Village has been created at The Walk. About 80 per cent of Dubai’s new up-market residential zone is home to expatriates, mostly Westerners.
Among the events taking place at The Walk include Emirati traditional mock weddings, Emirati cuisines, handicrafts, folklore dances and costumes. Visitors to the venue are offered traditional Arabic coffee and dates, reflecting the age-old hospitality traditions of the Emiratis.
As they walk through the sprawling venue, visitors are offered the opportunity to learn about various facets of the Emirati culture and traditions which have been preserved despite the country embracing modernity in all walks of life. The events are held every day from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Among the programmes being held at The Walk include Banader Al Turath (Heritage Collections Exhibition, Travel Agencies Week, Henna Show, Emirati souq, Emirates Culture Corner, Al Hadher Wedding Ceremony, Bedouin Wedding Ceremony, Youla Shows, Bedouin Handicrafts, Traditional folklore Bands (Al Ayalla/Al Harbiyah/Al Liwa), Arabic calligraphy corner, Traditional games, Heritage Houses, Pearls Exhibition, Camels & Horses Riding and Children Shows and Falconry Show.
The Heritage and Diving Village, located along the picturesque Dubai Creek promenade, has remained a big attraction for the residents and visitors of Dubai and the DSF-2010 events are bringing hordes of people from various nationalities.
Among the programmes taking place every day here include The Pearl Traditional Exhibition, Heritage Music Bands, traditional Emirati souq, traditional Emirati cuisines, horse show, Bedouins’ handicrafts, traditional plays and mock wedding ceremonies.
Among the venues where DSF-2010 programmes are taking place are: Sheikh Saeed’s House in Al Shindagha that showcases the history and development of Dubai. Dating back to 1896, this imposing building was once the seat of local government, the nucleus for political and social organizations of the day and official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, the grandfather of the H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The Hatta Heritage Village, situated 115 Km southeast of Dubai city in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Dubai’s historical past. The history of the village can be traced back to 2000-3000 years. It consists of 30 buildings, each differing in size, interior layout and building materials.
Mr. Khalid bin Gharib, Director of Hatta Heritage Village and Chairman of DSF-2010 programmes at DTCM said: “The department has been utilizing the DSF right from its inception to showcase emirate's rich cultural and traditions. This year, our special events will highlight and document the country's ancient history.”
DSF, which is in its 15th edition this year, will be having a 32-day run from January 28 to February 28. Dubai Shopping Festival posted impressive visitor and spending figures for its 2009 edition. Around 3.35 million visitors spent approximately AED 9.8 billion during 32 days in DSF 2009.